In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Turns out you can reload 22LR
drobs
Member Posts: 22,527 ✭✭✭✭
Comments
Also, you have to hope you don't "restrike" the cartridge on the rim where it was struck before when you fire it.
IMO this kind of thing is best done (and most often done) when .22LR rounds are just unavailable.
With 22LR readily available now at about $0.08-$0.20 round, I don't think it makes sense to reload them (in the USA), except maybe as a psychological survivalist exercise just to learn how to do it.
Edit: To me this is like "build your own lightbulbs, save pennies per year!". Box of 100 .22s now costs about $15. How much is your TIME worth in reloading these?
I've been looking into making your own percussion caps for shooting black powder. The Tap O Cap cap maker is long gone from production but it seems they can be tracked down. The biggest issue is using roll caps for the ignition.
Regarding 22lr - I think you'd want to hit the rim in a different place than where you hit it before.
Here's some 'reloads' I did several months ago,,,,,,,,,,the units are packaged just down the road from me. I did this as a lark and the fun of it. They list several powders and amt. for the reloads.
My calculations show I have a 1in 16 chance of re-striking the previous firing pin hit,,,,,
When they finally came up with the current priming compound I was talking with the owner,,,,,,,,he took a small pinch and placed it on the concrete floor and struck it with light blow from a hammer, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,BAM ,,nuff said,,,,[;)]
Forge, did you try 'undenting' the firing pin hit? I was thinking it wouldn't take much to reach inside with a tool and pop it out. I may have to try it.
compound was spun into the rim with centrifugal force...[?]
One can reload thermite grenades in one's basement as well. If you know how.
I'm not sure either is a good idea, or that the juice is worth the squeeze.
[:p][:p][:p][;)]
FWIW, this is the process I've developed (in theory):
Scrape strike anywhere match heads (NOT the strike on box) into a powder, mix with water to make a paste.
Inject paste into rim of case, spin case with a drill to push paste to outside of rim with centrifugal force.
seat #4 buckshot (24 caliber) pellet into case, crimp for tightness
You'll notice the only step left out is the charging. I have no idea what powder or how much to use, but a small amount of Unique might fit the bill.
Try at your own risk and post results.
Forster discontinued them.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/842064/forster-tap-o-cap-11-percusion-cap-maker
There was another fella making a similar product but stopped altogether a few years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMs3HeAo9EI