Rechamber a 22 hornet to 221 fireball

[ONE HOLE 4570]

have a 22 hornet barrel (not on a rifle yet)& would like to ream it to a 221 fireball. Is this doable by hand or should I take it to a smith & use let them do it on a lath

[iiranger]

Barrel for what? Single shot rifle. TC? Is it possible by hand? Yes. Is it a "good idea?" Probably not. Some 'smiths will do the chamber by hand (or in the lath with the power off) to get maximum "feel" but they know almost all there is to know about what they are doing...

#1). Many Hornet barrels were 1 in 16 twist or 1 in 14... I believe the .221 was faster twist usually. Are you willing to be restricted to the lightest of bullets? For what gun? Is is strong enough for the .221? I believe it works at almost twice the standard pressure of the hornet... 50% more for sure. 35K CUP vs 55K CUP...

#2). If you have unusually steady hands and alot of experience at machine work... Maybe. If you are a novice... the lath prevents alot of slop with kills accuracy, case life, etc.  LUCK!

[ONE HOLE 4570]

Single shot, 1:12 handy just for something different
not the steadiest of hands so I'll prob take it in. Thanks

[quickdtoo]

If you're considering renting a reamer, the cost to have a smith do it, isn't that much more unless he has to rent the reamer too, but I'd recommend having it done by a smith, you'll end up with a nice chamber instead of possibly ruining it which is possible if done by hand without a lathe.

Twist rate won't be an issue as it has a 1:12" twist. SAAMI MAP for the Hornet is 43kcup, the Fireball is 52kcup, well within an SB2 Handi's strength for the .221's case head thrust.

Tim

http://www.frfrogspad.com/miscellk.htm#pressure