Converting 03 Winchester to 22 LR

[Tom40]

At recent gunshows several 03 Win. 22 Automatics had pretty attractive prices compared to the Model 63 in the same condition. I started thinking about the modifications necessary to convert this rifle to 22 LR, other than relining the barrel/chamber and modifying the bolt face for the smaller 22 LR rim. I also considered the possiblity milling a complete new bolt. If any one has a 22 Automatic cartridge to measure, I would also like to know the rim diameter.

 

[rcmodel]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.22_Winchester_Automatic

rc

 

[Jim K]

FWIW, Aguila lists the .22 Win Auto as regular production. I don't know how hard it is to get, though.

Jim

 

[Kp321]

I looked into this several years back. The stickler is the feed tube and associated hardware. The chamber and bolt can be handled, the feed tube and cartridge stop setup was more than the ammo savings would support. Zander's lists the Aguila ammo at $15.00/ box. I have had very good results with other Aguila ammo.

 

[rcmodel]

And then there is the matter of beating an old soft steel gun into scrap shooting modern ammo in it because bolt mass & timing are off with the faster higher pressure modern ammo.

Unless you have a machine shop, a few 03 Winchesters to experiment with, and a lot of free time on your hands??

Buy a Model 63 and be done with it!!

rc

 

[Tom40]

Thanks for the information on the conversion. Rcmodel hit the nail on the head, as I do have a machine shop and am retired with the time. Interesting gunsmithing projects are sort of a hobby and the 03 conversion looked like a candidate. This project is still on the "interesting" list. Thanks again for the cartridge dimension and availability information.