First trip down the 22 Hornet Rabbit Hole

Back to the Hornet once more, decided to try LILGUN powder since it really shines in my jacketed loads. I only loaded 5 shot test groups (saving primers) and returned to the 50 yard line. From right to left.......7.2 gr @ 1.329", 7.4 gr @ 1.329", 7.6 gr @ .732" (4 in .260") and 7.8 gr @ .803".
I've loaded 20 more @ 7.6 grains to see if this is real or just a fluke. Weather looks promising to give a go this Friday (3/11)
 

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CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
Priming is very critical to 22 Hornet accuracy & consistency IME. This applies to the 25/20 and 32/20 WCF in rifles as well. This came from Urny on the old Site some years ago.

Urny's magic formula is simple--use Rem #6-1/2 primers, which are designed for use in small-capacity cases like those above, including the 30 US Carbine. Switching to the #6-1/2 primers from the WSR and CCI 400 caused an immediate groups size reduction in all of these calibers, whether jacketed or cast bullets were along for the ride. Urny's belief is that the CCI and W-W small rifle primers were "Too hot of a spark plug" for the small cases, and that the #6-1/2 gentler brisance matched the smaller case capacity more closely.

Going a step further--since all Rem primers have always been scarce where I live--a small pistol magnum primer like the CCI #550 might produce similar outcomes.
 
I've had great success using Federal Small Pistol Match Primers in my jacketed loads. The cast loads used Winchester Small Pistol primers.
 
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CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I am watching this as the Hornet is one I do enjoy shooting.
LILGun is a powder I have not tried.
As a rule I dont use it... But for Hornet with 35g Hornadys and in the 410 shotgun.

Its been excellent in my K Hornet if I shoot jacketed.
 

Glaciers

Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Well I’m glad to see this thread pop back up as want to use my little 22 Hornet H&R topper in the CBA unsanctioned Bunny Match. For those that aren’t aware it’s a 50 yard field shoot with any cast bullet PB or GC, open sights, scopes to 6 power, pistols, what ever you have. Jon Welda (Longhunter) is running the Match, semi informal, no benchrest, just field positions. Link below:
Some contact info:

Hello,
The Bunny match is moving along. All that have signed up have been sent targets.

My Email: weldajj@gmail.com

Or Phone: 6087970056

Address:
4499 Pfeffer Valley Rd.
La Crescent MN 55947

Any Questions or interest let me know.

Thanks,
Jon

Sounds like fun. I’m hoping to shoot the Hornet Topper, which has a old 4 power Weaver, a early Savage 1899 30-30 with a Lyman tang, and a third rifle to be determined at this time. I’d shoot my 38-55 High Wall if I could come up with a little more brass, or my 30-06 Springfield with receiver sight or a 1895 Winchester 30-40 with a Lyman 21 sight.
The Hornet is a 1975 make which is probably a 1/16 twist. The H&R’s made in the early 2005ish range had a 1/9 twist. Apparently there was some 1/14 and 1/12 H&R’s made depending on year of manufacture. So if anyone knows what was the Hornet twist in 1975, please enlighten me. I will run a cleaning rod patch and check. I’m assuming it’s going to be 1/16.
With that in mind I have a Arsenal mold - 225-47 FN “Bowman” that I’m hoping will work and a LEE 225-55 6 cavity that some folks have worked in a 1/16 twist. I’m thinking these may end up powder coating
The Savage 30-30 I’m looking at the Accurate plain base clone of the Seaco 315 and the NEI 308-220 gas checked with Ben’s Red and BLL.
The 315 and the NEI bullets will possibly be used in the 30-06 and 30-40 Army. The NEI for sure.
But for verity I might go with the 458x2 and the LEE 45-500 semi pointed. That carries a 6 power Luepold. Although I think receiver sights will get the nod.

Anyway some of you guys might find this fun, but it might be pretty low tech for some here. Just saying. LOL

John
 

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
There's not a thing in the world wrong with low-tech. I find low-tech to be refreshing.

My sole cast bullet experiences in 22 Hornet have been with Ideal #225438, and a truly OLD ONE--single cavity and no vent lines. It casts wonderfully, though--92/6/2 and Linotype have been the alloys used. As-cast weights are 43 grains in 92/6/2 alloy, and a half-grain less in Lino. My now-departed Ruger #3 preferred the Lino slugs, but the current CZ 527 shoots both without preference. Of course, I can't leave well-enough alone--my next melt of 92/6/2 for the Hornet will get revised to 90/6/4, the doubled tin in the melt for Loverin-design bullets using Lino seems to cast better. We'll see if accuracy holds.
 

richhodg66

Well-Known Member
Is yours plain based or checked? I ordered mine plain based and shoot it slow. Great squirrel load is 2 grains of Bullseye. Plenty deadly at realistic ranges, at least the way I hunt them.
 

dale2242

Well-Known Member
My #3 Hornet really likes 225438 cast of pure Lino or Lino/WW 50/50.
I don`t remember which alloy I used.
I will have to look at my notes.
Using Unique powder, I got 1/4" - 3/8" groups at 50 yards.
When I get more time , I need to shoot these loads at 100 yds to see if this accuracy holds up.
 
Tried a group @100 yards.......8 rounds in 1.5", remaining 2 rounds into the wild blue. Again the NOE sized @.225 with 7.6 gr of LilGun and Fed Small Pistol match primers. Going to load sup some more.
 

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Glaciers

Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Was just getting ready to chime in on this thread. Shot some loads in my little H&R Hornet (1 in 16) today using the Arsenal 225-47 Bowman. Trying some slow stuff with (1230 fps) 2.0 and (1360 fps) 2.3 grains of Red Dot and SPP at 50 yards. Not anything exciting. Bullets we’re just showing signs of tipping and groups we’re irregular. Going to have to push up the velocity to possibly around 2000 fps. Was thinking about using 2400 or H110. Also I have some old WW680 which could be the ticket.
The Arsenal bullet was cast 50/50 about a hardness of 9 or so with gas checks and powder coating. Thinking of making up a batch with straight COWW, checked and powder coated.
Got to get the trigger lightened up. Have to eat some Wheaties to keep the strength up with the way it is now.
 

fiver

Well-Known Member
this isn't the hornet, but in my 25-20 i went to a too much too slow powder and light it off with a magnum primer.
it shoves the plain base bullet out pretty decently, and the 2230 burns clean so it isn't exactly inefficient.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
My Savage 23 Hornet loves 4198! Its a 24" bbl and shoots very nice for me. I had use if a couple MP hornet bullets a 40g solid and 45g HP. They shoot really well in my Hornets and Bees! (Powder coated)

I picked up a 225450 mold a short while back and want to try that. Its a GC where the MP are PB.

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