Two Questions:

1. Is this probably a result of running factory production lines wide open trying to meet demand?

2. What effect would double charged ammo have on a heavy steel cylinder, like for instance a K22? Would the "R" feature of the "P&R" S&W cylinder protect against case-head blowout? How about a rifle such as a Marlin 39A?

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Georgia On My Mind

I thought about the consequences of shooting double charged 22 if I had a bad lot.
I decided it just wasn't worth the risk.
Too many unknown things could go wrong and thoughts of tiny pieces of brass and unburned powder flying towards my hand, face, and eyes sounded none too appealing.
Thinking back to Hatcher's notebook and the action heat treat failures causing the loss of an eye came to the front of my brain.

Mistakes happen and it might or might not have been caused by the high rate of production.

As for the double charge, I'm guessing the resulting pressures would be in the 20,000 PSI range, not a good thing in any .22LR gun...

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I've heard of this recall on another site as well, but I see nothing about it on Winchester's. Link?

I've seen .22's come apart before and damage guns. It's not pretty or worth the risk.

Recalls have been issued on ammo longer than I've been in the sport.

Here you go: http://www.winchester.com/library/ne...rt-recall.aspx

WINCHESTER® 22 Long Rifle RIMFIRE AMMUNITION

1/28/2014

Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is recalling two (2) lots of M*22™ 22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Black Copper Plated Round Nose rimfire ammunition.

Symbol Number: S22LRT
Lot Numbers: GD42L and GD52L

Winchester has determined the above lots of 22 Long Rifle rimfire ammunition may contain double powder charges. Ammunition with double powder charges may subject the shooter or bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury and/or death, or cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable.

See the thread in the 15-22 forum here for more info:

Winchester M-22 Recall Notice

http://www.winchester.com/library/ne...rt-recall.aspx

Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is recalling two (2) lots of M*22™ 22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Black Copper Plated Round Nose rimfire ammunition.

JasonM and VMI77,

Thanks for that. Luckily the Winny .22 I picked up the other day is a different type.

Best

It's great to see how fast this information was found and disseminated by this active community. Thanks, guys, for sharing all this!

I bought a 1000 rounds from the big C a while back, I recieved an e-mail today, telling me about the recall, mine are OK.

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Don

Does anybody know the actual date(s) of production for the recalled ammo?!

The SAAMI spec for 22LR max pressure is 24,000psi !! Yes the lowly 22lr rimfire is a HIGH pressure cartridge so figure a double charge would put it in the 50,000 psi + range. Since most 22 semiautos are straight blowback with unlocked bolts a double charge in them could be deadly at worst and painful at best. In a bolt action or lever action still very bad probably breaking gun parts as the case comes apart. In a revolver probably also harmful to the pistol and dangerous to others on both sides and maybe a sympathetic discharge to adjoining cylinders because of pressure crushing.
As to why who knows. I do know that we as a people are putting far too much faith in technology to catch problems these days. To the point that in a lot of areas (not just sporting) the eyes on QC has been discontinued as a cost savings because computers don't get salaries.
Chip King

As Chipking said about the working pressure of the .22 LR I would imagine a double charge of powder would be very dangerous indeed. If the manufacturer of ammo puts out a recall I would not try to second guess them! Too many people don't treat the .22 LR seriously but it is a serious cartridge in its own right.

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Stay safe people!