.219 Zipper (Load Development)

.219 Zipper (Load Development)

The .219 Zipper, introduced in 1937, remains a cartridge that rewards handloaders who take the time to experiment. Load development for the Zipper typically involves selecting bullet weights, powders, seating depths, and case preparation to optimize accuracy, muzzle velocity, and consistency. While factory brass is no longer produced, quality converted or formed brass plus modern bullets allow this classic round to punch well above its age.

Modern load development reports show that bullets in the 40- to 55-grain range are the most useful for balancing velocity and stability. Lighter bullets (around 40-gr) tend to reach higher speeds, often in the range of **3200-3300 fps** when using fast-to-medium burn powders. Heavier bullets like 50- or 55-gr spitzers or soft points offer better wind bucking and terminal energy at distance, though with some reduction in speed. Hornady data supports that the Zipper loaded with a 53-gr V-MAX or 55-gr spire point can perform respectably close to those figures in favorable barrels.

Powders used in load development that often produce good results include H-4895, IMR-3031, BL-C(2), IMR-4064, IMR-4320, and others depending on the bullet weight. These powders provide a range of burn rates, allowing handloaders to tailor loads according to barrel length, chamber finish, and expected temperature. Consistency in brass prep (neck trimming, checking neck thickness, ensuring concentricity) makes a large difference. Hornady’s handbook highlights that case forming, trim length, and case capacity affect pressure and velocity significantly.

Seating depth is another variable regularly tested. Slight changes in overall cartridge length (OAL) and bullet jump to the rifling can alter group sizes and accuracy. Handloaders report that specific rifles favor seating bullets so that they are just off the lands or lightly touching them, with small bullet jump providing best precision. Also, choice of primer and consistency across lots is important in development work. Variations between primers or even brass batches show up in velocity and group consistency.

Although detailed “middle range” load tables (not maximum) vary depending on rifle barrel lengths, test rifles in the modern data (26-inch, 1-in-14" twist) show that moderate loads with 46-gr bullets over ~25-27 grains of H-4895 or similar produce excellent groups and velocities in the low 3200 fps region. These loads often give more repeatable results and less barrel wear, especially in vintage rifles or those with delicate chambers.

For those doing load development, it’s recommended to begin with these moderate loads, chronograph each load, inspect for pressure signs (primer flattening, case head expansion, etc.), and adjust in small increments. Tracking group size, velocity consistency, and fouling will help find the “sweet spot” for your specific rifle. Though the .219 Zipper is older, its design allows modern bullets and powders to elevate its performance when properly developed.

Source: Wolfe Publishing & Modern Hornady / Sierra Legacy Data