Ream 22lr or 22 mag sportster barrel to 22 hornet for centerfire frame?

[vdubluv]

The 22 lr/22 mag Sportster barrel physically "fits" fine on an SB1/SB2 frame but the firing pin strikes the center of the case=No fire. Right? Why couldn't you ream the 22 rf sportster chamber to 22 hornet so it works on the rifle/shotgun frame? Anybody done this? I happen to know where a  cheap 22mag barrel is without a frame.  I don't know about barrel twist rate or bore sizes being off too much. Should be fine. Right?

[mitch132]

That has been done many times by members here. The only drawback is the barrel is made of a weaker steel, not 4140. Shouldn't bother a hornet though.

[trotterlg]

I have done a couple and it works great.  Remember, the origional Hornets were made using 22 LR barrels, so it is natural fit for the Handi.  Larry

[dpe.ahoy]

Larry would know better than I but I think the 22 mag barrel would work, the LR barrel may have different bore?  DP

[MSP Ret]

the physical differnece between a .22 LR barrel and a .22 WMR barrel is only .001 to .002 (on paper, perhaps not in real life). Myself and now others here have had .22LR Versa Pac barrels redone to .22 WMR by simply having the chamber reamed out. All of these have shot great in the new .22 WMR chambering even though the bullets now being shot are, theoretically at least, about .001 larger then the original .22 LR bullets. That difference in diameter is no danger nor any harm to the barrel, gun, or shooter. Given my choice I would use a .22 LR barrel as a donor for a .22 Hornet project but a .22 WMR barrel would also work. The actual physical difference in bore diameters is more dependant on the reamer used the day the barrel was made, a new or well used reamer, etc. I say go for it, whatever happens, it should be able to be made to shoot with proper loading (bullets)....<><....

[vdubluv]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll definately have to get that barrel and try to borrow a reamer. I'd rather have a 22 hornet than 223 any day. I used to load a 223 down to 2600-2700 to plink with any way. No need or want of the noise and blast. Handloading a hornet with pistol powders and primers is much more efficient and fun than buying ridiculous priced 22 magnum bullets.  It will keep me from loading those damn 9mms so much . I'll be trading alot of 223 brass and Lee deluxe dies for Hornet stuff soon I hope.

[quickdtoo]

Here's a little insight into the accuracy potential of Hornet accuracy from a .22Lr barrel. 

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,160165.msg1098710803.html#msg1098710803

[wreckhog]

How much is .22 Hornet per shot? I thought factory was around 80 cents and a reload around 22 cents (5 cents prorated brass 4 cents primer 2 cents powder 11 cents bullet) You can actually reload .223 for less if you plink with FMJ's.

[vdubluv]

So much for the cheap 22 mag sportster barrel. He wants $75 for it! . I reluctantly offered $50. No deal. Even for $50 and having to ream to 22Hornet it's too much. I guess I'll just look for a 223 gun or barrel to load down to 2700fps like I used to. It would shoot those cheap pulled fmj better anyhow.