"High Velocity" .22LR in old rifle?

[S&WForty]

I have a '60s vintage Marlin .22 Lever-action rifle. I recently bought a Walther P22 that usually requires high velocity ammo like the CCI Mini Mags for best operation (at least during break-in supposedly to prevent jams). Will the high velocity ammo harm the old rifle?

The rifle was stored with about 10-15 rounds that are at least 20 years old. Should those be tossed? Thank you!

[Oh Shoot]

Can't give you a expert answer, but my opinion is that normal "high velocity" ammo (in the 12-1300 fps range) won't hurt it.

I have Remington Fieldmaster made about 1955, I shoot all the current bulk loads, some of which claim 1290 fps, no probs.

Also have shot a bunch of similar through early 50's model H&R revolver, also no probs.

My opinion worth what you paid for it, of course.

- OS

[gregintenn]

No and no. The Marlin lever is one of the strongest 22s I know of. I believe high velocity ammunition was popular in the 60s anyway. Some of the very early Colt pre Woodsmans are set up to shoot standard velocity ammo. Most others handle high velocity fine. It's a good thing, because they are about all you can find.

Age, for the most part, doesn't hurt ammunition. Shoot it and go on about your business.

[gregintenn]

When did being made in the sixties make something old??!!?

[kckndrgn]

When did being made in the sixties make something old??!!?

Aren't those things considered antiques now???

[S&WForty]

Thanks for the replies! I shot it today. First time ever. It was pretty neat. I didn't pretend to be the Rifleman or anything. I just shot it nice and slow.

[wjh2657]

Hgh Velocity .22 LR has been around for awhile there guy. I shot oodles of it through my Marlin 39 back in the 50's.