Ruger Blackhawk 22LR/22 Magnum bore size?

[fatelvis]

Just wondering if anybody knows what the bore dimensions are for a Ruger Blackhawk convertible, in 22 magnum / 22 LR. As far as I know, those two required different dimensions, and I was wondering which one they settled on. Thanks!

 

[SSL]

Just wondering if anybody knows what the bore dimensions are for a Ruger Blackhawk convertible, in 22 magnum / 22 LR. As far as I know, those two required different dimensions, and I was wondering which one they settled on. Thanks!

I remember researching this years ago. The bore diameter is .223" (same as .22 LR). The .22 Magnum is .224". The .22 Magnum can easily squeeze down that last .001" little bit, where the .22 LR might not bump up enough to prevent leading and accuracy issues if they had chosen "224"...or at least that was the story Ruger told me many years ago.

 

[fatelvis]

I remember researching this years ago. The bore diameter is .223" (same as .22 LR). The .22 Magnum is .224". The .22 Magnum can easily squeeze down that last .001" little bit, where the .22 LR might not bump up enough to prevent leading and accuracy issues if they had chosen "224"...or at least that was the story Ruge told me many years ago.

Thank you SSL, I was hoping that was the answer! I bought it as a project gun. A convertible, with no rear sight and missing the 22LR cylinder. I just put some time and money into it, and was hoping it shot best with the 22LR ammo.

 

[SSL]

Thank you SSL, I was hoping that was the answer! I bought it as a project gun. A convertible, with no rear sight and missing the 22LR cylinder. I just put some time and money into it, and was hoping it shot best with the 22LR ammo.

You are welcome. Accuracy should be fine with either of the loads, but mine (bought it new in 1970) always shoots the .22 LR loads a little better. Since the old Single Six isn't really a target gun, either should work to your satisfaction. Fun plinking revolvers.

 

[GotRDid]

I have a Stainless Super Single Six (?) I inherited from my Father; he never fired it. I have yet to do so and I intended to ask a similar question. Thank You FatElvis for reminding me of my query!
Likewise, Thank You to SSL for your replies, and now I need to get it out to celebrate my Father’s passion for the Ruger Single Actions.
I Love this Forum and it’s Members!

 

[SSL]

I have a Stainless Super Single Six (?) I inherited from my Father; he never fired it. I have yet to do so and I intended to ask a similar question. Thank You FatElvis for reminding me of my query!
Likewise, Thank You to SSL for your replies, and now I need to get it out to celebrate my Father’s passion for the Ruger Single Actions.
I Love this Forum and it’s Members!

Single Six had fixed sights...Super Single Six had adjustable sights. Both fun, but the Super is a bit more versatile. There are times I wish mine was the Super, but not often enough to too get excited.

 

[cmillard]

Im pretty sure it is the other way around. They go with the .22 mag bore size. That is why accuracy in .22 lr has been problematic. I had a single 10 years ago, when they first came out. I was going to use it as my squirrel and rabbit pistol. I tried about everything to get it to shoot good enough groups for squirrel.....think of the size of their head. The best I could do was down to around 2 to 3 inches, even with premium match ammo. Tried lightening the trigger, re-cut the crown, etc. I got a wild hair one day and took a .22lr round and the bullet easily slid into the bore from the muzzle with little to no resistance. I did a little research and they use the larger diameter. I sold the revolver......I wish i hadn't, as I later heard about the Paco .22lr tool that was created for issues like this.

 

[K22]

I have had several Super Single Six revolvers. Theoretically, they should not shoot as well with 22 LR because of the slightly larger bore diameter to accommodate the 22 Magnum cartridge. This is an example of where theory does not match reality.

With CCI Standard Velocity 22 LR ammunition, I experienced little if any decrease in accuracy compared to my target grade S&W Model 17 revolvers. I think the variation I did see, was more due to individual pistols rather than a systemic issue with the bore diameter. For example, I had one Ruger 6 1/2" which shot on par with all three of my Model 17's, and even better than one of them.

The issue I found with the Ruger's were twofold: 1) the factory stocks are too small for precise shooting and 2) the trigger pull with factory springs is too heavy. I solved both of these issues with replacement stocks and Wolfe Spring kits.

These are fine revolvers for general field use, range shooting, and hunting. Very durable and capable of acceptable practical accuracy. However, they are not target grade competitive revolvers nor were they designed as such. But only dinosaurs like me shot revolvers in NRA Precision Pistol competition.