Author Topic: 22WCF (Read 725 times)

jim,in · « **on:** February 12, 2003, 02:29:51 PM »

:?: I'm new to the board, I need some info on the 22wcf can someone tell my what the load was and the type of bullet and anything about it

Win71 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2003, 04:54:17 PM »

Jim, according to Cartridges of the World the 22 WCF was the predecessor of the 22 Hornet. The 22 WCF was introduced in 1885 as one of the original cartridges for the Winchester Model 1885 single shot rifle. It was also chambered in the Remington No. 7 rolling block rifle in 1904. The load was discontinued in 1936. The original load was a 45 grain lead bullet and a 13 grain charge of FFFG black powder. For jacketed bullet loads use a 45 grain bullet for a 22 Hornet ahead of 4 grains of Unique powder or 6 grains of 2400 powder. For cases you probably can use 22 Hornet brass as they appear very similar if not identical (I have both cartridges in front of me right now). If it does chamber DON"T ATTEMPT TO SHOOT A 22 HORNET CARTRIDGE IN A 22 WCF. The loading data for a Hornet is at least 50% higher than a 22 WCF and pressures could be EXCESSIVE in a soft steel barrel of an 1885 single shot.

jim,in · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2003, 05:38:19 PM »

Thank You for your help, I don't have an old rifle I'm going to load for my T/C super 14 hornet. I use cast bullet in it now I shoot a 44,55 and a 62gr. I read that the hornet came from the 22wcf, Icould'nt find any info. on it. I shoot a lot with my muzzleloaders it's a 45" 1/72 twist 50cal. I though I would try the 22wcf

w30wcf · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2003, 04:48:15 PM »

Win 71 has provided a good history on this cartridge. Early velocity was listed as 1,481 f.p.s. and was later increased to 1,552 f.p.s.

I have fired many .22 W.C.F. equivalent smokeless loads in my .22 Hornet '43 Winchester along with over 300 black powder & substitute b.p. loads.

I get excellent accuracy with 45 gr. cast NEI or Lyman's 225438 and smokeless. After trying a number of loads and powders, the one that has given me the most consistant results is 3.3 grs. of 231 and a CCI 300 primer (small pistol).

I am still trying to find a black powder load that will shoot in to 1" consistantly @ 50 yards. Most of my b.p. groups are in the 1 1/2 - 2" range at that distance.

Surprisingly, I have also had good success with Lyman's 225462 bullet.
At 59 grains in Wheelweight + 2% tin, it shouldn't shoot that great in a 16" twist barrel but at 1,500 f.p.s. it does. The last group I fired with 3.8 grs. of 231 and this bullet @ 100 yards had 5 shots in 1".

Good luck,
w30wcf