1961 Model 53 Jet Questions

[Arman4461]

I hope it is ok to be in this area for this particular piece. Built in 61, I have a new-to-me Jet with auxilliary cylinder, inserts and such. While I have ordered dies, brass and the odd-ball size bullets, I need to know where some comprehensive reloading data is located? I am aware of the case setback issues and the need to have a dry cylinder, but the gun was LNIB and it just called out for me to buy it
I also bought a NIB hammer for it, due to the unusual nature of this beast. Do you know of any other small part that I should hoard away for when these are only seen in museums? I sort of feel like I bought a Corvair......Midway gal says "you wanna Jet? We don't have airplanes here"
Thanks much!
Arman4461

 

[smithfan4152]

Jets are great fun to shoot, you will most likely never need to hammer,
I have shot the 4-6 and 8 inch jets. Original factory ammo is expensive, and some places like Reeds, sells a 22 Jet round near $45.00 a box of 50.
You can do a search in the reloading section of the forum, you should find some reloading data there.

 

[opoefc]

Yes, Hoard away all the inserts you can find at reasonable prices. Prices are reaching well into two dgits EACH on Ebay! Ed.

 

[diamonback68]

Yes, Hoard away all the inserts you can find at reasonable prices. Prices are reaching well into two dgits EACH on Ebay! Ed.

How far into the digits are they going for? Can't find any on Ebay. I have five if someone needs them.

 

[jrm53]

I have a 3 screw later 8 3/8 Jet and I think you will want .222 or at the most .223 diameter bullets they were loaded with .222 dia bullets by Remington, you will want to try some lead .223 dia bullets. I have been loading a 40 grain Lyman 225107 cast bullet sized to .223 dia. in front of 7 to 7.5 max of 2400 and you should get reasonable accuracy and easy extraction if not back off a little, this bullet has a gas check. Jeff

 

[armadillo]

I have a 4 screw M-53 from 1961 also.

Midway had brass last month, but no .222 or .223 bullets. I found .222 Hornady and .223 Sierra bullets locally.

If you want to really get into the Jet, you can get case forming dies to make them from .357 Mag brass.

I have better results with Remington 6 1/2 small rifle primers (made for 22 Hornet, etc.) than with small pistol magnum primers.

 

[rburg]

What else should you hoard? How about taper cut chamber brushes? Or the fluted but flat cut sight adjusters? Don't leave out buying a few extra jet boxes when you see them. Along with an extra 22 Mag cylinder, just for fun.

 

[Gunhacker]

I recently discovered that Graf & Sons has new unprimed Remington .22 Jet brass less expensive than Midway.... also, Handloader Magazine had a great article in the 12/2009 (#263) issue... talks about case forming and has some load listings, worth giving them a call for a copy.

 

[Tom K]

Yes, Hoard away all the inserts you can find at reasonable prices. Prices are reaching well into two dgits EACH on Ebay! Ed.

If you simply need inserts and don't insist on them being original S&W, Gun Parts Corp. has reproductions for $16.20 each.

Chamber Insert, .22 LR

I ordered six a couple of months ago and there was a price break. However their website layout has changed, and I don't see any indication of a lower price for a quantity order. The price I paid after the discount was $13.15 each.

 

[Kenny A]

Reloading

Hodgdon has data on their web sight. I'm not sure a 22 Mag cylinder would work for a 53 as the 53 is .222, and the mag is .224, also the Jet Cylinder is longer than Mag. I don't think S&W ever offered .22 Mag Cylinder for 53 other than original, which S&W called 22 Magnum as is shown on right side of barrel.