.22Hornet, .222 and .223 compared

[1armoured]

Had my three Lil'Guns out the gun cupboard over the weekend.

Savage Model 40 .22Hornet  medium heavy varmint 24" barrel
Anschutz 1742 .222  sporter barrel 24"
and
the Weatherby Vanguard 'Red Mist' (Special Varminter) .223 medium heavy 22" barrel

They generally shoot much the same. Depends on the bullet and load, and the nut behind the trigger.

The Nosler 40 grain ballistics shoot best in the Hornet,
the Sierra 52gr MatchKing HPBT in the .222
and sofar, the 55gr GameKings HPBT in the Vanguard.

I suspect that a Sierra 52gr MatchKing would also go well in the Vanguard, but I have been persevering with 55grs.

The 100mtr Hornet was OK at a half inch. It has a 4-16 Tasco on. Target centre is 15mm. (1" = 25mm)

For my Hornet 200mtr targets, have a look on the Savage Rifles forum here on Greybeard. Nosler printed under inch and a half.
Scored 10 from 10 groundhogs.

I had three left over .222 rounds, so just put them on a target, and they happened to print together. Must have been my lucky day ! It has a 6-20 Simmons on.

The .223 was acceptable at just over half an inch at 100mtrs and inch and a half at 200mtrs, (and 5 from 5 groundhogs).
Difficult to consistently pick a good spot on the target with the 4-12 x Bushnell.
The groundhog has a 10mm centre smiley and is  A4.
I find the Savage is fun to shoot. So mild a report and recoil, and fun to reload for.
Tightest 100mtr 5 shot group sofar is .35" with the Noslers and Lil'Gun.

cheers,

Sean in 'Godzone'

[Catfish]

Actually them all do the same thing. The difference is the Hornet does it at 210 yrds., the the .222 does it at 260 yrds. and the .223 does it at 270 yrds. I`ve killed groundhogs with all of them and they all work the same, just at different yardages.

[1armoured]

I agree,

Although the .223 should be able to get out a bit further.

Depending on twist, and bullet weight, you can shoot a long, long way with a .223 .

Mine is only 1:12, and I have been pushing only 55grs. I only have 200mtrs to shoot.

I would add further, they all do it for me with different bullet weights, all roughly the same speed, although the .223 should be able to be pushed a bit quicker.

35/40gr in the Hornet
52gr in the .222
and,
55gr in the .223

I have also shot those 40gr Nosler Ballistic tips in the .222 at 100mtrs, with Sako brass, which has less powder capacity. Very accurate for me.

cheers,
Sean in 'Godzone'