rburg
Member
I know I speak for all of us when I say "we hate you!"
Jet Stuff
- Thread starter S/W - Lifer
- Start date
I know I speak for all of us when I say "we hate you!"
OP
S/W - Lifer
Member
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- Jan 14, 2005
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charlies,
Thanks for your input on the Hornady bullets and the Contender. I have a Contender carbine in .22 Jet and I have not had much chance to work with it. I'm glad to hear my Model 53 inserts will work in a Contender barrel.
It sounds like you have loaded at least 1600 rounds of Jet ammo. Would you be willing to share your experience and results with the Forum? I think a number of us would be interested in what you have to say.
Thanks for your input on the Hornady bullets and the Contender. I have a Contender carbine in .22 Jet and I have not had much chance to work with it. I'm glad to hear my Model 53 inserts will work in a Contender barrel.
It sounds like you have loaded at least 1600 rounds of Jet ammo. Would you be willing to share your experience and results with the Forum? I think a number of us would be interested in what you have to say.
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Another Jet story: Back in about 1977-1978, me and my best friend Dewey went rabbit hunting. I had my first Model 53, a 6 incher that was mechanically perfect but had been rusted on one side and then refinished. The pitting had been fairly severe, I guess, and it still looked like crap on the left side, so I got it cheap. I was a poor college boy at the time, so cheap was good!
The gun came nekkid, no box or .22 LR cylinder or inserts. I found some inserts in ShotGun News and had bought 6. We drove out into the desert near Tooele, Utah, found a spot where the highway was well marked with car-flattened jackrabbits, parked and then geared up.
I had the M-53 and buckled on a belt and holster for it. I loaded it with 3 Jet cartidges and 3 .22 LR cartridges, alternating chambers. I picked up my Ruger 10/22, he grabbed his Nylon 66 and off across the sagebrush we trekked.
We popped some jacks fairly quickly. They were holding until we were almost stepping on them and they didn't run far before stopping. I slung the little rifle and drew the S&W. I had closed the cylinder so that the first round to shoot would be a rimfire round, with the striker on the hammer so set.
On the next rabbit, Dewey missed his first shot, which was unusual, he's pretty good. The rabbit held up halfway up a hill, 25-35 yards away. I thumbcocked the Jet, drew a fine beat on Br'er Rabbit and got him. He flopped around a bit, not dieing quickly.
I thumbed the striker on the hammer to the centerfire position. Dewey, assuming it was a .22 LR pistol I often took along, said, "My shot!" I handed it to him, stepped back a step and pushed the foam plugs already in my ears a bit deeper and left my fingers in them.
"BAAAAAAAAAAAM!!!!!!" Those of you who have shot a Jet know to what I refer. The factory ammo in a .22 Remington Centerfire Magnum has to be experienced to be believed. It is the oddest combination of a huge, loud, high-pitched report accompanied by almost no recoil. There are few louder handguns.
Dewey nearly jumped out of his shirt!
I took the sixgun back and deftly slipped the striker back to rimfire as I cocked it for the next shot. "pow." Dewey was a little puzzled as I handed the gun back to him after descreetly working the striker again.
Dewey adjusted his ear plugs, making sure they were in his ears extra tight. Cocking it, he aimed in at the still-twitching rabbit and triggered another Jet round.
"BAAAAAAAAAAMM!!" Eyes wide, he stared at the gun in his hands.
"What are ya doing? Trying to break it?" I straight-faced.
Dewey cocked it again and pressed the trigger.
"click." The hammer dropped on the centerfire pin and the rimfire cartridge it hit didn't do anything. Dewey flinched badly, then looked concerned again.
"What did you do, break it?" I asked. He cocked it agian, bringing up the next Jet round and, already grimmacing, shot the gun again.
"BLAAAAAAAMM!!"
"Gimme that!" I said, and took the gun back. I cocked the hammer again, again pushing the striker to rimfire.
"pow."
Dewey demanded the gun back. He stared at the thing on both sides. He opened the cylinder. He stared at what he saw. He looked at me, slightly concerned, slightly puzzled. He ejected the 3 spent Jets and 3 inserts into his hand and looked at them. "What the crap is this?"
