Hollowpointer Modified .22 Ammo Range Report

Josh Smith

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Location
Wabash IN
10-22-2009

A while back I bought a hollowpointer/accurizer tool. There were doubts expressed as to whether the modified bullets would perform.

I ran a 100 yard test. However, before we get to that test, let me walk you through the process of making the ammo.

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Here are the components to the hollowpointer...

Fairly simple setup, but precise.

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The first step is to put the round in the bottom block.

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Assemble, and put on some sort of press - even a hammer will work.

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Pull the handle...

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... and a gaping hollowpoint (depending on depth settings) results.

But how do they perform?

They do shoot more accurately than unmodified ammo, but to the same point of aim. This is probably because they've been set to a standard size, and because the center of mass is further back. This is speculation however. I just know it works!

I set up four water jugs at 100 yards, and fired into them.

These are the results:

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This is the first jug. It's pretty well shredded.

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A line of all four jugs...

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Here's a bullet I recovered from right beyond the fourth jug...

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Two more stopped inside the fourth jug.

I believe the variation in penetration is due to the fact that I fired 10 rounds, and kept firing after the jugs were pretty well empty. I tried this test before with three jugs and failed to recover any. I therefore added a fourth jug and kept firing until empty to try to get a few decent samples.

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This is a picture of the unmodified round, modified round, and the three bullets I was able to recover.

Keep in mind that this is CCI 40gn LRN I modified. Their website lists the velocities thus:

Muzzle 1235

50 yards 1092

75 yards 1040

100 yards 998

So, when the bullet impacted, it was acting as a heavy .22 short. Yet, it still expanded to over .36".

These are doing better than my old standby, Winchester Xpert, and are of course more consistent.

I'm impressed.

Josh
 
Looks like a fair ammount of work. How long would it take to do a batch of 100?

Hello,

I don't really remember how long it took. I currently form a large hollowpoint with this, then close it back up with the round nose reshaping rod that came with it. This proves to be very explosive.

I seem to remember something about churning out 100 in an hour, but don't hold me to that. It's been a couple of years since I worried about timing it. I'm the type who weighs handloads to within a tenth of a grain, and it's all just a bit meditational for me. Time just goes away.

Regards,

Josh
 
Nice. Did you compare group sizes before and after?

Hello,

I was finally able to break MOA at 100 yards using Blazers after running them through this.

Previously I'd only been able to do that with subsonic ammo.

Though I can't do much about the heel of the bullet, the nose can be reshaped so it takes reentry through the transonic barrier a bit better.

Regards,

Josh
 
The front end is only part of the accuracy picture. I saw a small wedge gauge in a US precision shooting catalogue. Plop the cartridge into a block and slide a feeler over the base. Apparently, the more consistent the rim, the more predictable the accuracy. But I do like the idea of HP .22s.
 
The front end is only part of the accuracy picture. I saw a small wedge gauge in a US precision shooting catalogue. Plop the cartridge into a block and slide a feeler over the base. Apparently, the more consistent the rim, the more predictable the accuracy. But I do like the idea of HP .22s.

Hello,

I do sort by rim size as well as weight. I wish I could see the heel, but the heels on Blazers are pretty consistent.

Rim thickness controls headspace to a point, and this is where that idea comes from.

Regards,

Josh
 
former

J S

What is the brand of this tool you are using and how much do they cost?
I have the Paco Tool and it isn't as exacting as yours seems to be , but is super destuctive on small game like gophers. FS
 
Have you tried using it on ammo that already has a hollowpoint? Bulk pack ammo i find has inconsistent hollowpoints, and this tool might fix that in terms of making them uniform.

I'll bet some stingers thus modified would pretty much detonate :)
 
The front end is only part of the accuracy picture. I saw a small wedge gauge in a US precision shooting catalogue. Plop the cartridge into a block and slide a feeler over the base. Apparently, the more consistent the rim, the more predictable the accuracy. But I do like the idea of HP .22s.

You can measure rim thickness by inserting your .22LR (or longs, or shorts i guess) into a .223 case, then measure with a caliper.
 
Excuse my ignorance but how does one tag a post for future reference?


Once you reply to a thread, clicking on User CP-Control Panel at the top will show all threads you've posted in that have new replies.

You can also click on thread tools (top right of a thread) and select subscribe to thread. I haven't used this feature though, so I couldn't tell you if it works the same way.
 
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