Anyone ever build a #1 rolling block in .222 rimmed? From what I see the #1 maxes out at 20000 psi and the .222 runs somewhere around the mid 40000 psi range. I have a beautiful .222 barrel for the #1 but am not sure it's worth pursuing the build. From what I see I likely have 3 options. I can severely download the .222 but not sure I can get that low and maintain any amount of accuracy, I'll only shoot paper with it. I am aware of the dangers of severely downloading a cartridge. Or I can likely rechamber it to something else but not sure I can stay in a 22 center fire cartridge and get down to 20000 psi. The third option might be to find another action that will handle the pressure and rethread the barrel to fit. It was somewhat of an impulse buy, not regretting it but  have some thinking to do. Any thoughts or ideas would be welcome. Thanks

marlinguy wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2026 at 8:00pm:

I tend to agree, just looking for a bit of advice. In Frank DeHaas' book "single shots gunsmithing" he talks about the newer model #1 smokeless action built after 1901, being a much stronger action suited for the 222 rimmed, do you know if the barrels interchange between the two? I realized after posting this that I put it in the wrong category, maybe an admin can change it.

I respectfully disagree with Mr. DeHaas.  The #5 action is slightly stronger than the #1, but it's pressure limitations are nearly the same.   

Mr. DeHaas focused on things like small firing pin, but at the pressures these actions are suitable for, the firing pin really doesn't matter.

I'd put the safety of the rolling block action at between 28 and 35 ksi, depending on cartridge head size, not 20 ksi.  I'd prefer to keep it under 28; the action is strong enough for more, but it doesn't have provision for safe gas leakage.  I see that as a limitation, as well as the brass stretch that can happen at higher pressures.

Just do something else with the barrel, and get a 25 caliber barrel for 25-20, 30 caliber for .32-20, 38 caliber for .38-55, 40, cal, 45 cal, etc. with the rolling block.   

Being cheap and trying to save money instead of using suitable actions and calibers is a fallacy; you'll suffer the consequences of the unsuitable choice for years after you would have forgotten the expense of the more suitable purchase.  And potentially injure yourself.

How about a Martini cadet? Looks like it should handle the .222rimmed quite well.

The .222R came along because it was a perfect match for cadet actions. I know of a local gun shop that as a bunch of supreme or super whatever the Australian company is. About 23, 20 round boxes at 10.00 a box if I remember right.

I totally agree with Dave. There's just no reason to push these old Rolling Block actions, even the #5, to pressures that they might fail. I love them, and in old hyphenated cartridges with lower pressures they'll shoot for another 150 years without failing.

Now you are likely to get the speech "your loads" vs what about the next guy who always loads hot?