Rechambering a .22 WRF to .22 WMR???

[walker944]

I just got an old Winchester 1890 (model 3), currently chambered in .22 WRF. It originally had a .22 LR barrel, but now has a Remington model 41 barrel in .22 WRF. I'm strongly considering getting it rechambered to .22 Magnum, if possible/feasible. Do any of you gunsmiths foresee any problems with having this work done. Anything I need specific to this job that I need to discuss with my local smith?

 

[rcmodel]

Just a couple three things.

The 1890 Winchester action was never intended for the pressures put out by the more modern .22 WMR. In the event of a ruptured case rim, the 1890 bolt slot is wide open on top and will allow a lot of shrapnel to blow out of the action.

It's at least 100 years old, and probably not as strong as it once was.

Third, it will not feed the longer Magnum round unless the lifter is properly modified to allow the round to enter it far enough to clear the mag tube hole in the receiver.

You will only get one chance to do it right.
Two short and it won't feed and lock up.
Too long and it will try to feed two rounds at once and lock up.

In all, as long as .22 WRF is still available from Winchester & CCI, I would not do it.

rc

 

[walker944]

Thanks rcmodle for the quick input!!! I appreciate the comments. Not at all what I was WANTING to hear, but certainly what I NEEDED to hear. The lack of easy access to the WRF round is what was driving my desire to change. Just curious about the pressures... Do you happen to have imperical data on the pressures for the two rounds? Just curious about the factual difference.

 

[rcmodel]

Not right off hand.
I do know that modern WRF is down-loaded a lot from where it used to be.

I have old ammo that appears to be between .22LR and .22 Mag in power.

New WRF ammo is about the same power as .22LR hi-speed.

rc

 

[walker944]

I found a chuckhawks ballistics chart for the .22 caliber here: http://www.chuckhawks.com/rimfire_ballistics_table.htm

Looking at the Muzzle Velocity (MV) column, the .22 WRF averages 1300, and the .22 WMR averages 1780. If muzzle velocity is a reasonable indicator of chamber pressure, then I understand your position.

 

[rcmodel]

Sounds about right, although I doubt the 1,300 FPS claim will ever be reached in real life with todays watered down ammo.

Orginial WRF load was a 45 grain bullet at a claimed 1,450 FPS.
After shooting some 50 year old ammo in mine, I don't doubt it.

rc

 

[Fleet]

WRF is available from Midway.

 

[walker944]

I just checked Midway. They are all "Out of stock" on everything, unfortunately. Thus the desire to rechamber....