I lost it and laughed good and hard. It took a few minutes before I could explain what it was. I had to almost yell, because he said he couldn't hear me just talking.
When I got done, he said, "Crap. My ears are going to ring for a week."
They did.
The gun came nekkid, no box or .22 LR cylinder or inserts. I found some inserts in ShotGun News and had bought 6. We drove out into the desert near Tooele, Utah, found a spot where the highway was well marked with car-flattened jackrabbits, parked and then geared up.
I had the M-53 and buckled on a belt and holster for it. I loaded it with 3 Jet cartidges and 3 .22 LR cartridges, alternating chambers. I picked up my Ruger 10/22, he grabbed his Nylon 66 and off across the sagebrush we trekked.
We popped some jacks fairly quickly. They were holding until we were almost stepping on them and they didn't run far before stopping. I slung the little rifle and drew the S&W. I had closed the cylinder so that the first round to shoot would be a rimfire round, with the striker on the hammer so set.
On the next rabbit, Dewey missed his first shot, which was unusual, he's pretty good. The rabbit held up halfway up a hill, 25-35 yards away. I thumbcocked the Jet, drew a fine beat on Br'er Rabbit and got him. He flopped around a bit, not dieing quickly.
I thumbed the striker on the hammer to the centerfire position. Dewey, assuming it was a .22 LR pistol I often took along, said, "My shot!" I handed it to him, stepped back a step and pushed the foam plugs already in my ears a bit deeper and left my fingers in them.
"BAAAAAAAAAAAM!!!!!!" Those of you who have shot a Jet know to what I refer. The factory ammo in a .22 Remington Centerfire Magnum has to be experienced to be believed. It is the oddest combination of a huge, loud, high-pitched report accompanied by almost no recoil. There are few louder handguns.
Dewey nearly jumped out of his shirt!
I took the sixgun back and deftly slipped the striker back to rimfire as I cocked it for the next shot. "pow." Dewey was a little puzzled as I handed the gun back to him after descreetly working the striker again.
Dewey adjusted his ear plugs, making sure they were in his ears extra tight. Cocking it, he aimed in at the still-twitching rabbit and triggered another Jet round.
"BAAAAAAAAAAMM!!" Eyes wide, he stared at the gun in his hands.
"What are ya doing? Trying to break it?" I straight-faced.
Dewey cocked it again and pressed the trigger.
"click." The hammer dropped on the centerfire pin and the rimfire cartridge it hit didn't do anything. Dewey flinched badly, then looked concerned again.
"What did you do, break it?" I asked. He cocked it agian, bringing up the next Jet round and, already grimmacing, shot the gun again.
"BLAAAAAAAMM!!"
"Gimme that!" I said, and took the gun back. I cocked the hammer again, again pushing the striker to rimfire.
"pow."
Dewey demanded the gun back. He stared at the thing on both sides. He opened the cylinder. He stared at what he saw. He looked at me, slightly concerned, slightly puzzled. He ejected the 3 spent Jets and 3 inserts into his hand and looked at them. "What the crap is this?"
I lost it and laughed good and hard. It took a few minutes before I could explain what it was. I had to almost yell, because he said he couldn't hear me just talking.
When I got done, he said, "Crap. My ears are going to ring for a week."
They did.
OP
S/W - Lifer
Member
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- 375
- Reaction score
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I am just cracking up over this with my morning coffee. Jet stories are often very funny and factory Jet rounds no doubt hard on jack rabbits.
I liked your story....I too used to hunt jackrabbits in Utah (Utah Lake area) with a jet. I bought mine at Innes sporting goods in Prove in 1964 or 5 when I was a student at BYU. My room mare who had a 44 pre model 29 and I used to compare who had the most power meaning who good shoot through what...I always won with the Jet.
Charlie
Charlie
Charlies - What was your roommate shooting in his 44 Magnum? Makes me wonder.
