Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Winchester 22 WRF, why not in revolvers?

CS8161
Why does the manufacturer not recommend this ammo in 22 Mag revolvers? I have fired a few rounds in my S&W J frame 22 mag with no noticeable problems?
0

Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • 1KYDSTR
    WRF and WMR are NOT the same round and I believe there is a difference in OD of the case. I think in rifles the WRF can be used in a WMR, but not vice versa. Kinda playing with fire I think. It will likely work, but could lead to issues.
    0
  • countryfarmer
    Specifications
    Bullet diameter .224 in (5.7 mm)
    Neck diameter .242 in (6.1 mm)
    Base diameter .243 in (6.2 mm)
    Rim diameter .295 in (7.5 mm)
    Case length 0.96 in (24 mm)
    Overall length 1.17 in (30 mm)
    Primer type rimfire


    22 magnum specs below and 22 WRF above


    Parent case .22 WRF
    Bullet diameter .224 in (5.7 mm)
    Neck diameter .240 in (6.1 mm)
    Base diameter .241 in (6.1 mm)
    Rim diameter .291 in (7.4 mm)
    Rim thickness .046 in (1.2 mm)
    Case length 1.052 in (26.7 mm)
    Overall length 1.35 in (34 mm)
    Primer type Rimfire
    0
  • 32 Magnum
    The 7th Ed. (revised) of Barnes/Bussard's "Cartridges of the World" has this: "Although there is little difference in bullet diameter between the WRF and the standard 22 rimfires, the WRF has a larger case diameter to accept the full diameter bullet. It is much too large to fit the standard 22 Long Rifle chamber. The 22 Short or Long Rifle fits the WRF chamber quite loosely and will not fire or extract in many guns. When they do fire, the case often splits and accuracy is extremely poor. THE 22 WRF CAN BE SAFELY FIRED IN ANY GUN CHAMBERED FOR THE 22 WINCHESTER MAGNUM RIMFIRES." (emphasis added).
    Also: when writing of the WM(agnum)R vs the WRF... "Case dimensions are the same except for length, and the WRF can be fired in any gun chambered for the Magnum Rimfire. ... The 22 WRF is loaded with outside lubricated lead bullets while the 22 WMR is loaded with jacketed bullets..."
    I'm thinking it's more a matter of residue build up or erosion in the fore-end of the cylinder bore that is of concern - it certainly isn't a pressure issue.
    0
  • dandak1
    I have a winny 1890 in this caliber (WRF) and often carry a Ruger 22 Mag single six when woods walking with this rifle. The single six shoots them perfectly.
    0
  • Bert H.
    They want you to buy the more expensive 22 WMR. As several others have stated, 22 WRF cartridges can be safely fired in any firearm that is factory chambered for the 22 WMR.
    0
  • Geri
    In my ruger single six, the 22 WRF is more accurate than the 22 LR or the 22 WMR
    0
  • CS8161
    Thanks!
    0
  • wundudnee
    32 Magnum and Bert H both give good information. As has been stated, you can shoot WRFs in WMR chambered firearms, but not WMRs in WRF guns. Shooting WRFs in a revolver chambered for WMRs would be no different than shooting .38 Specials in a revolver chambered for .357 magnums, or .40s in a 10mm.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity