R-2 Lovell
Historical Notes:
The development of the R-2 Lovell is unusual because it is an example of a
wildcat cartridge developed from what was originally a wildcat. It is believed
to have been developed in 1937 by Harvey Donaldson from New York. It derived its
name from the fact that the second chambering reamer (made by M.S. Risley,
Earlville, NY) appeared to be correct in providing what the designer was
striving to produce. It is actually an improved or blown out version of the
original 22 Lovell or 22-3000 developed by Harvey Lovell about 1934. Both are
based on the obsolete 25-20 Single Shot case necked down, itself a wildcat when
it first appeared in 1882.
General Comments:
The R-2 Lovell is probably the most popular wildcat 22 caliber cartridge ever
designed. It was so popular that the late J. Bushnell Smith of Middlebury,
Vermont, and Griffen & Howe of New York City custom loaded ammunition in
large quantities; when the supply of 25-20 Single Shot cases was exhausted,
Griffen & Howe arranged for the manufacture of R-2 cases. This is a fine
varmint cartridge and was often chambered in bolt action and single shot rifles,
where it delivered excellent accuracy. Performance is pretty close to the 222
Remington, but the R-2 Lovell has long been displaced by this more recent
factory chambering, and is not a good choice since suitable cases are no longer
available.
Source: Cartridges of the World
| R-2 Lovell Reloading Data | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet (grs.) | Powder / (grs.) | MV | ME | Source |
| 45SP | IMR-4227 / 8.0 | 1880 | 350 | Ackley |
| 45SP | IMR-4227 / 16.0 | 3280 | 1070 | Ackley |
| 50SP | IMR-4198 / 17.0 | 3050 | 1030 | Ackley |
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