G
Guest
Guest
The following is the Text of a couple of emails I sent off to the folks at Corbin Mfg & Supply, Inc. about the .22 Jet bullets:
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Subject: RE: Bullets for my .22 Remington "Jet" Magnum
I have become interested in looking into the idea of producing my own bullets for use in my Smith & Wesson Model 53. As there is only a single bullet - Hornady 40 grain #HRN 2210 - currently produced in this diameter and it isn't always available. The idea of using spent .22 rimfire cases is also interesting. What I'm looking for is a .222 diameter bullet of a Boattailed Spitzer design with a total weight between 40 and 50 grains; possibly with a cannelure. I already am able to add the cannelure because I have the tool for that purpose. I understand the basics of swaging bullets and have already done some many years ago. They were for use in a .38 Special but they proved to be excellent. I have an RCBS Rock Chucker Reloading Press and I know that this proved satisfactory for the .38 Special bullets. Can you advise me just what additional tools I would need to do this particular project? Sincerely, Me</span>
<span class="ev_code_RED">Well, the easy way to do this is just to purchase a standard factory bullet in the weight and shape you want, and then get our BRD-1-R bullet reducing die for $179, push the .224 bullets through it and make them into .222 bullets. With only .002 reduction you'd have no problem with that. The other option would be to get our CSP-1 swage press and RBTO-4-S .222 rebated boattail open tip swage die set. I don't make conventional boattail dies as the rebated boattail gives you better performance and the dies do not have to cost quite as much either. But that option would be pushing $1400, so if you could do it with a simple reducing die, it might be more suitable to the volume you plan on making.
D.R. Corbin, President Corbin Mfg & Supply, Inc.
PO Box 2659,
600 Industrial Circle
White City, OR 97503</span>
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Thanks for the information. Just one more question. Would the BRD-1-R die work in my RCBS Rock Chucker Press?
Thanks again,
Me</span>
<span class="ev_code_RED">Yes, it works in any standard over-the-counter reloading press that uses RCBS shell holders and 7/8-14 dies.
D.R. Corbin, President
Corbin Mfg & Supply, Inc.
PO Box 2659, 600 Industrial Circle
White City, OR 97503</span>
I took a look at this information and at their website:
http://www.swagedies.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&S...tegory_Code=RDRAWDIE
I decided to go with the BRD-1-R<span class="ev_code_RED">C</span> because this one is designed for use with Boattailed bullets which I have always found to be a bit more accurate - sometimes a whole lot more depending upon caliber.
I ordered mine this morning.
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Subject: RE: Bullets for my .22 Remington "Jet" Magnum
I have become interested in looking into the idea of producing my own bullets for use in my Smith & Wesson Model 53. As there is only a single bullet - Hornady 40 grain #HRN 2210 - currently produced in this diameter and it isn't always available. The idea of using spent .22 rimfire cases is also interesting. What I'm looking for is a .222 diameter bullet of a Boattailed Spitzer design with a total weight between 40 and 50 grains; possibly with a cannelure. I already am able to add the cannelure because I have the tool for that purpose. I understand the basics of swaging bullets and have already done some many years ago. They were for use in a .38 Special but they proved to be excellent. I have an RCBS Rock Chucker Reloading Press and I know that this proved satisfactory for the .38 Special bullets. Can you advise me just what additional tools I would need to do this particular project? Sincerely, Me</span>
<span class="ev_code_RED">Well, the easy way to do this is just to purchase a standard factory bullet in the weight and shape you want, and then get our BRD-1-R bullet reducing die for $179, push the .224 bullets through it and make them into .222 bullets. With only .002 reduction you'd have no problem with that. The other option would be to get our CSP-1 swage press and RBTO-4-S .222 rebated boattail open tip swage die set. I don't make conventional boattail dies as the rebated boattail gives you better performance and the dies do not have to cost quite as much either. But that option would be pushing $1400, so if you could do it with a simple reducing die, it might be more suitable to the volume you plan on making.
D.R. Corbin, President Corbin Mfg & Supply, Inc.
PO Box 2659,
600 Industrial Circle
White City, OR 97503</span>
<span class="ev_code_BLUE">Thanks for the information. Just one more question. Would the BRD-1-R die work in my RCBS Rock Chucker Press?
Thanks again,
Me</span>
<span class="ev_code_RED">Yes, it works in any standard over-the-counter reloading press that uses RCBS shell holders and 7/8-14 dies.
D.R. Corbin, President
Corbin Mfg & Supply, Inc.
