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BULLET BULLETIN
Rimfire projectiles come in different shapes and sizes, and are of varying constructions.
RIMFIRE RIFLE PROJECTILES: FROM THE OLD TO THE NEW
Sometimes modern .17 and .22 designs work best and others it’s ‘classic loads from yesteryear.’ STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP
I
still have the first rifle I ever owned: a Ruger Model 77/22 bolt-action rimfire chambered for the unequalled .22 Long Rifle cartridge. That rifle was a gift from my father – Ol’ Grumpy Pants – for Christmas in 1985, and to this day remains the only .22 LR that I own. The rimfire rifle is built like the
Ruger Model 77 centerfire rifles, with the exception of the detachable rotary magazine. Fine iron sights, a full-size stock, a decent trigger and the ability to mount a proper scope all add up to not just a great choice for small game and plinking, but one of the best training tools for a hunter preparing for safari. The lack of recoil, the wonderful accuracy and the similarities to a big game rifle make this one of my favorite rifles of all time.
I’ve spent over 35 years with that rifle, experimenting with all sorts of different types of ammunition for the little gun, and it definitely has opinions when it comes to accuracy. Thousands of rounds have been sent down that barrel, with varying degrees of success; I’ve done my best to keep notes on what ammo the rifle likes best. Remington Thunderbolts rank high on the list, despite the simple 40-grain waxed lead bullet, in the classic roundnose conformation. americanshootingjournal.com 89
