The .219 Zipper was introduced by Winchester in 1937 for the Model 64 lever-action rifle as a high-velocity varmint cartridge. Formed from the .25-35 Winchester case necked to .224", it achieved respectable varmint velocities but suffered from the same limitation as all tubular-magazine lever guns: it required flat-nosed or round-nosed bullets, severely handicapping its ballistic performance compared to bolt-action varmint cartridges using pointed bullets. The cartridge was a commercial failure, discontinued by Winchester after limited production.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1937, United States
Parent case: .25-35 Winchester
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.224" (5.69 mm)
Case length: 1.94" (49.28 mm)
Overall length: 2.348" (59.64 mm)
Max pressure: 50,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:14
Muzzle velocity: 3110–3400 fps
Muzzle energy: 988–1412 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 46, 55, 56 gr
Primary use: varmint_hunting, hunting_small_game
Production status: Discontinued
Also known as: 219 Zipper
History: Winchester introduced the .219 Zipper at a time when the bolt-action varmint rifle era was dawning with the .22 Hornet (1930) and .218 Bee (1938). The lever-action concept was ill-suited to varmint shooting — which benefits from precise optics, prone shooting positions, and high-BC pointed bullets — all compromised by the tubular magazine. The Model 64 lever gun in .219 Zipper never found its…
Notable firearms: Winchester Model 64