PO Box 2659, 600 Industrial Circle
White City, OR 97503</span>
I took a look at this information and at their website:
http://www.swagedies.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&S...tegory_Code=RDRAWDIE
I decided to go with the BRD-1-R<span class="ev_code_RED">C</span> because this one is designed for use with Boattailed bullets which I have always found to be a bit more accurate - sometimes a whole lot more depending upon caliber.
I ordered mine this morning.
OP
S/W - Lifer
Member
- Joined
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Please let us know how it works. I've been considering doing this for a while.
S/W - Lifer
S/W - Lifer
G
Guest
Guest
I figured I'd report back. Right now I only have an outdoor Range where I can shoot my Model 53s so it may be some time before a report on shooting results.
I'm currently working on swaging a very large batch of .356-.358 bullets down to .355 but it is working very well. With the crazy prices for loading components being what it is I have decided to take these down in size and package them For Sale. Once I get enough done I'll figure out how many I can get into a USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail box and sell & ship them that way.
I'm currently working on swaging a very large batch of .356-.358 bullets down to .355 but it is working very well. With the crazy prices for loading components being what it is I have decided to take these down in size and package them For Sale. Once I get enough done I'll figure out how many I can get into a USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail box and sell & ship them that way.
G
Guest
Guest
Today's Chuckle:
Yesterday afternoon I called my Bride and asked her if she would make a stop at our local "Sporting Goods Store" - called "Joe's" but used to be GI Joe's - I told her I wanted a box of .224 diameter bullets, between 40 and 50 grains, spire pointed and boattailed. She walked back to the 'Gun Counter' and a Salesman asked her if she needed any help. She told him what she was looking for and he gave her nothing but a blank stare!!! She then said, "Just show me where you keep the bullets!" She picked up three or four boxes and then tried to give me a call because not all the brands offer a picture of the bullet on the box(I had left my cell up stairs so didn't hear her call - but then I would have had to look up the numbers myself to be sure) and she wasn't exactly sure what shape some of them were. She brought home a box of Noslers #39510 which was just fine.
I would have liked to have a bit heavier bullet because this is a 40 grainer but then it might be a good comparison because it is the same weight as the Hornady "Jet" bullets I normally load.
Before she left she did explain to the salesman what she was talking about. I guess the blank look left his face but I'm guessing he was still a bit astonished that a 'woman' would be able to "know" more about guns than he did!!!
We're into our 35th year of marriage and I'm beginning to think she is a "Keeper"!!!
Yesterday afternoon I called my Bride and asked her if she would make a stop at our local "Sporting Goods Store" - called "Joe's" but used to be GI Joe's - I told her I wanted a box of .224 diameter bullets, between 40 and 50 grains, spire pointed and boattailed. She walked back to the 'Gun Counter' and a Salesman asked her if she needed any help. She told him what she was looking for and he gave her nothing but a blank stare!!! She then said, "Just show me where you keep the bullets!" She picked up three or four boxes and then tried to give me a call because not all the brands offer a picture of the bullet on the box(I had left my cell up stairs so didn't hear her call - but then I would have had to look up the numbers myself to be sure) and she wasn't exactly sure what shape some of them were. She brought home a box of Noslers #39510 which was just fine.
I would have liked to have a bit heavier bullet because this is a 40 grainer but then it might be a good comparison because it is the same weight as the Hornady "Jet" bullets I normally load.
Before she left she did explain to the salesman what she was talking about. I guess the blank look left his face but I'm guessing he was still a bit astonished that a 'woman' would be able to "know" more about guns than he did!!!
We're into our 35th year of marriage and I'm beginning to think she is a "Keeper"!!!
roger rabbit
Member
I've been getting much better results with a Lyman 44 gr. gas checked bullet than I did with either of the .223 Sierra bullets. I won't waste any more time with jacketed bullets. 5.0 gr of Unique with a pistol primer has worked quite well so far.
G
Guest
Guest
Well, I guess it is time for a little bit of an update on this particular project. I was contacted by the folks at Corbin and they have requested a half dozen of the actual bullet that I plan on using for this project so they can make sure the new die is "correct".
