The Gun Digest Book of .22 Rimfire

290 Pages·2005·16.03 MB·English

by  James E. House

THE MOST COMPLETE REFERENCE BOOK EVER ASSEMBLED
THE COMPLETE GUIDE
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make you a better shot and give ballistic information

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you more information than you’ve to reviews of classic
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ever had before. and modern fi rearms, o
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Rimfi re cartridges and fi rearms including complete coverage of

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are among the most versatile and the hot new .17-caliber guns and
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popular fi rearms available today. ammunition. In addition to scientifi c .
Noted author James E. House data on what you can expect from 2
takes an in-depth look at all the rimfi re guns and ammunition,
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popular — and many of the not House details real-world tests

so popular or obsolete — rimfi re performed on pistols, rifl es and
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cartridges and fi rearms available to revolvers to tell readers what works
shooters today. and what doesn’t. I
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ISBN: 0-87349-908-5 $27.99 U.S. U
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• .17 HMR & .17 MACH 2
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(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:23)(cid:13)(cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:19) James E. House • Ballistics & History
0 4608100908 2 9 780873499088
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The Gun Digest® Book of
..2222 RRIIMMFFIIRREE
RIFLES • PISTOLS • AMMUNITION
by James E. House
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©2005 Gun Digest
Published by
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(cid:33)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:11)(cid:55)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:83)
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Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2005928832
ISBN: 0-87349-908-5
Designed by Kara Grundman
Edited by Kevin Michalowski
Printed in the United States of America
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PREFACE
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imfi re fi rearms are used throughout the Th ere have been others who have written books e
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world. Th ey are used in competition, devoted to rimfi re fi rearms and ammunition. Anyone t

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hunting, plinking, and protection. Some who writes on a topic in any area builds on what
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are very inexpensive while others represent others have done with an attempt to bring the fi eld o
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the highest form of technical perfection and cost up to date. In that sense, this book is like others that

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thousands of dollars. A rimfi re fi rearm is the type of have dealt with rimfi re shooting sports. However, f

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fi rearm most often used to introduce new shooters studying other writings has made it clear that 2
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to shooting sports, but the seasoned hunter or each author has a particular outlook and system of

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competition may select a rimfi re as the vehicle to values that are brought to bear on the content and
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develop and display shooting skill. In short, the organization of the material. As always, there is also
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rimfi re is an everyday fi rearm for just about everyone. the question of what to leave out and what to leave r
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Following the introduction of the 22 Winchester in. In writing this book, I have tried to communicate
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Magnum Rimfi re in 1959 and the introduction and some of the observations and experience that have
demise of the 5mm Remington Magnum in the been accumulated over a period of 60 years. I have
early 1970s, the rimfi re fi eld was one which saw tried to make the material inviting, interesting, and
only incremental changes except perhaps for the informative. Wherever possible, I have also tried to
development of the hyper velocity cartridges. Some make the material refl ect the current status of the
new models of fi rearms were introduced and many fi eld in terms of product availability.
others were discontinued, but there were no earth Th e fi eld of activity involving the shooting of
shaking developments. Th at changed dramatically rimfi res is too broad for every product to be listed
in 2002 with the introduction of the 17 Hornady and discussed. Some choice of topics to include
Magnum Rimfi re and the situation is continuing to must be made and this book certainly refl ects the
change rapidly. Th e 17 Mach 2 and 17 Aguila are experience and point of view of the author. Th at
here. Th ere is even talk of yet another new 17 caliber is one reason why it is necessary to read works by
cartridge. Ammunition has continued to evolve with several authors in order to be well versed on a subject.
several brands that were unknown not too many years Consequently, I have included Appendix A which
ago becoming familiar names. Th e last few years have gives a list of books for further study. Some have
seen an enormous number of signifi cant changes in
the fi eld of rimfi re fi rearms and ammunition making
this the most exciting time in many years
with regard to products in
this area of the shooting
sports.
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balance of general and specifi c
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information that will be useful to

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both beginning and experienced rimfi re
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. shooters. It is the fervent hope of the author that this

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o balance has been achieved.

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No one writes a book such as this in isolation. In
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pleasure to gather information
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Special thanks are

