.22 Carbine (P.O. Ackley Data) |
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| Warning! Notes: Standard twist: 16". This is a small .22 cartridge made by necking the M1 .30 Carbine cartridge down to .22. It is a good small cartridge comparable to the K Hornet and the same loads can be used in both cartridges for practically the same velocities. M1 Carbines can be re-barrelled or the original barrel re-lined and the actions will work fairly satisfactorily. The Carbine can also be transformed into a manually operated repeater by leaving the gas port out of the new barrel. This makes it easier to save fired cases for reloading. (Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders/Vol. 1 - P.O. Ackley, 1962) NOTE: USE THIS DATA WITH EXTREME CAUTION |
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Cartridge History
.22 Carbine (P.O. Ackley Data) The “.22 Carbine” wildcat is based on modifying a standard .30 Carbine case to accept .224-inch bullets. In P.O. Ackley’s data, the transformation focuses on creating a compact, high-velocity .22 round suitable for light rifles or custom varmint rigs. By necking down the .30 Carbine and optimizing case geometry, Ackley was able to push lightweight .22 bullets with moderate powder charges while retaining manageable pressures and recoil. Ackley’s recommended bullet weights for the .22 Carbine often range from 35 to 45 grains, with hollow points, polymer tips, or varmint designs preferred for rapid expansion. The cartridge is particularly suited to short barrels, making it interesting for compact hunting and scout rifle configurations. Though velocities won’t match full rifle wildcats, the Ackley data shows respectable performance in shorter platforms with efficient powders. In the published load tables, Ackley emphasizes the importance of consistent case prep—trimming, necking, and annealing—to maintain uniform performance. Seating depth and bullet jump are carefully considered; small adjustments of 0.005–0.010 inch can influence group size and pressure behavior significantly. Primers, too, are selected to match the reduced case volume and the lower pressures envisioned in the design. One strength of the .22 Carbine design is its mild recoil and practical loadability. For hunters or varmint shooters wanting a compact, lightweight combination that still offers flat trajectory with .22 bullets, Ackley’s data provides a solid foundation. The compact form also makes it well suited for custom builds, light rifles, or experiments where barrel length or weight must be minimized. Though it never saw widespread adoption, Ackley’s .22 Carbine remains a compelling niche cartridge. With the right components and tuning, it delivers a satisfying balance of performance, portability, and accuracy—especially in specialized or compact rifle builds. Source: Wolfe Publishing & P.O. Ackley Data |
| Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data. |
| Wt. | Bullet | Powder Manufacturer | Powder | Charge | Velocity (FPS) | |
| 45 | IMR | IMR-4227 | Subscribe | 2815 | ||
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| 45 | IMR | IMR-4198 | Subscribe | 2500 | ||
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