I have a 1885 winchester manufactured 1888 does anyone know max pressures? The action is in really good shape. It is chambered in 22 hornet would like to rechamber to 22 k-hornet or 222 rem. is this reasonable?

SnKlip

.22 K-Hornet is very reasonable. The recent low-walls by Browning have been chambered for the .243 Win., but I don't know what the difference in metallurgy is. No doubt, the new ones are made from stronger steel, not to mention the fact that they are 100 years newer!

However, with the K-Hornet you're straightening out the case walls, so the backthrust against the breechblock will be LESS than with the standard Hornet, even if it is loaded to higher pressures.

You might also be able to go to the .222, but I'd be more comfortable with the K-Hornet, the .218 Mashburn Bee, or perhaps the .221 Fireball.

I am assuming the firing pin hole has been bushed and the pin turned down to a smaller size for use with smokeless powder loads? Or is it made that way to begin with? I know some of the early Hi-walls had to be bushed when rebarrelled to high-velocity rounds.

Good Luck!

Old low walls are not designed for any high pressure cartridge so stick with K-Hornet. Even the old high walls may be a problem depending on which of the three types you might have.

Thank you for the info, Will you explain the three types and how to identify them please
Thanks again
SnKlip