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accorded in no
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e to Margaret
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Sheldon, Ed
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Goldshinsky,
been included because Sherry
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they are classics even Kerr, Ron
though they may be Herman, Mark
dated in their content. Also Sheppard, Chris
included as Appendix B is a list Erich, Curt Collins,
of suppliers and manufacturers where (Photo courtesy: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Kevin Zumbrennen, Anthony
products that are useful to rimfi re shooters can Imperato, Andy Van Scyoc, Lisa Flaherty,
be found. Obviously, it is not possible to list every Tony Aeschliman, Tim Achenbach, Joe Jones II,
sporting goods store where these products are sold. Rick Sanborn, Dino Longueira, and Ron Darnall.
Because rimfi re shooters are often hunters, Appendix Friends and family members were called upon to
C has been included to make it easy to contact provide fi rearms for testing and photography and
appropriate agencies to obtain information about in that connection it is a pleasure to acknowledge
hunting regulations in each state. the assistance of Keith A. House, Ronald K. House,
It is my opinion that some earlier books deal Larry W. House, and David Duley. Working with
more with shooting in the form of stories about Kevin Michalowski, Joel Marvin, Steve Smith, and
acquaintances, experiences, and occurrences than Debbie Bradley at Krause Publications has made the
with the equipment and its evaluation. With its entire project a pleasant and rewarding experience
emphasis on rimfi re rifl es, pistols, ammunition, that I hope to have again. Finally, the author
ballistics, sights, accessories, and performance of both would like to acknowledge the encouragement and
current and vintage models, this book is intended to assistance in this project given by his wife, Kathleen
be a user’s guide to rimfi re fi rearms. Of course some A. House, without whose eff orts this project would
“war stories” are related, but this is a book primarily not have been completed in the same form or time
about the equipment. Not every related topic can frame. She is also a good marksman. Th anks to all
or should be covered, but the intent is to provide a who have helped.
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About the Author h
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ames E. House has been involved with chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics, and a book on e
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the shooting sports for well over half a descriptive inorganic chemistry that was co-authored t

century. During his early years, airguns with his wife, Kathleen A. House. B
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and rimfi re rifl es formed the basis for his Since his retirement, he and his wife have traveled o
shooting. As a student at Southern Illinois University extensively in the mountain states where they enjoy k

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in Carbondale, he was a member of the Air Force photography, camping, and shooting activities. f

ROTC rifl e team. After receiving his Ph. D. from He is the author of American Air Rifl es (Krause .2
the University of Illinois, he spent 32 years as a Publications, 2001) and CO Pistols & Rifl es (Krause 2
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faculty member and administrator at Illinois State Publications, 2003). House has also written numerous
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University. articles that have appeared in publications such as
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As an emeritus professor of chemistry, House has Gun World, Th e Varmint Hunter, Th e Backwoodsman, r
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been active as an author. His books include titles on Predator Extreme, Th e Illinois Shooter, and Gun List.
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Contents
PREFACE 3
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 4
CHAPTER 1 Development of Rimfi re Ammunition 8
Cartridge Development • 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF) • Other
Early Rimfi re Cartridges • Propellants and Primers • Hyper
Velocity 22 Ammunition • 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfi re (WMR)
• 5mm Remington Magnum • 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfi re (HMR)
• 17 Mach 2 • 17 Aguila
CHAPTER 2 Safe Shooting 20

Devices and Programs • Safety Rules • Weapons and Image
CHAPTER 3 The Rimfi re Rifl es 32

Types of Actions • Calibers • Selection and Cost • Youth Rifl es
Selecting a Rimfi re Varmint Rifl e • Ancillaries
CHAPTER 4 The Rimfi re Handguns 51

Practical Considerations • Revolver or Semiautomatic • Calibers
Revolvers • Autoloaders • Thoughts on Selection • Ancillaries
CHAPTER 5 Sights and Sighting 65

Open Sights • Peep Sights • Scopes • Red Dot and Laser Sights
CHAPTER 6 Rimfi re Ammunition 78

Selection • Projectiles • The 22 Short • The 22 Long
• The 22 Long Rifl e • The 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF)
• The 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfi re (WMR) • The 17 Hornady
Magnum Rimfi re (HMR) • The 17 Mach 2 • The 17 Aguila • Matching
the Ammunition to the Target
CHAPTER 7 Internal Ballistics for Beginners 94

Ignition • Rim Thickness • Cartridge Weights • Firing Pin Impact
• Pressure • Rimfi re Rifl e Velocities • Bullet Velocities from Handguns

CHAPTER 8 External Ballistics for Beginners 114

Forces on Projectiles • Trajectory • 22 Long Rifl e • 22 Winchester
Magnum Rimfi re • 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfi re • 17 Mach 2 and
17 Aguila • Ballistics Tables • Effect of Sight Height • Wind Defl ection
• Shooting Uphill and Downhill
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CHAPTER 9 Rimfi re Hunting Tools 131

What Rimfi res Can Do • Terminal Effects • Penetration • Smash
• Shot Cartridges • Hitting the Target • Caliber Considerations
• Scopes for Rimfi re Hunting • Field Accuracy
CHAPTER 10 Rimfi re Maintenance 152

Tools • Techniques • Restore or Refi nish? • Metal Finishing
• Wood Finishing
CHAPTER 11 Choose A Rimfi re for Tough Times 164

Tough Times • Why a Rimfi re? • Rifl e or Handgun? • Rifl e Choices
• Handgun Choices • Caliber • Ammunition
CHAPTER 12 Accessories, Accuracy, and Competition 180

Stocks • Barrels • Triggers • Sights • Accuracy • Holding Steady
• Competition
CHAPTER 13 Evaluations of Some Current Rimfi re Rifl es 196

