I have a Stevens Premier Tip-Up rifle that was re-lined from .32RF to .22WRF. The rifling has a 14-inch twist for that calibre, but the gunsmith who did the job evidently had only a .22WMR chamber reamer, so the rifle has the longer chamber. The rifle fires .22WRF ammunition very nicely.

I now wonder if it would be safe to fire in this rifle Winchester .22WMR Dynapoint cartridges (45-grain lead bullet at 1,550 F.P.S.), which compare to Winchester’s .22WRF cartridges (45-grain bullet at 1,300 F.P.S.).

I can find no pressure figures for these cartridges. The SAMMI maximums are: .22WRF = 19,000 P.S.I. & .22WMR = 24,000 P.S.I.

The .22WMR Dynapoint is considerably lower in velocity than other loadings in that calibre, but the 45-grain bullet is heavier than most.

The Tip-Up rifles were chambered up to .38-55, which has a SAMMI maximum pressure of 30,000 P.S.I.; though of course the rifle was meant for black powder.

Does any-one know if it would be safe to fire Winchester .22WMR Dynapoint cartridges in a Tip-Up rifle, which is in excellent condition, and which locks up very tightly?

If it shoots wrf's good why run the risk?

I asked a similar question a couple of years ago about a Stevens 44 action being safe for the .22 Mag. No problem with it as long as gun is in good condition. First thought is no on the tip up but on thinking about it the tip up is simpler than the 44. Simple break open action that is built like a tank. If it is tight I am thinking it should be fine. Would like to hear from one of the gunsmiths here.

Many thanks for the replies!

I have nothing whatever against the .22WRF. It is an excellent rim-fire cartridge, and I prefer it to the magnum in every respect. I have a supply of Winchester .22WRF, and plan to place a large order for more. But over the years I have noticed that the .22WRF is produced only occasionally, so I was thinking about a possible future situation of scarcity. I am glad to hear that the expedient of using .22WMR may indeed be safe for the gun.

I think that the .22WRF was selected for re-lining this rifle because its rim diameter is larger than that of the usually-selected .22LR, making it more consistent with the position of the .32RF firing pin. The rifle was re-lined before my ownership, though I am pleased to have a Stevens rifle in .22WRF. I have another excellent Tip-Up in .32RF that won’t be re-lined, and like many, I am hoping that the ammunition will again be produced. In the mean time, I have some cartridge adapters with which to experiment.

Thanks, Mike-T, for the link to Graf & Sons. That price is lower than any I had seen.