Handi rifle in 219 Zipper Imp

[RwBeV]

Well I just couldn't stand it, had both grand kids this morning the 2 year old was driving his grandmother and me crazy, the one year old was into everything and then they where both fighting and then bitting the dog ect.... So I escaped to the shop. Standing there in the quiet with a cup of coffee I thought I have a set of 219 Zipper Imp dies, a new 219 Zipper Imp reamer and a Handi rifle in 223 that I wasn't real pleased with the chamber. The next thing I know the chips where flying and in a couple of hours I had a 219 Zipper Imp. and was wondering what should I feed this thing. Any body out there have any pet loads for this thing? I plan on using 50 to 55 grain bullets. I wonder what I will come up with the next time we baby set.

Thanks
Bob

 

[bheadboy]

I had one and you will love it. mine was on a hiwal, and had a26" bbl. i do not know the twist as i got it from my father when i was 14, ----way back in the last century it was originally a 22-3000 lovell then rechambered in the late 60's

the brass i used was ww, the primer were win and rp, the powder of choice with 50 and 55 was 3031.

the change in powders since 1960-now is such that any number of choices may work, consider 3031 4064 varget, speeds usin 219 std loads to start and work up

you will be surprised as to how accurate the case is.

enjoy,

Bob

 

[RwBeV]

It should be a fun little gun to play with. I always look for falling block actions for my projects never have fooled around with the handi rifles much. I started forming brass last night with just some different dies I had laying around, they form up real nice.

 

[necchi]

Handi Rifles can be allot of fun for someone that likes to tinker. They're kinda fussy about barrel/frame fit, lock-up and can have forearm issues.
Nothing complicated, and all of it can be done at the kitchen table, beautiful simplicity.
A few simple tip's-n-tricks can easily have the lowley Handi shooting sub moa at 200-300 or beyond.
I've one in 223 that shoots dimes at 200, ;D

What twist yours have, 1-9 or 1-12 ?
A 219 zipper aughta be fun, a parent 30-30 necked down to 224 ? Should be a screamer.

 

[bheadboy]

My 219 mashburn was very close to 22-250 and about the 225 win as far a drop etc. i did not have a crono at that time but it was a very accurate rivle. 3031 4064 were the powders of choice then, in the last century

Bob

 

[jonbearman]

They still list the .219 zipper(unimproved) in hornady and I would start there and carefully work up.I will check ken waters pet loads and get back to you.

PS: According to the wildcat cartridge manual the author used 33.0 grains of imr4320 with a 50 grain bullet and 33 grains of h4895 with a 55 grain bullet.It also says the reloading data for the .225 winchester can be used to work up loads due to its obvious similaritys to the older cartridge.It is also sort of similar to the donaldson wasp only as a note. Just use the .225 winchester loads and stay conservative till you see pressure signs as the handi rifle is not the strongest action on the planet.

 

[RwBeV]

Finally had a chance to get out and form a few cases. Nothing to impressive yet but I didn't lose one case. I would like to hear about those little tricks to get this thing to shoot necchi, as near as I can tell it has a 14 twist.

Thanks
Bob

 

[frnkeore]

Yes, the 225Win and Zipper Imp are near twins. My best load in my 28" barrel, 225 Win High Wall is 33.0 gr Varget with 55 gr sierra FB. It beat out the same charge in 4895 and 4064. 1/2 group @ 100. The other 2 loads rand 3/4 to 1".

Frank