Ruger Single-Sixty New Model .22/.22 Magnum

[Wonderclam]

This is the only gun I have and I haven't even fired it yet. It's got an interchangeable cylinder for .22 magnum. The bullet looks bigger than the hole of the barrel. My question is I took a .22 magnum bullet and I stuck the bullet at the tip of the gun and it wouldn't fit. What's going on here? I'm talking about the projectile that the bullet shoots.

 

[22-rimfire]

It should be a snug fit. The 22 mag bullet size is just a hair larger than regular 22LR. I would try to shoot some 22LR with the correct cylinder carefully until you are comfortable. You could check the bore diameter with a caliper if it really looks undersized and do the same with an unfired bullet.

 

[bhk]

You shouldn't be able to easily push a bullet into the bore of a gun correctly sized for it. This is especially true for a jacketed bullet like the .22 magnum has. It takes thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch to shove that bullet down the bore, engraving the rifling on the bullet as it goes. Your revolver is normal. Don't worry and just shoot it!

 

[Wonderclam]

Here's a couple of pictures.

 

[W.E.G.]

Answer at
http://www.chuckhawks.com/22mag.htm
and
http://www.chuckhawks.com/rifle_bullet_diameter.htm

 

[docnyt]

Wonderclam, please be careful handling your gun. If you're not comfortable handling and firing it, maybe take a firearms safety course or have somebody knowledgeable with firearm use accompany you to the range. It is an awesome experience firing a gun for the first time. Be safe.

 

[Wonderclam]

So, it's ok for me to fire these magnum rounds on my gun at the range? I'm going to the range and shoot this gun for the first time. I just find it weird that the barrel is smaller than the bullet. Wouldn't it defeat the purpose of having a bigger bullet if it comes out of the barrel smaller?

 

[danjet500]

The .22 magnum bullet is only marginally larger in diameter than the 22 lr. This is why you can shoot both types of ammo through the same barrel. You will have to change the cylinder to fire either type of cartridge. Be sure you have the correct cylinder for the ammo you are shooting.

I think you meant barrel when you said cylinder. The bullet must be a tight fit in the barrel in order to keep the expanding gasses behind it as the bullet is pushed out the barrel. I suggest going to the range with an experienced shooter or look someone up at the range to assist you. Safety is paramount.

 

[Wonderclam]

The .22 magnum bullet is only marginally larger in diameter than the 22 lr. This is why you can shoot both types of ammo through the same barrel. You will have to change the cylinder to fire either type of cartridge. Be sure you have the correct cylinder for the ammo you are shooting.

I think you meant barrel when you said cylinder. The bullet must be a tight fit in the barrel in order to keep the expanding gasses behind it as the bullet is pushed out the barrel. I suggest going to the range with an experienced shooter or look someone up at the range to assist you. Safety is paramount.

yeah, I meant the barrel. The .22 magnums fit perfectly in the .22 mag cylinder. That's odd, though. You can see on the pictures that the bullet doesn't even come close to fitting in the barrel.

 

[22-rimfire]

IF the bullets were loose, they would not gain the necessary velocity. They fit tight. All you have to do is get a bullet stuck inside a barrel to see beyond doubt just how tightly they fit when you try to ram one out with a cleaning rod.

 

[Walkalong]

Perfectly normal.

 

[bhk]

Your photos indicated you handgun is perfectly normal. That is exactly how it should fit. Shoot it!!!!! I have been playing this shooting game for 50 years, including ownership and significant trigger time on the very gun you are talking about. It is FINE!!!!!!! If you were able to just slip that bullet into the bore from the end, the bore would be oversized!

 

[Old Shooter]

You're trying to put the bullets in the wrong end!

Seriously though, that is normal and how the guns are made to function. Probably best to have someone give you a hand with your first session with the gun just to get you going in the right direction, safety first.

Just make sure you have the correct cylinder in place for the 22lr. If you try to shoot one in the magnum cylinder you may have a split cartridge case, not a big deal with this gun but no need for worry, just know what you are doing with the gun and you'll be fine.

 

[Walkalong]

You're trying to put the bullets in the wrong end!

Dang it. I knew I was doing something wrong.