How .22LR Ammo is Made

Published on April 16, 2020
Duration: 7:35

This video provides an in-depth look at the manufacturing process of .22LR ammunition at the Federal Ammunition plant in Anoka, Minnesota, as presented by Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner. It details the creation of bullets from raw lead, copper plating, brass case production, rim forming, headstamping, priming, propellant loading, and final assembly, including lubrication and packaging. The expert-level explanation highlights the precision and automation involved in producing this common rimfire cartridge.

Quick Summary

The manufacturing of .22LR ammunition involves several key stages: raw lead is melted and swaged into bullets, which may then be copper-plated. Brass strips are formed into cartridge cases, including the distinctive rim. Cases are primed with a compound, filled with propellant, and then the bullet is seated and crimped.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .22LR Ammo Production
  2. 01:01Bullet Manufacturing: Lead Extrusion & Swaging
  3. 02:15Copper Plating Process for Bullets
  4. 02:40Cartridge Case Production from Brass
  5. 03:37Rim Forming and Headstamping .22LR Cases
  6. 04:47Priming Compound Application
  7. 05:32Final Assembly: Propellant, Bullet Seating, Crimping
  8. 06:11Lubrication, Quality Checks, and Packaging

Frequently Asked Questions

How are .22LR bullets made?

.22LR bullets start as raw lead, which is melted, extruded into wire of the correct diameter, and then precisely shaped into the final bullet form using mechanical presses in a process called swaging. Many are then copper-plated for a protective jacket.

What materials are used to make .22LR cartridge cases?

.22LR cartridge cases are manufactured from brass strips. These strips are stamped into round cups, which are then drawn into the final case shape. The cases undergo heat treatment and washing before priming and assembly.

What is the priming process for .22LR ammunition?

For .22LR, a wet, green primer compound is carefully dropped into the rim cavity of each prepared brass case. Specialized spinner bits are then used to distribute this compound evenly within the rim, preparing it for ignition.

How is .22LR ammunition assembled and packaged?

After priming, propellant (gunpowder) is added to the case. The bullet is then seated into the case mouth, and the mouth is crimped to secure it. Finally, the completed cartridges are lubricated with wax, undergo quality checks, and are automatically sorted and packaged into boxes.

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