I mentioned the Nosler bullets above as being the ones I was going to use but I recently found out - rumor really so I'm not 100% sure - that this particular bullet is going to be dropped shortly. I decided to then go with the Hornady #22241, 40 grain V-Max bullets. This is a spire pointed, boattailed bullet and with any luck it should work very well with my Jets.
Then I tried to purchase some of these locally and found out both of my local suppliers were "out-of-stock" and the Company has filed Chapter 11 - not a good sign. I then contacted one of my Wholesale suppliers and now have 6 boxes of this bullet in route at a much better price. As soon as they arrive I'll get 6 of them off to Corbin and see what happens.
I mentioned the Nosler bullets above as being the ones I was going to use but I recently found out - rumor really so I'm not 100% sure - that this particular bullet is going to be dropped shortly. I decided to then go with the Hornady #22241, 40 grain V-Max bullets. This is a spire pointed, boattailed bullet and with any luck it should work very well with my Jets.
Then I tried to purchase some of these locally and found out both of my local suppliers were "out-of-stock" and the Company has filed Chapter 11 - not a good sign. I then contacted one of my Wholesale suppliers and now have 6 boxes of this bullet in route at a much better price. As soon as they arrive I'll get 6 of them off to Corbin and see what happens.
Presume here you are speaking of your local supplier and not Hornady Manufacturing? I did not see anything on the web to indicate Hornady.
G
Guest
Guest
Yep. It's a placed called "Joe's" but about a year ago they changed their name from "GI Joe's" which is what they had been for many years. A batch of San Francisco investors acquired them just about that time. They started out as a 'Surplus and Gun Store' type outfit but the last year or so they have become less of a sporting goods and more of a 'Sports' as in the Yuppie type Junk store. They were over half shooting and fishing stuff ten Years ago now you can spend a hour looking for a set of insoles among the high priced tennis shoes!!!
Their selection of bullets is down to maybe a section of shelving about 6 feet long with only about 10 or 12 feet of space for their entire ammo section. They don't have much in the way of guns either. This is the place that My Bride has to explain to the Department Head what a boattailed bullet was!!!
Yes, even here in old, backward Indiana, what passes for a gun shop is a lot different than it was when I was growing up.
Keep us posted on your bullet swaging attempts to make the Jet shoot. As I said earlier, I realize factory Jet ammunition is .222 diameter and that everyone seems to agree it works very well, but I am not convinced .222 diameter projectiles are the entire answer. (I admit I don't know anything beyond that.
G
Guest
Guest
I've loaded for the "Jet" in the past and have had the best luck with the Hornady .222 bullets but haven't done much shooting beyond the 100 yard line. I've tried .223 and .224 diameter bullets and the bigger the bullet the larger the groups and the higher the pressures they produced - pressure is NOT a good thing in the "Jet". I did have very good luck with the Hornady .222 bullets with many one hole group at 100 yards.
I now have access to a 200 yard Range and would like to see if a better bullet design will make a difference. I have 4 boxes of the old style Hornady bullets but it is a flat based, flat pointed bullet design.
Also, the last time I was loading was many years ago and there are a number of new powders available. I have a "Shooter Grade" Model 53 with the long 8-3/8" barrel and a 4X Leupold scope with a 1/2 minute Dot reticule that should allow me to see just what these bullets will do.
Enjoyed reading all of your posts.
Along with "hammering" Remington and Hornady, you might want to "encourage" Smith&Wesson to "reintroduce" the M53 as part of the Classic Line.
I am no fan of the newer guns, but new production M53s would mean new factory ammunition, bullets, and brass.
Along with "hammering" Remington and Hornady, you might want to "encourage" Smith&Wesson to "reintroduce" the M53 as part of the Classic Line.
I am no fan of the newer guns, but new production M53s would mean new factory ammunition, bullets, and brass.
G
Guest
Guest
One of the reasons the Model 53 died out as a production gun was that it caused too many headaches for the service department. People wanted them to be 'tack drivers' just like there Model 17s and 18s were.
The .17 caliber Model 647 S&Ws died for exactly this same reason. I've been told: "The Model 647 was the most inaccurate rimfire gun I've ever fired!!!" And, that came from a man who's comments I believe in very strongly. Minute of Coke Can simply isn't acceptable from a Smith & Wesson.
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