224-32 FA

[Bob Baker]

Just wanted to let everyone know the new 224-32 FA cartridge is now available in the M97.  Here is the data sheet.  http://www.freedomarms.com/224-32fada.pdf

We have 327 Federal cases available to make the 224-32 FA case out of and the loading dies will be in shortly.

[Lloyd Smale]

bob what kind of expanion are your getting at those velocitys?

[Bob Baker]

Lloyd, we run fairly tight chambers so expansion is limited to a couple thousandths in diameter in the body area but in the neck area we have to run a little looser due to case mouth runout.

[Graybeard]

Bob I recall when we shot it here at my house that day one of the two loads you had was very sticky on extraction and the other smooth as could be to drop out. I seem to recall the only difference was the bullet brand but am going on memory here.

Did you have that same problem when you went on to the shoot you were going to from here? Have you altered the load data since those preliminary loads we fired in it then?

Guys it's a nice little revolver if you just gotta have a hot .22 Revolver this one sure is a nice choice. It's very mild mannered and no doubt more accurate than this old fart can shoot.

When you get the single shot ready Bob I'd like a chance at a review sample when you can swing it. A 6.5 JDJ like the one you had here or a 7-30 Waters would be about ideal in my mind. I think JD reported you were expecting to have them ready in the next two to three months.

[Bob Baker]

One thing I found is the case annealing was causing a lot of sticking problems.  After a lot of testing I found the case life as well as performance was as good if not better when not annealed.  We also found that after fireforming it was best to not just jump to the highest loads as the case will continue to form for the next couple loads which changes case capacity and pressures.

If the data sheet is followed I have found there are just about zero problems.  Earlier this week we tested 3 new unfired revolvers just to verify the case forming and loading process.  60 cases were fired 5 times each using different powders, primers and bullets.  We didn’t loose a single case or have any extraction or rotational binding problems.

The single shot is still several months away.  After the Shot Show and SCI show I should be able to spend some time on it.  I have an idea of how to handle the rimless cartridges but haven’t had time to test the idea yet.  We will plan on you doing a review when they are ready.

[Steve P]

If I send you my youngest daughter, will you send me one of these with a 10" octagon barrel?  You could almost make a .22 hornet cylinder for the same gun so you could shoot factory ammo if need be........or not.  (.020 difference in case length)

Looks like a fun project.  I might have to get me one of these. 

Steve

[Bob Baker]

Thanks for the offer Steve but as tempting as it is I think I will pass.

The .22 Hornet would be way too long for the cylinder in the M97.

[Carlislegr]

Heard from Freedom yesterday that they had shipped my 224-32.  I hope to crank out some loads this weekend and see how their new gun shoots.

[Wiking]

Let us know how she shoots. Maybe a few pictures would be nice... with cartridges, for those of us who will never see this cartridge in real life (that would be me )

[big800]

Can you put a 224-32 cylinder on a 22lr model 97??

[Ken ONeill]

  centerfire-rimfire 

[big800]

Thanks Ken I don't know why I over looked that.

[stimpylu32]

I see this round running on par with the Hornet in a handgun , could it be chambered in say a TC or H&R single shot barel ?

I have a H&R that is in 224 GNR which is a 357 Max case necked down to .224 and I love it , this would make it a sweet Little Brother for that one . 

A 22 Hornet barrel MAY clean up with a long throat but a 22 Mag barrel would do even better .

stimpy

[JayCee]

Hello, everyone.  I'm new to the forum, but not new to Freedom Arms.  I currently own five, in .475, .454, .45 Long Colt, .357 mag, and .22/.22 mag.

I've always been interested in high velocity .22 centerfire handguns, but have never owned one.  I almost bought a .22 Remington Jet revolver a few years ago, but decided against it due to the problems with the cases backing out and binding the cylinder.  The new 224-32 just looks like it might be the answer to my quest...

Does anyone currently have one of these?  Since my local shop won't have one for months, if at all, I'd like to put in an order either directly with FA or with another dealer and have it shipped to my FFL.  How do you guys go about ordering an FA?

Thanks...   

[Graybeard]

Any FFL holder can order one for you direct from the factory. They don't operate thru distributors so all go direct from factory to FFL holder to end user.

[Ken ONeill]

Graybeard answered one part of your question, here's an attempt at the other part: I don't own one , but I've shot Bob's 10" version. It is extraordinarily accurate, and extracts flawlessly. A 7 1/2" version is next on my acquisition list.

[JayCee]

Thanks for the info...

Any idea on what the lead time is for ordering one?  I'm planning to give this gun to myself as a birthday present in February, so I want to order it far enough in advance that it'll be here by that time.  Hopefully, I'll be able to find some 327 Federal brass by then.  Currently, no one seems to stock it...

[Ken ONeill]

Freedom Arms has the .327 Federal brass, or did 4 weeks ago. Call FA for lead times. I'd GUESS 3-4 months.