I recently picked up a Remington rolling block.It has a massive bull barrel on it and is chambered for the 219 Zipper.I got a box of ammo with it,and shot it a few days ago,and it shot pretty good.I got a set of dies,but am not at all familiar with such a rifle.Anybody out there ever fool with anything like that?From what data I've found,such powders as IMR 4064,Varget and 3031 seem to be what the cartridge works good with.Any help would be appreciated.
Rolling block info
- Thread starter WVRJ
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Edarnold
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If the action is the 1902 smokeless model, which was used for many military cartridges in the period up to WW1, there is plenty of strength for the Zipper. It's an unusual action for a varmint rifle due to the huge thunk from the hammer and the difficulty in getting a good trigger pull. Actions like the Winchester High-Wall or the Remington Hepburn were more popular in the day. The Zipper in the original, lever-action loadings wouldn't set the world on fire, in a strong action like the Rolling Block you should have no difficulty getting .223 Remington ballistics. Due to the tapered shoulder I'd watch for case lengthening with repeated loadings.
It does have a big thunk and a stout but crisp trigger,no doubt about that.I got a box of 56 gr Remington factory loads with it,and it put 3 of them into about 1.5 inches at 100 yards,which I thought was pretty good.I loaded some with mild loads of H380 this evening,hope the more modern pointed bullets will do a little better.It's new territory for me,though I've been handloading for over 35 years.Thanks to both you guys for the help.
Gordon
Member
Pictures please! I have a small but neat collection of all the sizes. Maybe my favorite is the #2 25-20 !
tark
Member
I have owned several Rolling Block rifles and I have made three out of blocks of 4140. It is probably the simplest rifle action in existence. I am assuming your rifle is based on a #1 or 1 1/2 action. If it is a number 2 action, it would be dangerous to shoot with anything but the very lightest of loads.
There are two types of #1 actions, black powder and smokeless. If the former; keep your loads light. Ditto for a 1 1/2 action. Google up Remington Rolling Blocks and you can find plenty of info on how to tell them apart. You probably have an 1897 or a 1902 action, and they can safely handle any sane 219 Zipper load.
The only complaint most shooters have about Rolling Blocks is their agonizingly slow lock time. Getting a good trigger pull is easy enough, but that massive hammer takes forever to fall and there is a bit of "THUNK" when that three ounce hunk of metal finally comes to rest. But, what the hell, a lot of the fun in our sport comes from taking something that isn't exactly designed to do something; and then making it do that exact thing....and do it well.
Sounds like you have a Rolling Block that shoots like a target rifle and I'll bet you get a lot of positive comments about it at the range.
There are two types of #1 actions, black powder and smokeless. If the former; keep your loads light. Ditto for a 1 1/2 action. Google up Remington Rolling Blocks and you can find plenty of info on how to tell them apart. You probably have an 1897 or a 1902 action, and they can safely handle any sane 219 Zipper load.
The only complaint most shooters have about Rolling Blocks is their agonizingly slow lock time. Getting a good trigger pull is easy enough, but that massive hammer takes forever to fall and there is a bit of "THUNK" when that three ounce hunk of metal finally comes to rest. But, what the hell, a lot of the fun in our sport comes from taking something that isn't exactly designed to do something; and then making it do that exact thing....and do it well.
Sounds like you have a Rolling Block that shoots like a target rifle and I'll bet you get a lot of positive comments about it at the range.
I think it's neat to have a throwback rifle like that one.It belonged to and was built by one of my shooting buddys' grandfather somewhere in the mid 40's.I think the sheer weight of the barrel helps a little to make it lay still while the hammer makes its way to the firing pin.It's going to the shooting bench this morning,pics of gun and groups to come.Thanks guys.
witchhunter
Member
Outstanding! Jealous here. I passed on a .219 Donaldson wasp recently, still kicking myself. The wasp is an improved Zipper. Hope it works out for you. When I was young, before the eyes went away, I wanted a Win 94 rebarreled to .219 Zipper, I thought it would be a great coyote gun. Have fun and keep us posted, we would love a picture.
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