Black Powder .22LRs?

[Model12Win]

Guys with the .22LR cartridge coming out in the 1880s, with the .22 short being around since the 1850s, clearly the cartridge started as a black powder one.

Has anyone experimented with reloading .22LR with black powder? Seems like it could be fun especially in an original antique .22LR firearm.

Thoughts?

[Chainsaw.]

Well, reloading 22lr, while technically possible is an act of near futility, so I think asking for others experience will net about as much info as panning for gold on your roof.

[Ricklin]

The powder part is pretty easy, the priming.....not so much.

[Pahoo]

The powder part is pretty easy, the priming.....not so much.

The priming as not the issue as I think that the Flobert parlor guns were the predecessor and they only contained the rim fired primer ….


Be Safe !!!

[Model12Win]

I'm seeing where some pull the bullets on factory .22s, dump the smokeless, and charge with FFFFg or Null B before putting on a new bullet of proper configuration.

Seems tedious but doable. Lots of folks here whip up paper cartridges and I can't imagine that being any faster!

[T. O'Heir]

"...The priming as not the issue..." Yeah it is. Rimfires are primed using a slurry applied via centrifugal force. The kit from Sharpshooter($75) uses an eye dropper to put whatever liquid is used(no mention what that liquid may be.). And the entire process, casting bullets included, is done entirely by hand. Just like during the 19th Century.
However, the real issue is a total lack of BP data.
http://22lrreloader.com/

[FrankenMauser]

Until about 20 years ago, it was possible to get primed .22 LR hulls from Eley in small quantities (1,000 pieces, or so).
Plenty of people experimented with BP and smokeless loads. There were even half a dozen articles in various gun rags in the '90s and early 2000s on the subject.


While it is still possible to obtain primed hulls, the minimum quantities are too great for hobby level experimentation. Last I heard (about ten years ago) on one of the small caliber forums where a few of us have dabbled in (re)loading factory rimfire, CCI's minimum order for primed hulls was quoted in the millions -- and the cost was 80% that of loaded ammunition.

Today, primed hulls can sometimes be obtained from other sources and brands (usually ArmsCor), but I haven't found a consistent source. It seems like they're nearly always over-run lots that go to the first interested party - or highest bidder.

So, at this point, it's more realistic to buy factory ammo, pull the bullet, and do whatever it is you're going to do.

However, the real issue is a total lack of BP data.

Nah.
Establish a 4F charge that has minor compression. Seat bullet and crimp.

Standard practice aside, there is some data available.
Between people dissecting old BP .22 LR cartridges and others developing their own loads, pretty much everyone has come to the same conclusion:
The standard charge for .22 LR with a 40 gr bullet is 4.5 gr of 4F.
Some tweaks may be necessary for different brands of powder, but that's where you start.

Here's a really good run-down put together by someone that did both of the above: .22 LR Black Powder Adventure

[prof marvel]

Ah, My Good Netizens -

here you are, from the minds of the hivernaughts and grand masters, John Boy and Jack Christian aka 44WCf ( rip )

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...w-to-Make-Them

http://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14461

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/ind...?topic=37555.5

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/ind...c,38060.0.html

yhs
prof marvel

[Model12Win]

Wow, great stuff guys!! Looks like fun. My little rolling block .22 that's in the mail would probably love something like this!

[Chainsaw.]

Originally Posted by Model12Win

Wow, great stuff guys!! Looks like fun. My little rolling block .22 that's in the mail would probably love something like this!

Now your talking!

[arcticap]

This CT Muzzle Loading Experiments website has a page describing
in detail how the author took a Ruger 10/22 and converted it into
an electrically fired .22 muzzle loader.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_...link_king.html

Home page: http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments.html

I also know of someone who constructed two .22 muzzle loading
pistols from scratch which he posted about on Youtube:

1. Homemade .22 caliber muzzleloading pistol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zu6ZXUEIeQ

2. homemade .22 derringer and firing mechanism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIGHHficaKU