Author Topic: .22 Hornet CB Loads (Read 1342 times)

Jim B. · « **on:** December 25, 2004, 10:47:05 AM »

I have been working to develop an accurate reduced load for the .22 Hornet using the Lyman 225438 (44gr GC) bullet. I am looking for a load with velocity between a .22LR and .22 mag for squirrel hunting.

My best success so far has been with 7.0 gr of N110, bullets of #2 alloy sized to .224 and lubed with Lee Liquid Alox with small pistol primers. This load has potential but is only grouping about 2" at 50 yds

Does anyone have more accurate cast bullet loads they have developed for the Hornet?

Jim B.

Nobade · « **Reply #1 on:** December 26, 2004, 02:29:27 PM »

That same bullet with 4.5gr. Unique and pistol primers works for me. No guarantees, but it's worth a try if you have any Unique.

The Cast Bullet Kid · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2004, 09:41:15 AM »

Hi
My Hornet used to like a Lyman 225415 FN GC over 5gr of 800X. Genrally getting 2MOA at 100m.

haroldclark · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2004, 10:43:19 AM »

What is the barrel length of your 22 Hornet.

Harold Clark

Jim B. · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2004, 03:37:49 PM »

Harold,

My rifle is the Ruger 77/22H with, I believe, a 24" barrel.

Jim

haroldclark · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2004, 04:10:04 PM »

I worked up these loads in Quickload software. I have found that if the loading gets 100% burn in the barrel and the bullet fits the bore,you will have great accuracy.

22 Hornet 24 Barrel Lyman 44 grain cast bullet OAL = 1.697
Max Allowed Pressure 43511 PSI

The below loads will be rather quiet for shooting in local areas. I dont know how fast a 22 Magnum goes, but I would guess between 1500 and 1800 fps. 100% powder burn in the barrel is very efficient and quiet.

4 grains Accurate Arms #2 with 1916 fps 100% burn in the 24 barrel
Pressure with this load = 24089 PSI

4 grains of Bullseye for 1865 fps 100% burn in the 24 barrel
Pressure this load = 26253 PSI

3 grains of Herco for 1553 fps 100% burn in the 24 barrel
Pressure this load = 11000 PSI

3.5 grains Hodgdon Clays for 1807 fps 100% burn in the 24 barrel
Pressure this load = 29164

Harold Clark

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2005, 09:09:42 PM »

A .22mag factory specs is 1930fps so your loads are right in the ball park.
Winchester dynapoints are around 1500fps.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2005, 10:00:41 AM »

I find the Hornet is sensitive to how the brass is handled.

The Hornet has thin brass, so using ordinary dies puts stresses on the case -- the walls can bulge as the neck is forced into the die, and it can be stretched as the expander is pulled backward through the neck on the downstroke.

I use a Lee Collet Die, with two washers on the shell holder. This causes the collet to activate early, resizing only about 0.2" of the neck. The remaining unsized portion of the neck acts as a pilot to center the bullet.

I also find the Hornet sensitive to seating depth -- my M82 kimber gives gilt edge accuracy with the bullet actually touching the rifling.

w30wcf · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2005, 04:50:40 AM »

In my '43 Winchester Hornet (24" bbl.) my .22 W.C.F. equivalent smokeless load with the 225438 bullet (w.w. + 2% tin) is 3.2 grs. of W231 sparked by a small pistol primer. Velocity is 1,540 f.p.s. and groups run under 1" @ 50 yards.

I have found that, in my rifle, the bullet seating depth has an effect on the accuracy. About .03"-.06" away from the lands gives the best results.

w30wcf