Model 40 and 50gr PSP groups

[1armoured]

I had the M40 .22Hornet out the gun-cupboard over the weekend, and tested some old leftover 50gr Hornady PSP's, with Lil'Gun and Winchester small pistol primers, in Winchester once fired brass .
I'd used up all my other projectiles, so the hunting bullets were it.

I ended up with my normal filling of 13grs, with the longer bullet seated out a bit, so as not to compress the powder.
I test-chambered the bullet first, and didn't seem to be making contact with the lands.
The results were pretty good.
Looked like there was a bit more of a pressure ring at the case head, but nothing split or blew, and primers looked OK.

Here's the best 100mtr 5 shot group of the day.
Just under the magic half inch.

Not quite as good as the 40gr Nosler BT's, which have gone .35 , but then I only fired a couple groups.

Should I keep the rifle ?
Is this acceptable in a light varmint rig with a 16x scope ?
or should I confess to my wife that I spent the holiday money and trade it back on a cruise ?

cheers,
Sean in 'Godzone'

[LaOtto222]

If you are fishing for a compliment; you got it. Those are pretty good groups for a "cheap" rifle, especially in 22 Hornet. Have you done any mods to it? I know the model 40 has the accu trigger, but have you done any work on it? Polished the bore? bedded the action? I have thought about getting one myself, but the weight has stopped me. I want a Hornet rifle, but I want it light weight for a walk around rifle. I have several small bore rifles, but they all weigh 8.5+ pounds with scope.

[1armoured]

Haven't touched it other than adjust the accu-trigger weight of pull to it's lightest.

About 2.5 lbs, I think, and no hint of any creep.

I was just showing what the rifle is capable of, and with the heavier, longer bullet,
and it's such a pleasure to shoot, except for maybe the single feed,
but you get over that when you see the results, and add-up what it cost you !

My bench setup and technique stinks, though, but I'm working on it.

cheers,
Sean in 'Godzone'

[LaOtto222]

I really want a 22 Hornet. I defiantly do not need it. I have one in a TC pistol (10" barrel), but I want one in a longer barrel. I thought real hard about the Model 40. It has every thing I want. A good trigger, single shot, accurate, laminated stock. The only problem is the weight.  I start out wanting a light weight rifle and end up with one heavier than I wanted. It is my own fault. I take off a nice skinny barrel and add a varmint weight barrel. I added a 24" 221 barrel to a Stevens 200 and had it cut down to 18" to save weight, but it still weighs in at 8.5 pounds with a scope. It gets heavy on the shoulder after a couple of hours of walking. I have thought of a CZ, but they are pricey, thought of a blued Ruger 77, but again pricey and a grab bag for accuracy. Thought about a Handy light weight in 22 Hornet. Decisions, decisions. I end up with the heavier gun because of guys like you. I read all of the good results, save up and bam I have a heavier gun than I wanted. I like a single shot rifle. I have 2 Stevens 200's and a REM 700 VS and have converted them all to single shots. I took the ejector out of the Stevens and just pick the case out. No fumbling around on the ground for empties when I forget to cover the port with my hand. I have a TC Contender with several pistol barrels + 17" 44MAG and 23" 221 FB.  I have some Handy rifles too, well one frame and 3 barrels. So you see I really do like single shots. I may end up with another Handy. Do not ask me tomorrow, because it will be something different.