Here's a couple questions for the "old" wildcatters...
I've recently acquired an old Hi-wall in mint condition in 219 Zipper Imp. The barrel is stamped H. Lovell. With the assumption that it was made by Hervey Lovell, I'd like to find some more info about him, and have had no luck so far.
Also my rifle came with a lifetime supply of brass...does anyone know the proper trim-to length for the 219 Zipper Improved w/28 deg. shoulder ?
Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers...Kevan

Kevan

The Lovell Improved Zipper that I'm familiar with has a 30 degree shoulder but is probably the same cartridge because it's hard tell 28 from 30. PO Ackley's Improved Zipper had a 28 degree shoulder and is virtually identical to the Lovell so it might be an Ackley. Anyway, case length is a nominal 1.92" which is the same length as the original Zipper case.

I don't know how up-to-date these loads are but some of the loads that Lovell listed included 36.5 grains of 4320 with 50 grain bullets and 33 grains of 4064 with 55 grain bullets.

Lovell was a custom gunsmith in the 1930s and 1940s in Indianapolis. In 1946 he relocated to Washington State. He designed several 22 Varmint cartridges including the Lovell K Hornet, the Lovell 22/3000, the Improved Zipper, the Lovell 22 Hi Power Improved, the 22 Super Lovell, the 22-30/06 Lovell, and his most famous, the Lovell R-2.

I collect old wildcats (cartridges that is) and have most of his in my collection. That sounds like a great rifle.

I hope this helps.

Ray

I had one years ago on a Rem. Hepburn. Had a Gebbe barrel. I used 4320 load data from the old Ackley book (black, spiral bound) I learned a lot about the strength of the Hepburn and, how different lots of powder can be over a span of 20 years.

Thanks for the response fellas..most appreciated. Ray,you've been a real help in the load department and you are right,the rifle is pretty nice. It has Bishop's stocks and an old Balvar 6-24 scope, a 26" heavy barrel, single set trigger. Weight is a tad under 13 1/2 lbs.
As a guide I've been using an old Speer Wildcat manual, and with H380, it puts 55 Sierras under 1/2" so far.
Once again, Thanks very much.
Cheers...Kevan

After going through some of my ancient reloading data, I found a case length listed as 1.938".

Remember, these are wildcats for a reason. If in doubt, cast your chamber and allow for a little schrinkage.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
BB