.224" bullets work just fine in the CZs and BRNOs (same deal, just different vintage). The new CZ 527's are THE most accurate Hornet there is, bar none. They have a properly sized chamber (tight), the vast majority of commercial rifles in .22 Hornet having large, sloppy chambers. As well, the integrally hammer forged chamber provides perfect bore/chamber concentricity, something Hornets are finnicky about. My 527 Hornet is an honest to goodness 0.5" (or better as I tweak loads, we shall see) Hornet, almost a fabled creature. I bedded it, and freefloated it in a custom English walnut stock in the American pattern, it also features iron sights as well as the barrelled action came from an FS. An NEF etc will likely be a frustrating experience, the Savage Mdl 40's OK, but a rather hokey and cantankerous little action (akin to their rimfires). Stepping up to CZ gives you a whole different level.