How .22LR Ammo is Made

Published on April 16, 2020
Duration: 7:35

This guide details the comprehensive manufacturing process of .22LR ammunition, as demonstrated by Chris Baker from Lucky Gunner at a Federal Ammunition plant. It covers the creation of bullets from lead, the electroplating process for jackets, the stamping and forming of brass cases, priming, propellant charging, final assembly, and packaging. The explanation highlights the industrial precision involved in producing reliable rimfire cartridges.

Quick Summary

The manufacturing of .22LR ammunition involves melting lead into billets, extruding it into wire, and swaging it into bullets, followed by copper electroplating. Brass strips are stamped and drawn into cases, which are then primed, filled with propellant, and assembled with the bullet, before final waxing and quality checks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Plant Tour
  2. 01:01Bullet Manufacturing
  3. 02:15Copper Plating Process
  4. 02:40Cartridge Case Production
  5. 03:37Rim Forming & Headstamping
  6. 04:47Priming Process
  7. 05:32Final Assembly & Crimping
  8. 06:11Lubrication, Quality Control & Packaging

Frequently Asked Questions

How are .22LR bullets made?

.22LR bullets start as raw lead billets, which are melted, extruded into wire, and then swaged into the final bullet shape using mechanical presses. They are then often copper electroplated for a jacket.

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

.22LR cartridge cases are primarily made from brass. Large rolls of brass strip are fed into machinery where round pieces are stamped out and drawn into cups, which are then formed into the final case shape.

What is the purpose of copper plating on .22LR bullets?

Copper plating on lead .22LR bullets helps to reduce lead fouling in the firearm's barrel and provides a more consistent diameter for improved accuracy and feeding performance.

How is the primer applied to .22LR ammunition?

A wet primer compound is dropped into the hollow rim of the .22LR case. Spinner bits are then used to distribute this compound evenly within the rim cavity, preparing it for ignition.

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