Cylinder sleeving?

[Coker_rat]

Could a cylinder be sleeved like a barrel? Example the M48 MRF cylinder bored over size to accept inserts - soldered or glued in. Then re-chamber the insert to a std 22 LR.

The better solution would be a replacement cylinder in 22 LR, but those are tough to find.

I know anything is possible if you throw enough money at it, but is it a money pit situation?

Thanks, CR/JPG

 

[Big Cholla]

Coker: You could have that done. But, you would still have the problem of the oversized barrel for .22 LR bullets. The cost of a competent machining job, the inherent inaccuracy and the lost of value to the altered M 48 seems to me to outweigh the benefit. Just save up your money and buy a S&W factory .22 LR.

An alternative to allow the use of .22 LR in a .22 MRF is to get a .22 LR Cylinder fitted and precondition your .22 LR ammo with a 'bump-up' die available in two different configurations. Neil B. Waltz makes a quality die that threads into any single stage reloading press that will bump-up the diameter of the .22 LR round to give much better accuracy than std. sized bullets. D Rock makes a simpler die that uses a hand press to push the .22 LR bullet into the die and then a simple plunger with a head on it for a mallet to knock the cartridge back out of the die. Obviously the Waltz die is much more expensive than the Rock die. IMHO, it is worth it.

How am I acquainted with all the above? I too have a Model 48 that is a wonderful handgun. It did not have the alternate .22 LR cylinder when I bought it new. I bided my time until a nice K frame .22 Lr cylinder was available. I fitted it to the Model 48. I was very discouraged by the lack of accuracy with any .22 LR cartridge tried. I did my research and found the above two dies. I purchased the Waltz die and have been very satisfied with the results. When using the Waltz die in its hollow-pointer mode very nice hollow points are created that are also bumped up in diameter. Longeared Jackrabbits are the only thing I taken to date with these cartridges and the destruction is amazing. If you are hunting squirrels just use the bullet nose blunter mode for less tissue destruction. PM me if you have any questions. ....... Big Cholla

 

[Coker_rat]

Thanks Cholla,

I have don't have a 48 at this point in time, but I have a lead on one. Magnum rimfire is tough to get and expensive when you find it. Just looking at alternatives.

I have considered a bump die as you have discussed.

Thanks, CR/JPG

 

[tomcatt51]

Since you don't really have a 48 why not simplify the process and buy a 17/617?

 

[Jim Watson]

Ageed. As the man (Mark Twain?) said, a bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist. Scout up an LR.

 

[Coker_rat]

Jim, Tom,

Thanks for the input. I am waiting for a M18 that I have in trade. The M48 is just another folly, but if it works out I'll have the 22 rimfire stuff covered.

CR/JPG