22-40

[Glen H]

I acquired an old hart action 18" heavy barreled rifle. The only stamp is 22-40. I inquired at harts but the rifle was wildcatted. The best guess was built in 50's.
Any old timers have a guess what it was based on?

 

[Jerry M]

a chamber cast will be helpful to determine what it is, if you strike out.

 

[Glen H]

That was in the plans. Just wondering if anyone had a guess.
Thanks

 

[Liberator]

Necked down 38-40 ? Rimmed or rimless ?

 

[Glen H]

Necked down 38-40 ? Rimmed or rimless ?

This is what I have to start with.

 

[Liberator]

What is the diameter of the recess in the bolt head ?

 

[Glen H]

There you go.
Thanks

 

[Glen H]

I also get a reading of .3890 as a high reading as I work around the recess.

 

[Liberator]

I believe it's a wildcat based on a fire formed Ackley type shoulder using a 222 Rem. to start. See 222-40 below. I believe the -40 is for the 40 degree shoulder .

 

[Liberator]

OOPS ! Wrong ! Here it is ! It's based on the 222 Rem. Mag. Neat cartridge ! 40 degree shoulder.

!

 

[Glen H]

So buy a box of 222 mag n try a fire form? 222rem empties fit inside chamber.
Thanks for your help!!!
Seems like you enjoy problem solving.

 

[snox801]

I'm not sure what it is but I'm interested for sure

 

[357Mag]

Glen -

Howdy !

" Duece Mag " brass is fairly hard to come by.

You might be able to work, using .204 Ruger as basic brass ?


With regards,
357Mag

 

[Liberator]

You didn't mention the barrel twist, but I would clean the heck out of it and fire form some cases. If you can find some loaded 222 mag. great. If you can't you'll have to cook some up, either with brass, or using 204 brass and necking up as 357MAG says. Good Luck ! Gonna be fun ! Now to find dies.