Spanish 1893 in .219 Zipper

Stopped in a LGS today nd saw a Spanish 1893 that was said to be in 219 Zipper. It could have been an 1895, I failed to check that closely. There was no indication of caliber on the rifle, the shop keeper said "that was what he was told". Isn't .219 a rather energetic round for this action? The bolt face would have been opened up a good bit for the .30-30 case head. The stock cannot be described, would have to be seen to be believed as it was an endless series of eagles and flags! They are asking 250, likely get it for 2 cash. I've never had a .219 and, most unbelievable, I don't have a set of .219 dies! Shocking as I have at least 75 sets of dies! I have to say I am tempted!

Dan I say go for it, I am an enabler though!

I agree with swheeler. I don't think Spain ever used the 95, the square bottom bolt face is on the 93- check that. Since the. 219 was a lever action cartridge, the 93 should handle it fine. Feeding will take some tweaking.
I haven't seen any posts from him lately, but Mapp55b knows a lot about this kind of conversion- perhaps he will chime in.
Buy it! We want to see it.

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I had several single shot 219s. I had one built on a Krag action. Strictly SS the loading mechanism wasn’t used. I sold my last Zipper and the brass.

I've done some research into loading .219, didn't realize how expensive dies were!

Big case 22s are notorious for throat burnout ...so check that.....with hot loads ,you get maybe 1500 rounds. The zipper was improved somewhat by Winchester into the 225 ,which was a fantastic round ..but hard on barrels.

Mind if I ask what shop this is in?

Can't help but wonder if that rifle isn't a .219 Donaldson Wasp rather than a Zipper.

A chamber cast is certainly in order!

It's worth 200, can always rechamber it or rebarrel it.

I just did a quick search on ebay for 219 dies, they are mighty proud of them, 310 tong w/dies buy it now $180, couple standard sets around 140-150.

Check Redding - they make, or made, a set of form dies for the Zipper.

I have been reloading the 219 Zipper Improved case for years. Never used 219 Zipper Improved dies. After forming 30-30 cases down to 25-35. I used a 22-250 FL die to reduce the necks down to 224. I'm not sure if the 22-250 dies would size the neck back enough to chamber in a Zipper but it is worth looking at. If you had a set of 22 Savage Hi-Power dies you might be able to make them work. After I fire formed them I would the 22-250 dies to neck size the cases. As for reloading data you can find Hornady data on-line for both the 219 Zipper and the Donaldson Wasp. They are within 1/2 a grain for most powders and a 55 grain bullet. So the pressure for the publish loads would be similar. My rifle is built on a SMLE MK4 rifle. I think the 93 Mauser will handle the published loads with no issues. I have a rifle chambered for the 6mm Donaldson Wasp and the cases are far more difficult to make than the Zipper. They require special forming dies to push the shoulder back far enough.

i would have bought it[smilie=w:!!!!!!

Before you worry too much about dies you really need to be sure what that chamber is. If I were betting I'd be putting my money on the "improved zipper" rather than the straight zipper. Improved zipper was a popular chambering "back in the day".

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Originally Posted by earlmck

Before you worry too much about dies you really need to be sure what that chamber is. If I were betting I'd be putting my money on the "improved zipper" rather than the straight zipper. Improved zipper was a popular chambering "back in the day".

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Funny, I just sold a set of .219 Zipper improved dies, at least that is what they were marked. Ancient Pacific ones, from dad's stuff but I'm sure he never had a rifle in it, no sure where the dies came from. I was pretty sure I'd never have a use for them and I was likely correct.

I am interested in hearing more about this rifle if Tropperdan decides to take the plunge.