Trex454, From 1953 to 1959, Old Model Single-Sixes were 22 LR only and had .222" bore diameters. Starting at serial number 150,000 when 22 Mags were introduced and extending to the present day, all Single-Sixes have .224" bores to accommodate 22 Mag .224" jacketed bullets, even if the gun was shipped as a 22 LR only. .224" bores are also used in Bearcats, Bisleys, and Wranglers that are 22 LR only. The New Wrangler comes with a 22 Mag cylinder and also has a ,224" bore.
After extensive testing, Ruger found accuracy with .224" bores using .222" Long Rifle ammo was plenty accurate. As it turns out, the soft lead bullets used in 22 LR ammo will expand under pressure and seal in the bore. Would they seal better in a .222" bore? Probably but there wouldn't be enough difference to matter. Single-Sixes are not intended for bullseye competition, rather they are used more for plinking or other uses where match grade accuracy is not needed.
I own quite a few OM and NM Single-Sixes. At the range, it is not unusual to shoot sub-inch groups at 25 yards with them, which by definition, is the qualification for "match grade". If I want better accuracy, I break out my S&W Mod 41, S&W Mod 17, or my Ruger MK III target model.
BTW, Ruger is not the only company that uses .224" bores in their single action 22s. I have a Colt Frontier Model that has a .224" bore. Likewise with Heritage Rough Riders.
Here's my Colt Frontier Buntline:
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After extensive testing, Ruger found accuracy with .224" bores using .222" Long Rifle ammo was plenty accurate. As it turns out, the soft lead bullets used in 22 LR ammo will expand under pressure and seal in the bore. Would they seal better in a .222" bore? Probably but there wouldn't be enough difference to matter. Single-Sixes are not intended for bullseye competition, rather they are used more for plinking or other uses where match grade accuracy is not needed.
I own quite a few OM and NM Single-Sixes. At the range, it is not unusual to shoot sub-inch groups at 25 yards with them, which by definition, is the qualification for "match grade". If I want better accuracy, I break out my S&W Mod 41, S&W Mod 17, or my Ruger MK III target model.
BTW, Ruger is not the only company that uses .224" bores in their single action 22s. I have a Colt Frontier Model that has a .224" bore. Likewise with Heritage Rough Riders.
Here's my Colt Frontier Buntline:
