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Old 09-18-2017, 07:59 AM
CHARLIE699 CHARLIE699 is offline
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Default .22 LR to .22 Mag conversion

Morning All! This is an "open" query but hope to find some insight from some 'smiths that have actually done it.
Is it possible/feasible to re-chamber a .22 LR rifle to .22 Mag?? I propose this in the context of a high quality single shot: Remington 40-X. Certainly a strong action w/o concerns of magazine or feeding problems.
I have read many posts proclaiming the virtues of re-chambering M-17's to .22 mag. Slightly tighter .22LR bore and all.
The 40-X's are excellent performers with standard velocity .22 but can sometimes be "not-so-much" with high velocity fodder. Would factory rifling hold up to magnum ammo?
And,,,,for the "purists" out there, Please do not burn me at the stake. I have a line on one that has factory barrel shortened by a previous owner. I might try to breath some new life into it (and increase range too) if feasible. TIA!!

Last edited by CHARLIE699; 09-18-2017 at 08:00 AM.
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Old 09-18-2017, 08:58 AM
2152hq 2152hq is offline
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It's certainly been done before w/other 22LR cal rifles. The donor rifle you have in mind is a good one.
You will get lots of OMG watch out for the .0005" difference /per side of magnum bullet going down the 22rf bore.
But how many have actually ever taken the time to read the bore and groove dimensions of their particular rifle of any caliber. Not many,,and the factory production work isn't as precise as many think.

Tons of .3085 dia projectiles go down the centerfire bores of bbls that measure around .307 in all sorts of commercial and Military surplus rifles w/o any problems.

The 22mag does use a jacketed bullet, though a very thin jacket at that.
The rifling specs bore & groove are generally:
.22LR .218/.223
.22Mag. .219/.224

but can vary mfg to mfg of course.

Many rifle their 22LR and their 22MAg bbls have the same twist now. Probably just for mfg convenience.
The 40X being their premier target rifle most likely has a closer tolerance bore/groove dimension than others. I don't know what their target 22lr twist is off hand.

The bolt face may need to be opened a bit for the slightly larger magnum round,,may not. If so an additional touch up of the extractor also to shorten it a tiny bit for easy bolt closure.

Is the action bolt throw long enough to handle loaded 22mag rounds? Could they be ejected from the chamber and action if needed with the bolt throw and action port as is?

Just some thoughts..
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Old 09-21-2017, 12:21 PM
Yorkie Man Yorkie Man is offline
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I have a Remington 510 that I rechambered from .22 LR to .22 Magnum. It works fine and is very accurate. The only work done was rechambering nothing else.
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Old 09-21-2017, 02:40 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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Having owned a multiple of 22 mag rifles, I will say that they can be finicky and temperamental. You can get them to shoot, but rarely better than their 17 HMR counterparts within killing range. Personally, I would be concerned about experimenting with an expensive rifle like a 40x. Once you go there, you're never getting it (or your resale value) back.
I'd be more inclined to have a new barrel made, maybe in 17 hmr.
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