The Study • Marlin 25N (925) • Ruger 10/22 Carbine
• Ruger 10/22 Target • Ruger 10/22 Rifl e • Marlin 60
• Remington 597 • Thompson/Center Classic • Henry Lever Action
• Winchester 9422 • Ruger 77/22 • CZ 452 American (22 LR
• Ruger 77/22M • Ruger 77/17 • CZ 452 American (17 HMR)
CHAPTER 14 Shooting Some Vintage Rimfi re Rifl es 223

Winchester 90 • Browning SA-22 • Winchester 190 • Winchester 69A
• Ithaca Saddle Gun • Winchester 320 • Daisy 2201, 2202, and 2203
• Remington 541T • Anschutz 164
CHAPTER 15 Evaluations of Some Current
Rimfi re Handguns 240

Accuracy • Browning Buck Mark • Ruger Mark II • Ruger Super Single
Six Convertible • Ruger Mark II 22/45 • Smith & Wesson Model 22A
• Walther P22

CHAPTER 16 Shooting Some Vintage Rimfi re Handguns 260

Colt Huntsman • Smith & Wesson 2206 • High Standard H-B
• Smith & Wesson K-22 • Smith & Wesson Model 34 Kit Gun
• Ruger Single Six • Colt Frontier Scout
APPENDIX A Suggestions for Further Reading 278
APPENDIX B Sources for the Rimfi re Shopper 281
APPENDIX C Sources for Hunting Information 286
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Chapter 1
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r DEVELOPMENT
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2 OF RIMFIRE
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s you look at the rimfi re section of the ammunition counter in a sporting
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goods store you will see stacks of boxes labeled 22 Long Rifl e (LR), 22

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u Winchester Magnum Rimfi re (WMR), and 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfi re
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(HMR). If the store has a comprehensive line of ammunition, you may also

e see boxes of the new 17 Mach 2, 22 Short, 22 Long or perhaps those dinosaurs
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T known as the 22 CB Short and 22 CB Long that live on for some reason. It is
possible that you may also see a box or two of 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF), a
8 cartridge that was introduced in 1890 along with the Winchester Model 90 pump
rifl e that was chambered for the cartridge. As this is being written, another 17-
caliber cartridge or two are being marketed or are under development.
The Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue was the
The frame of the Smith & Wesson opened at the fi rst revolver chambered for the 22 Short black
bottom and was hinged at the top. powder cartridge. Shown here is a No. 1, Second
Issue model.
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Pinfi re cartridges were produced in several calibers Teat fi re cartridges were developed in the 1800s e
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including shotgun rounds. before rim fi re cartridges were introduced. t

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If this list of approximately 10 cartridges makes it A cartridge consists of a primer, propellant,
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seem like there are many choices in rimfi re calibers, projectile, and a case for these components. In o
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look again. Th e 22 Short, Long, Long Rifl e and the order to ignite a propellant, some substance that
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two CB rounds are all used in the 22 LR chamber. explodes is needed. Th e cause of the explosion is f
.
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Th e 22 WMR is a separate caliber as are the 17 actually percussion (crushing) that is the result
2
HMR and 17 Mach 2. We can ignore the 22 WRF of a spring-loaded striker (hammer or fi ring pin)
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for the moment. What we have is really a short list changing positions at the time of fi ring. In order im
of rimfi re cartridges most of which can be used in to have shot-to-shot uniformity (which results in fi

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fi rearms of one caliber, but as we shall see it has not accuracy), it is necessary to have the same amount of e
always been so. In this chapter, we will provide a brief explosive (primer) ignited in the same way for each
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history of rimfi re ammunition and a description of shot and have the same amount of propellant in each
some of the most signifi cant obsolete and current cartridge.
rimfi re cartridges. Early developments in muzzle-loading fi rearms
included the fl intlock and the caplock, which used a
Cartridge Development
percussion cap. In the fl intlock, the primer consisted
One should not lose sight of the fact that
of a small amount of fast-burning black powder of
developments in diff erent areas of science and
fi ne granulation (FFFFg) that was ignited by the
technology are interrelated. For example, it would
sparks produced when a piece of fl int struck a piece
not be possible to build a long-range rocket without
of steel known as the frizzen. Th e priming charge
developments in rocket fuel (which is a problem in
was held in the fl ash pan, which had a hole that led
chemical science). It was not possible to produce the
downward into the barrel where the main propellant
atomic bomb until methods of enriching uranium
charge was held. Th e gas resulting from the burning
were developed. Th e high performance of cartridges
powder in the main charge provided the driving force
today is in great measure the result of improvements
to move the bullet down the bore.
in propellants and metallurgy. Some of the basic
As fi rearm technology developed, so did the
principles involved in cartridge performance will be
chemistry of explosives. It was discovered
described in Chapter 7.
that mercury fulminate exploded violently
when it was struck. Th erefore, percussion
caps were produced which consisted
of a small amount of mercury fulminate
contained in a small copper cup that fi tted
over a hollow nipple. When the hammer fell
and struck the cap, the mercury fulminate in the
The four approaches to fi ring metallic cartridges are
illustrated here. The cartridges illustrate (left to right) percussion cap exploded which ignited the powder
teatfi re, pinfi re, rimfi re, and centerfi re types. charge as fi re was directed from the primer into the
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