Single Six .22 magnum accuracy......

[Del]

I recently aquired a "new to me" Single Six that only came with the .22 mag cylinder, which is great because that's what I wanted it for!  So my question to all of you is: what is the most accurate .22 mag ammo in your single six!!??  

I know each gun is different, but with .22 lr ammo there are certain brands/loads that shoot good to great in just about any handgun or rifle in that chambering, and I was wondering if there are some similar findings w/the .22 mag ammo.  

Any information you are willing to share is greatly appreciated!
Del

[Jerry Lester]

I've owned several Single Sixes, in different variations. My current one(and favorite out of all of them) is the 5.5" stainless.

My current one shoots the CCI TNTs extremely good, as did my last one. I've also had great accuracy with the 50g HP loads from both Federal, and CCI, but both of those loads left a "LOT" to be desired on any game bigger than a rabbit.  They acted more like a FMJ bullet at revolver velocities.

Most of the Single Sixes will actually shoot at least acceptably with most 22 magnum ammo. I've pretty much settled on the CCI TNTs simply because they perform so well on tougher varmints like coons, and groundhogs.

[Del]

Jerry Lester,
You mention that the 50 grn JHP from Federal & CCI act more like FMJ's on anything bigger then a rabbit.  I was hoping just the oppposite, what other critters have you used that load on, when using a handgun??

Also, doesn't anyone else out there use the .22 mag cylinder in their Single Six??!!  What is the most accurate ammo in your gun??  

I figured to gather up about 5-6 of the most recommended loads, no sense buying a box of "brand X" if it has a reputation for not shooting good in just about every Single Six!

Any information you have to share would be greatly appreciated!!
Del

[Jerry Lester]

I've used the 50g CCi Gold Dots, and the 50g Federal HPs on coons, possums, and groundhogs a good bit. I never draw my conclusions from one or two attempts. I've shot a dozen or so groundhogs with each load, and about as many coons, and possums between the two loads.

The best hands down so far have been the CCI TNTs. They're accurate, and hit harder, with more stopping power than any other 22 magnum ammo I've ever tried any a revolver. They exit my 5.5" Single-Six at around 1560 fps, which is fast compared to most other 22 magnum ammo exept the CCI Maxi-mag +Vs.

The TNTs have been very accurate in several Single-Sixes for me.

[44 Man]

I've found 22 mags to be very accurate if you take a little time to sort them.  Get out your reloading scale and weigh them!  In a typical box of 50, I will usuall find about 3 or 4 that are quite light (less powder?) and one that is heavier than the rest.  Throw those into a plinking pile and hunt with the rest.  This takes a little time but you will see much improved groups.  44 Man

[Jerry Lester]

I thought I was the only one that particular! LOL!

[papajohn428]

I don't have any experience with the Ruger, but I had a Colt "New Frontier" 22 convertible that was okay with 22LR ammo, but absolutely AMAZING with 22 Mags.  That was back when the Federal 50-HP was brand new, and I was testing everything I could get my hands on (mid 80's).  That Colt would consistently put six shots under an inch at 25 yards off a solid rest, and twice it went under a half inch.  I still have the targets!  You don't throw those away, ever!  

I just wish I still had that gun, I gave it to a sergeant who collected Colts, I bet it hasn't been shot since.

Papajohn

[Glanceblamm]

My old H&R Model 649 seems to prefer the LR over the WMR but still shoots them ok.
When I buy WMR ammo it is always CCI as I have no misfires with it!.

[Nebraska Kelly]

Hello. I have had a love affair with the 22 mag for 25 years. I have owned several single six revolvers shooting the 22 mag. The most accurate load I found was the winchester 40gr hollow point. I have had all diffrent barrel lengths of that gun. The only one that shot GOOD was the 9 1/2 inch gun. All the shorter barrels were very dissapointing. I never felt the need to look for any other brand of ammo. Always good luck with the winchester round.
Nebraska Kelly

[Del]

What is it with the 9 1/2" barrel Single Sixes, is it the longer sight radius that makes them so accurate!?  

Or does the longer barrel just seem to help stabilize the .22 mag bullets better out of alonger tube vs. a short one!?

I've never even seen a 9 1/2" barrel singel six, much less had the chance to buy one.  If I get the chance one of these days, I'll just have to pick it up and give it a go for a while and see how it does for me!!

It's good to give, because sometimes you recieve back.  Well, I sold a .22 mag a while back, gave the guy a bunch of ammo, but gave the "premium" stuff to my friend / room mate.  Well I went looking for to buy some CCI TNT and couldn't find any in town, guess what my room mate gave me a box - hmmm wonder where he got them!!  :grin:

Thanks for the input so far guys!!  Still like to hear more & more actuall "field results" if you'd like to share a bit!?

Del

[SingleFan]

My single sixes have always shot decently, but when I had one of them accurized by Dave Clements, accuracy improved a great deal.

As one previous poster said (I believe it was the poster who has had a love affair with the 22 mag for 25 years), I've had the most consistently good accuracy from the Winchester ammo.

With the new cylinders and match grade bbl, it likes CCI Velocitors in the 22lr and Federal 50 grainers in the magnum.  My other SSX likes Winnies; lr and magnum.

I agree with the post that this is the most versatile gun.  It sees much more use than my big bores.  I'm thinking about an M97 convertible, or the M97 in 17hmr.

[Bang]

My SS likes the Winchester Supremes and the heavier 50gr. rounds.

Bang

[LMM]

I had an Old Model Single Six 6.5" barrel that liked the following load the best.

Winchester Supreme 34gr JHP S22WM

It also shot the following very accurately.

CCI Maxi Mag 40gr Solid
CCI Maxi Mag 40gr JHP
Federal Premium 50gr JHP

It didn't do very well with the real light weight +V type stuff.

I now have a New Model Single Six Stainless with 5.5" barrel.  As soon as I can get out with it (weather sucks right now) will report back.

I know I already like the inch shorter barrel.  Just feels better.