on this one.

">.25 STEVENS RIMFIRE: Old single-shot guns in this obsolete caliber can be cheaply fired again by using .27 caliber #5 Power Loads from Home Depot behind #2 buckshot."

Comments, anyone?

I think what they're talking about here is the power loads used in "powder actuated "nail guns. I use them quite often for driving nails into concrete (via a nail gun). They are made by Remington and they are a 22 rimfire less the bullet, sorta like a blank. Funny you ask,was just using some the other day and was wondering how they would work in place of 22 blanks.

Sorry, didn't catch the 27 caliber ref. I think what I described is available in both 22 and 27 caliber loads.

Thanks, Craigster.

I had gotten about that far. I am just wondering whether this is a bright idea or total lunacy?

I know the buckshot is workable.

I was kinda wondering the same thing myself. I think it might be OK as long as excessive pressure isn't created. Not sure about the 27 cal loads, but I do know that the 22 cals are available in low, medium, and high versions. Let us know how this works if you decide to go there.

Gents,
I would have to butt in here and warn you what you speak of will probably blow up your gun. Remington's own web site warns in big letters
NEVER USE IN A FIREARM,,,,these power loads are manufactured to different standards from any other ammunition,Consider the job they are designed to do= drive a nail into concrete.
This requires a totally different pressure curve than that designed for driving bullets out a bore.
Please refrain from attempting this practice.
I would hope to read many more posts from both of you. Please,please please,,, go to remingtons web site and read it for yourself or ask them personally,they have a 800 number on their website. 45nut

45nut, thanks for your input. Reminds me of the old saying," there are old reloaders, but there are no old bold reloaders".

45Nut,

I apreciate your concern. I would not do anything I considered truly dangerous, but I cut the tags off my mattress. Warnings don't scare me much unless they are backed by facts. The rifle in question is a Stevens model 44 which was used for .38-55 and .32-40. I can't see 3 grains of anything short of straight nitrogycerine blowing it up.

The short crimped case would be hard pressed to get three grains of anything in it. I bought a batch. (100 for $10) and fired one as a blank. Fits chamber, fired perfectly, case did not bulge, report less that I would have expected from .22 LR. There was a small crack in the crimped part of the case, but that did not surprise me.

I am hunting around for some #2 or #3 buckshot or some cast .25 acp bullets. If I hear anything concrete before then, I will desist, but it has to be concrete.

After all, I have fired Rugers without sending for the instruction manual.

gents,
I was only trying to help,I value life,liberty and the pursuit of firearms....accepting that I just don't wish anyone to lose a gun,eyesight,or worse. I have a few ruger's here too and I would be hard pressed to find a manual for any of them.
Just my humble opinion I guess,and not wanting to find out someone blew up a fine old gun before I had a chance to shoot it. There are sources for the stevens rimfire ammo it was designed for after all. or maybe a rebarrel is in order...45nut

45nut,

Your caution really is appreciated. Were the gun in question one of the cheapie boys rifles, or a tip-up pistol, I would stop the project right here.

Because of your post, I did go to the Remington website and read their cautions. It looked to me like legal boilerplate, with perhaps a real concern about someone using them in a zinc starter pistol. You are making me think much more carefully about the risks, and that is a good thing.

Right on ,,,See this can be settled without flames,insults,general negatives like those seen on the Big Bore columns a bit back. Some good men here and there,some idiots.....Jeeze the flames were really going there for a bit and it's nice to see it settle back down to useful tidbits and the like. Thanks all 45nut

Leftoverdj,

Since you already got 100 cartridges, when you get your #2 shot why not open one up and pour out 3/4 of the powder and try that, then take one and remove 1/2 the powder, and go up the ladder that way. Since someone wrote about doing it there is a chance that it works, so just work up the load safely.

I'd still wear safety glasses though

[ 11-13-2002, 10:49: Message edited by: MarkWhite ]

Mark,

Opening one up would be more dangerous than shooting it. Think .22 short that has been run into a crimp die. These things are truly tiny.

You are right about the eye protection. I wear safety glasses every waking moment, but I'll add goggles over them.

I really think this is only one notch up from using 209 primers to shoot .22 air rifle pellets out of a .22 centerfire using drilled out cases.