NitroX
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| 25/07/09 02:40 PM |
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.22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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How easy is it to convert a .22 RF Mag into a .17 HMR?
If re-barrelled will the mag, any feed rails, bolt face etc still work or what modifications would be needed?
I would like to source an old .22 RF Mag in a CZ or Brno and rebarrel plus ???. I don't particularly like the modern styling of any of the rifles offered in .17 HMR.
Thanks.
***
A.17 HMR would work particularly well shooting small game such as hares, rabbits and foxes in vineyards. Also as the fragile bullet would be less likely to ricochet as compared to a .22 RF.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 27/07/09 03:55 PM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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Moved to the rifles forum.
| WyoJoe |
| (.300 member) |
| 28/07/09 07:58 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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John
As far as I know it is a simple rebarrel. With usual caveat about pointed bullets in a tubular magazine.
This is from Wikipedia
Quote:
Hornady, in conjunction with Marlin Firearms and Sturm, Ruger, followed much the same path. With the .22 WMR case as the starting point, a simple barrel change was sufficient for most .22 WMR firearms to chamber the new cartridge. In 2002 the first rifles and ammunition began appearing on the market, and the .17 HMR was an instant hit. While the ammunition was relatively expensive due to the high-performance .17 caliber bullets used, it was still cheaper than most centerfire ammunition. The availability of moderately priced and accurate firearms from Marlin and Ruger (leaders in the rimfire rifle market) plus the backing of a major ammunition maker allowed the .17 HMR to quickly gain momentum. Other makers of firearms and ammunition soon introduced .17 HMR offerings.
| Bramble |
| (.375 member) |
| 28/07/09 10:34 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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I should think that the pointed bullets would not be a significant problem due to the distribution of the primer compound around the rim a little test may be in order perhaps dropping (remotly) a peice of cap ended tube with a couple of rounds in it onto a hard surface. However I think that the chances of ignition are small to zero.
Regards
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 28/07/09 02:31 PM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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Not a problem as the rifle will have a detachable magazine - not tubular.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 02/08/09 08:43 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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Usually HMR and WRM guns use the same magazines or clips. There are a few tubular magazine factory rifles chambered for the HMR. I doubt there is any change in magazine tube, but cannot say for sure.
A re-barrel and chambering are the only steps in the way - easy enough.
| PBR |
| (.275 member) |
| 22/08/09 04:32 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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I think you're looking to spend a lot more money than you need to.
A lot of people do not know that Hornady loads the Vmax bullet in the 22mag.
You'll lose some trajectory, gain some wind advantage, and gain knockdown power / penetration on foxes with the heavier bullet compared to a 17grain hmr.
The hardest part for you might be finding these rounds, but I'm sure you can get a hold of them in bulk.
| 450_366 |
| (.400 member) |
| 22/08/09 04:55 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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On the sako quad the only thing you have to do is change the barrel from 22mag to 17Hmr.
And to be honest its superior to the 22mag in almost everything, not on foxes i would think but i would newer try it.
Also there is a solid round for it nowdays.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 22/08/09 11:27 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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The .22 mag would definitely be better on coyotes and perhaps fox as well - within it's accuracy range. Some newer guns do shoot well, but even a cheap little Marlin .17HMR will usually group into 1/2" or slightly less at 100 meters.
The polished GM barrel on my Martini gives be concrete 3/8" to .4" groups at 100 meters and is pretty much a gaurantee for head and chest shots on our ground squirrels at 200 yards. We draw the line at 240 yards as being about max. Longer shots are quite possible, but we can't be sure of a chest hit, which is necessary at that range to 'stop' them.
The HMR is a wonderful round.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 22/08/09 11:12 PM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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Quote:
A lot of people do not know that Hornady loads the Vmax bullet in the 22mag.
The hardest part for you might be finding these rounds, but I'm sure you can get a hold of them in bulk.
If not imported then not possible.
***
One consideration is I want a light fragile bullet which breaks up easily and less likely to ricochet.
Quote:
On the sako quad the only thing you have to do is change the barrel from 22mag to 17Hmr.
True. I hadn't thought of that.
| MarinePMI |
| (.275 member) |
| 23/08/09 01:32 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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Yes, It's a simple rebarreling job. It's what we had to do when testing the ammunition/barrels before rifles were readily available...
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 23/08/09 06:17 AM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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The new Hornady 22WMR ammunition delivers the pinnacle of rimfire performance. It has a 30gr V-MAX projectile that leaves the muzzle at an unbelievable 2200 feet per second, and delivers excellent terminal performance out to 125 yards. Before the introduction of this new 22WMR from Hornady, shooters were limited to ammunition that had a maximum velocity of around 1900 fps.
The next advantage that the new Hornady 22WMR has over its competition is accuracy. With its higher bullet coefficient, the VMAX projectile maintains a velocity edge downrange as less speed and bullet drop are lost due to aerodynamic drag. The bullet design helps with grouping through stability and consistency in the air. On breezy days the .22 Magnum has an added accuracy advantage over the 17HMR as the effects of side wind 'drift' are much less.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 24/08/09 02:37 PM |
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Re: .22 RF Mag converted to .17 HMR
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Quote:
The new Hornady 22WMR ammunition delivers the pinnacle of rimfire performance. It has a 30gr V-MAX projectile that leaves the muzzle at an unbelievable 2200 feet per second, and delivers excellent terminal performance out to 125 yards. Before the introduction of this new 22WMR from Hornady, shooters were limited to ammunition that had a maximum velocity of around 1900 fps.
If it is available in Oz, worth trying it then.