Never sure where to ask this stuff, but since this is the "Rifle Column"... Somebody direct me if there's a better venue.
My question is: Does anyone know if the old .22WRF was originally loaded with black powder? My Cartridges of the World has it as introduced in 1890 with the Win 1890 pump. Isn't that a tad too early for a smokeless civilian ctg? Was "semi-smokeless" available then?
Just as a side note, I never have heard this ctg. referred to as .22WRF in conversation. Back when it was available and there were still guns in use, it was always ".22 Special," although I also never saw any of the round-nosed "Remington" type 45 gr. shells either. The only loading I ever saw until the ctg. was re-introduced as a copper-coated hollow point is the original Winchester 45 gr flatpoint. Old timers attributed magical powers to the ".22 Special," which did appear to kill small stuff deader faster than .22 LR. I use it as a quieter subload in my S&W 651 when I can find it, and still have a Stevens Ideal Mod 44 (plain-Jane) and a Win M68 single shot in this cal. Have seen and handled a late round-barrelled Lo-wall in .22 WRF as well, also a plain-Jane Plain Sporting Rifle.
