Hello Guys

After a long (4-5 years) search I finally have a original Winchester 1885 Low Wall action coming. It is a late production centre-fire model, with the “Winchester single set” trigger. The action condition is very nice, and I plan to ensure it becomes a “fine rifle” over time.

I was sort of expecting to get a rim-fire action, and was planning a 22 WMR but with the real deal being centre-fire I have a number of other options - a “wonderful dilemma”.

So . . . . help me out here by making sure I have got the “right” options identified, and I’d appreciate opinions. I’m a hunter, so the orientation will be sporting rifle rather than target style.

Option 1 – Convert existing breechblock to rim-fire, get a two piece extractor and go with a 22 WMR (I already have two very fine Martini’s in .22 LR)

Option 1a – As above but with new BB (preserve the original BB for future CF options) Dan Zimmerman of DZ Arms is offering new breech blocks and the two piece extractor.

Option 2 – Go with a centre-fire, as I see it the options are:

a - 22 Hornet. Later I might be able to do a switch barrel in .270 REN for instance
b - 25-20 WCF (ammo is occasionally available here, I did consider 218 Bee but dies and brass would be a big issue here in NZ)
c - 357 Mag, de Haas says this is OK, I’m thinking its sorta pushing a Low Wall but I could also just use 38 Special loads. This would give the option later of 256 Mag, .222 Rimmed, or even 250/222 Rimmed (.222R brass is available down here, lots of martinis to feed).

Have I missed anything here, and what do you all think ??

Cheers - Foster

I would go with option 2. A Low Wall in 25-20WCF sounds very right, 22 Hornet as well.

I would say option 2 also I have a 85 in 22R Lovell.

218 Mashburn Bee..........

22 K Hornet.

Not so much for increased performance but for longer brass life.

I would probably use a .224 diameter barrel as where you live bullets would probably be much easier to get.

You know what might be neat, Foster, since you're already considering some "non-traditional" options for your Low Wall... the 32 H&R Magnum / 32 Federal cases, but using a .308 barrel for .308 bullets. Seems to me the result would be something of a rimmed 300 whisper. Sort of like a rook/rabbit rifle that could be loaded at the upper end with 125gr. hunting bullets or hard cast for hunting.

Mr Hughes - Thanks for posting those inspirational photographs. Is the finish on the first engraved rifle a form of "French Gray" ??

Tentman, hope you don't mind me piggy backing on your thread.

What is involved in converting a Low Wall from rimfire to centrefire? I have a line on an old one in 22RF with a pitted bore and overall grey patina. Seems like a good candidate for customization but I have no interest in a rimfire. I may be interested if it could be converted to Hornet or Bee though.


cheers,
- stu

TM, the French Gray is color case hardening with the colors removed.

Stu Too complicated to relate in this format. Basically, bush the block, redrill the hole with a smaller pin in the middle. Hornet or Bee would bee a good choice!
Best,
Steve

BTW: Bill Gamradt engraved the first Low Wall, the guy that engraved the Hepburn at the top of this page.

quote:

Originally posted by SDH:

Basically, bush the block, redrill the hole with a smaller pin in the middle. Hornet or Bee would bee a good choice!

Thanks Steve. That's about what I would have expected to have have done anyway - even if starting out with a centerfire action. Sounds like the conversion isn't too difficult for a professional. I need to take a second look at the rifle.

cheers,
- stu

Hello Folks

Thanks for your thoughts. I think it is going to have to be a "Bee". Brass and dies are avaliable, and it "Fits".

Mostly I think that the modest base of the 218 Bee cartridge family is as far as it is logical to push a Low Wall, in something based on the 357 mag some-one down the track runs the risk (possibly unintentionally) of ruining the rifle.

The Bee will be fine for the sort of varmints we have here (small ones like rabbits, hares possums, bigger such as goats and wallabies).

I'd love to be able to get good european brass like that that is avaliable for the Hornet e.g. Norma, but it doesn't look like its possible.

Cheers and thanks to all.

Foster

PS Stu - good luck with your project.

Foster,
You made an excellent decision-the 218 Bee is dang near perfect for the Low Wall,and visa versa.

FYI-you can load the 218 Bee to 22 WMR levels easily,by just using AA 5744 powder.No filler or cast bullets needed.Check it out.

Brian.