Author Topic: Romanian M69 conversion? (Read 741 times)

indeeptrouble · « **on:** June 02, 2005, 07:37:06 AM »

Recently I purchased a Romanian M1969 and was talking to a friend of mine and he mentioned that the bore on these is actually .223 cal. He also said with some modifications that they can be converted into a 22 hornet. Anyone had any experience with this? Is it worth doing? Thanks

HouseofCash · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2005, 09:40:21 AM »

I do not know if it can be turned into a 22 hornet gun or not. But, is it worth it? It may, or may not be. 22 hornet can be pricey ammo, while .22lr is not and you could shoot a 1000 rounds for 14 buck, vs. 20+ dollars a box for 22 hornet. 22 hornet is also center fire, so it might take alot more then first thought to change it over, Im really not sure.

What is it you really want to do with the rifle? If it is pinking and small game you want, stay .22lr. From what Ive hurd "as is" there a pretty good shooting .22lr gun. IMHO if I had one I would leave it "as is".

Dave.

jh45gun · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2005, 10:26:07 AM »

Thats what 22 LR is .223 and 22 centerfire is .224 including the Hornet and even the 22 mag though that is a rimfire. That is why convertable pistols that shoot 22lr and 22 mag are bored .224 so they can shoot the mag round as they figure the soft 223 lead of the 22 lr will bump up to fill the bore to shoot the 22lr round. You cannot do it the other way shooting a 224 cal into a 223 cal. So there for the conversion is not doable to be safe. Even if the conversion would be doable I really doubt it would be worth it you could by a used hornet cheaper. The Romanian 22's shoot so good as they are bored the correct size. I have heard of a 22 Cooper built from these rifles but I do not know what bullet size it uses. I would think shooting a 224 bullet down a 223 bore would raise pressure and not be safe as I am guessing that is what this Cooper uses same with the Hornet. I would not think it would be a safe conversion irf it was doable which I do not think it is at least for the Hornet. I have no idea on the Cooper but if I remember right the cooper is just a centerfire that mimics the 22 mag so why bother just get a 22 mag. Jim

indeeptrouble · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2005, 04:49:05 AM »

I am an avid reloader and gearing up for 22 hornet would not be a problem. I realize that it would have to be converted from rimfire to centerfire, re-chambered and re-headspaced, and that ammo costs would increase dramatically. BUT my goal of this project would be to have something not many others have. I want people to say 'what in the he$$ is that?!' or 'I didn't know they made those'. I am still torn between leaving it as is (22LR) or tweaking it. I am not set, however, on the 22 hornet and need to do more research on other cartidges, such as the 22 cooper, before I start. This started out as a practice rife, practice bedding/stock refinishing/checkering but I don't want to 'ruin' this rifle to where it is worthless - no resale. I only paid $30 for it so I guess I have nothing to lose except time and effort. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

Bigdog57 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2005, 05:32:59 AM »

Two main questions:

1) Is the action long enough to extract and eject the fired case? What about an unfired cartridge? Obviously, it'll be singleshot.

2) Is the single bolthandle lug strong enough for the Hornet pressures?
Early Hornets did use the .223 bullets, which can still be found for the reloading of the older rifles.