Can this be converted to fire a centerfire, smokeless cartridge easily?

Yes, but it is not strong enough for any cartridge available. Far better to convert it to a .22 rimfire by lining the barrel and relocating the firing pin.

dave

quote:

Originally posted by ssdave:
Yes, but it is not strong enough for any cartridge available. Far better to convert it to a .22 rimfire by lining the barrel and relocating the firing pin.

dave

Thanks Dave, back to the drawing board.

32 Colt? It is a PIA. You will be casting heel bullets. Rifle or Handloader magazine had a write up on it years ago. In that case it was a Marlin lever action.

If I had a rolling block with a perfect bore, I might get/make another block for in center fire. I once owned a Stevens favorite in 32 rimfire. I converted it to center fire and fired 32 Colt handloads. I later rechambered it to 32 Smith and Wesson long. I believe Frank DeHass suggested 32 S&W short for the roller. You should probaaly look that up though and confirm it. The 32 S&W Short with a single buckshot for a bullet makes a big CB cap.

In any case the performance would be about the same as a 22. So, you have a reloadable 22. That is neat but time consuming. If you like to play it is interesting.

If it is in really good shape I would seek out some 32 RF ammo. Navy arms made some a while back. Old western Scrouger might have some. If you only want to shoot it a little that may be the best bet of all.

Mine was converted to center Fire and rebored
to 38 special. The metal is soft so I stick to
lead abullets. Works fine. DeHass said that he
had seen them converted to 357 but wouldn't
recomend it. The weak roller he cautioned about
was the #4 that used screws instead if pins
on the roller.

FYI, I have loaded 32S&W short, with smokeless. It is a real PIA, as the charges are very small and hard to measure. Also, the small cases are a pain.

I would look at the 38 Spec. and stick to mild loads with lead bullets. A big flat nose should work/hit pretty hard, even a lower speeds.

Keith

Guys, we are talking about a #4 here, that has screws instead of pins. It is absolutely unsafe with .38 special, regardless of how mild the loads!

dave

quote:

Originally posted by ssdave:
Guys, we are talking about a #4 here, that has screws instead of pins. It is absolutely unsafe with .38 special, regardless of how mild the loads!dave

What Dave said, and plenty of it!
Regards, Joe

Interesting thread
Having just acquired a #4RB for a pack rifle intending 60gn subsonic loads with a 1:7 - 1:8 barrel or liner ,I can't find a source of Aguilla SSS 22RF in Oz.

So
I'm thinking conversion to 22squirrel C/F with reduced loads behind a 55-60gn, subsonic to keep the pressures down.

anyone have any idea of the pressures & velocity of a 60gn in a 22 squirrel with load densities of TrailBoss at 60-100%.
I can supply the 22 squirrel case dimension If you don't have them (smallest cutdown hornet that reamers & dies are readily available for).

I'm led to believe that the #4RB is safe at 22LR pressures of 24,000psi.
Some references say 17,400psi tho, most reference 22LR pressures.

Anyone able to help here.

Sorry bout that I read #2 not #4
I also have a #4 that was relined to 22 MAG.
It too works fine. It would be the worlds best
rifle for a 'woods loafer".

It is not just the raw pressure reading. It is the pressure times the area of the case head that makes up bolt thrust. I have no idea of the pressure for 32 RF. I would be most comfortable with standard velocity 22 though. That is why I suggested 32 colt or 32 s/w short. Same case head size and same pressure with the 32 colt, or less pressure with the s/w short. It is not an action I would hot rod.

Actually the 22 long rifle and the 22 magnum
operate at the same peak pressure.

Bump

quote:

Originally posted by DenisB:
Interesting thread
Having just acquired a #4RB for a pack rifle intending 60gn subsonic loads with a 1:7 - 1:8 barrel or liner ,I can't find a source of Aguilla SSS 22RF in Oz.

So
I'm thinking conversion to 22squirrel C/F with reduced loads behind a 55-60gn, subsonic to keep the pressures down.

anyone have any idea of the pressures & velocity of a 60gn in a 22 squirrel with load densities of TrailBoss at 60-100%.
I can supply the 22 squirrel case dimension If you don't have them (smallest cutdown hornet that reamers & dies are readily available for).

I'm led to believe that the #4RB is safe at 22LR pressures of 24,000psi.
Some references say 17,400psi tho, most reference 22LR pressures.

Anyone able to help here.

Hw can antone say that the #4 is only safe
to 17000 PSI?. There is no data to support it.
A 22 rf will blow out the rim before anything
else happins. With a dry chamber there is little
back thrust on the cartridge head.