I am just beginning to reload for this caliber. What is this about using .223 bullets instead of .224 bullets? Does it really make any difference which I use? The .224 bullets are far more numerous. Thanks....Dave
.22 Hornet reloading....
- Thread starter Dantforth
- Start date
Depends. If your gun is really OLD, or of eurpoean origin, it may have a .223/16 twist bore. .224's would work, but reduce your loads and work up cautiously.
This is a picky caliber to load for, but not that difficult if you have good reloading practises. Chamfering really helps seating flat base bullets without crumpling the thin walls. Collet sizing improves accuracy and brass life. Carefully individually weighed charges improve accuracy more than for most cartridges.
This is a picky caliber to load for, but not that difficult if you have good reloading practises. Chamfering really helps seating flat base bullets without crumpling the thin walls. Collet sizing improves accuracy and brass life. Carefully individually weighed charges improve accuracy more than for most cartridges.
I wouldn't worry about it. Your rifle would have to be 1950s or earlier to be .223 bore. My early 43 Win has a .223 bore & shoots both sizes equally well, in fact at 100yds or beyond wind would have more effect on groups than which size bullet seems to. They are generally picky thou & prefer the smaller 40-45gn size bullets.
I have got a k-hornet reamer on order (rented from the US) I am converting my handi rifle. The main reason I am doing it is to shoot a 50 grain bullet @ 2800 fps (Hodgdon data using Lil Gun) I have old hornet data that shows a regular hornet useing a 50 @2400. This extends the range as a coyote gun probably 50 or so yards.
I "K" all of my Hornets as a matter of course. I currently have 3 in Martinis plus a couple of others in miscellaneous actions. If your rifle is old enough to be a RF conversion, try some .223 bullets and compare results.
I sold a buddy an Improved .218 Bee Martini Cadet that has an orignally .22 LR barrel, he gets much better groups with the .223 bullets, but has to be careful of neck tension. His die was make for .224 bullets. He has sent away for a custom set of Lee Collet dies and seater. When they arrive, the proof of the pudding will lie in the first range trip!
I sold a buddy an Improved .218 Bee Martini Cadet that has an orignally .22 LR barrel, he gets much better groups with the .223 bullets, but has to be careful of neck tension. His die was make for .224 bullets. He has sent away for a custom set of Lee Collet dies and seater. When they arrive, the proof of the pudding will lie in the first range trip!
Jumped in with both feet...,..
I have purchased new Winchester brass and Sierra BlitzKing bullets (40 gns.) as well as a set of Lee dies with both F/L and Collet neck sizing dies. Using the collet dies only. I only have 2400 powder to use right now so have begun. Started at 7.0 gns. and seated the bullet out quite far. Results were quite good with iron sights compared to factory. Am now trying 8.0 gns. with the bullet set further out. The throat must be quite generous as the bullet doesn't touch the rifling. Now, I have to confess I am not using a rifle from which I expect great things as it is a Model 219B Savage single shot...but...I had to start someplace. The trigger pull is horendous so I will have a look at that...I am not optimistic about the pull. Iron sights and old eyes aren't a great accuracy recipe. I will put a scope on it soon and am looking for something with a quick focus feature and a fine reticule. Eyes wide open for a second Hornet in a bolt action or single shot.
Dave
I have purchased new Winchester brass and Sierra BlitzKing bullets (40 gns.) as well as a set of Lee dies with both F/L and Collet neck sizing dies. Using the collet dies only. I only have 2400 powder to use right now so have begun. Started at 7.0 gns. and seated the bullet out quite far. Results were quite good with iron sights compared to factory. Am now trying 8.0 gns. with the bullet set further out. The throat must be quite generous as the bullet doesn't touch the rifling. Now, I have to confess I am not using a rifle from which I expect great things as it is a Model 219B Savage single shot...but...I had to start someplace. The trigger pull is horendous so I will have a look at that...I am not optimistic about the pull. Iron sights and old eyes aren't a great accuracy recipe. I will put a scope on it soon and am looking for something with a quick focus feature and a fine reticule. Eyes wide open for a second Hornet in a bolt action or single shot.
Dave
Good for you. Sounds like the plunge I will be taking in the near future. I can't wait to get a hornet.
I saw the nicest rifle I have seen in a long time this weekend. Was in Regina and there was a beautiful Winchester 1885 Low Wall in .22 Hornet on Consignment. Beautiful shape with only minor dings to the stock. Wanted $1200 for it. I am not too sure if that was a good price or not. I really like the Ruger #1 and having held both in my hands, the Winchester Low Wall was twice as nice.
I saw the nicest rifle I have seen in a long time this weekend. Was in Regina and there was a beautiful Winchester 1885 Low Wall in .22 Hornet on Consignment. Beautiful shape with only minor dings to the stock. Wanted $1200 for it. I am not too sure if that was a good price or not. I really like the Ruger #1 and having held both in my hands, the Winchester Low Wall was twice as nice.
