.22LR to .22WMR

mwjones

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Just wondering on your guys' thoughts...is it possible to ream a .22LR to .22WMR? My main concern was the bullet diameter. As far as i can tell, they're both .223. Thinking of converting an old bolt action from .22LR to WMR if it's possible.
 
Actually not the same diameter, 22WMR is 1 thousandths of an inch larger diameter. However, many conversions have been done despite that.
 
I can see the one thou difference as being negligable...think of all the milsurp guys reloading with .312 bullets when their barrel slugs at .315 :) I also figured that since it's an old gun, bore diameter might in fact be a littlle larger than it once was.

Figured i'd see if the conversion is even possible before trying to find a reamer, or find out how to make one :)
 
I have seen rifles converted from lr to magnum. I would not consider this conversion unless the rifle were strong, well made and well designed.
In addition to chambering, feed (if a repeater) and boltface issues must be addressed.
There is also the question of cost and value.
Any rifle of sufficient quality to convert might be worth more if left alone.
 
I have seen rifles converted from lr to magnum. I would not consider this conversion unless the rifle were strong, well made and well designed.
In addition to chambering, feed (if a repeater) and boltface issues must be addressed.
There is also the question of cost and value.
Any rifle of sufficient quality to convert might be worth more if left alone.

Ditto...

Buy a new 22 Magnum if you want that caliber.
 
"...thoughts..." The ammo is considerable more expensive. You could have action length and possibly action strength issues too.
 
I almost don't want to say....I'll have the collector guys in general and probably the milsurp guys as well up in arms.....

Keep in mind before responding, I wish for this gun to be useful to me...i have a couple of .22LR repeaters already, and i wanted something with a bit more punch for foxes and maybe a coyote if i can call em in to the 50 yard or so range...... Also, i wanted a gun that didn't cost an arm and a leg to try for the first time....

That said.....

It's a cooey 82
 
Actually... nevermind.....

While this thread did answer my initial question, can a 22LR to 22wmr conversion be done, and the answer was yes, said rifle i don't think would be feasable. The bolt doesn't upen far enough to comfortably insert a .22 mag round...too finicky for fat fingers like mine :) Lol my wife's pissed... "what are you doing with guns out at 6 in the morning?!?!?" uhh....just checkin something..... :)


EDIT: FAAK it's gone anyways....there goes my dream of owning a milsurp that i can actually shoot cheaply, quietly..... Had a line on one for 150 bucks, but it's gone....similarly, there was one at epps for 199, but it's also sold...he has a $169 one too, but doesn't mention being military marked with original peep....will definitely need pics...
 
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Buy one of the Norc sporters in 22 mag if you feel the need to own a 22 mag. Or keep your eye out on the EE. There have been a few magnum converted Mauser trainers pass through there.

Buy some casting equipment and cast for a centerfire mil-surp, if you want really cheap shooting. Look at paper patching, as a cheap way to go. The Castboolits site has lots of info. Your costs are then primers and powder. At $5 per hundred for primers, and $35 a pound for powder(~10 grains of Unique behind a cast bullet seems to get mentioned a lot, but research it), the pay back comes fast on a mold and casting pot.

The .312" bullets in a .315" bore, is opposite of what you will be dealing with. You will have a .224 jacketed bullet being pushed down the .223" bore of a firearm designed for less pressure. It's really going to depend a lot on the gun you wish to convert, whether it will be strong enough, and, as seen, whether there will be enough room.
Then there is the cost of a reamer, and the bolt work to open the face up, if you cannot do those yourself.

Cheers
Trev
 
IMHO, I don't think the Cooey single shot of any model would be the choice for converting to WMR. The bolt handle is only brazed onto the body and this is the only thing holding the bolt from flying back into the shooter's face. If the bolt handle was mortised or pinned along with silver or braze, then I would consider it.
 
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