22 Hornet bullet drop

[Gomer]

Looking for some help on sighting in a new Savage Model 40. The 22 hornet is a new round to me.
I will be shooting only factory loads (don't reload at this point). The ammo is Remington's PSP 45 gr.
Will be hunting mostly ground-hogs and other small varmints with it at, a max distance of 200 yds.
How would you zero it in at 100 yds, dead on, 1 inch high, 2 inch high Depending on zero point choice ,what kind of drop should I expect with the round I am shooting?
Thanks for any suggestions and help.

[Bob A]

Hey Gomer,

You can find the Remington data on their web site. It says the 45 gr PSP has a BC of .130.
Zero at 100
150 = -2.1 in
200 = -7.1 in

Zero at 150
100 = +1.4 in
200 = -4.3 in

Looks like 200 yards is a stretch for this ammo with such a small target.

The Rem 35 gr Accutip and Hornady 35 gr VMax are better
Zero at 100
150 = -1.6 in
200 = -5.5 in

But the Nosler 40 gr Ballistic Tip is the best store bought ammo for 200 yards and small targets. BC = .221 MV = 2850

Zero at 100
150 = -1.3
200 = -4.4

Zero at 150
100 = +.9
200 = -2.6

I guess where to set Zero depends on how you like to compensate when shooting. Some can manage to hold over with good results. Some really need to have the cross hairs on the target.

If it was me and I had to buy instead of load, I would buy the Nosler. If I had to use the Rem 45 PSP, I would prob zero at 100 then add 6 clicks to get me out to apprx 150 yards.

My 2 cents worth. Might not be worth even that much

Bob A

[1armoured]

Yeah,
I agree with Bob.
Haven't seen the Nosler factories loads here though,
but the best results I've had in my Model 40 are my Nosler 40gr BT reloads with Lil'gun.

I've used the the Hornady 35gr V-Max Factory as a good 100mtr round, albeit a bit light, both in weight, and BC.
I might try that also at 200mtrs with a 1" high at 100mtrs, although with the small targets, and their kill-zones, it's not the ideal.
You'll possibly be zipping either side of a PD's scrawny neck at the shorter distances.

I've found the 45gr SP European loads are pretty tame.
In my mind, you need to get them out the barrel as fast as you can, and the lighter BT's and V-Max's seem ideal.
Funnily enough, I've just tried some 50gr Hornady SP's with Lil'Gun, and was impressed at 100mtrs, although I don't know what speed they were at the muzzle, or their drop at 200.

As you say, I would judge the distance, adjust the scope, and aim in the middle of the target.
Gotta find the most suitable ammo for your rifle first, though ! (Not necessarily the cheapest !!!)

cheers, and good shooting in the Model 40,

Sean in 'Godzone'

[303Guy]

Standard 50gr bullets will give you the flattest trajectory and highest striking velocities over 150yds for standard SPS bullets (but only just).

Check out JBM – Calculations on the web.

I did a calculation for you using figures I have gleamed off the web.  (Not all rifles can achieve the 2850 fps I used).

45 gr. XLC™ Boattail           

 Scope hight – 2 inches

Muzzle velocity – 2850 fps                   
Ist zero – 40 yds
mid-range trajectory  – 1.5 inches @ 110yds
2nd zero – 178 yds
@200 yds – 1.2 inches below line of sight
Velocity at 200 yds – 1998 fps

Scope hight – 2 inches

Muzzle velocity – 2750 fps                   
Ist zero – 40 yds
mid-range trajectory  – 1.5 inches @ 110yds
2nd zero – 171 yds
@1.6 inches below line of sight
Velocity at 200 yds – 1917 fps

 Most people will recommend a lower scope mount but that will reduce your point blank range.  (I recommend the higher scope mount and raising the check piece to suite).

Scope hight – 1.5 inches

Muzzle velocity – 2750 fps                   
Ist zero – 30 yds
mid-range trajectory  – 1.5 inches @ 100yds
2nd zero – 168 yds
@200 yds –  2.1 inches below line of sight
Velocity at 200 yds – 1917 fps

There are some pretty hot factory loads available but I know little about them as I reload.

Factory load (velocity not cast in stone).

Scope hight – 1.5 inches

Muzzle velocity – 2650 fps                   
Ist zero – 30 yds
mid-range trajectory   – 1.5 inches @ 100yds
2nd zero – 155 yds
@200 yds –  3.3  inches below line of sight
Velocity at 200 yds – 1684 fps

(These are calculations, not measured facts).

Hope this helps.

303Guy

[saltydog]

22 Hornet is a ggod choice out to 150 ish yards for small game. Hornady 35's are the way to go for the nonreloader. They are wind sensative but the 45 gr's trajectory aren't very good over for a zero over 100 yards. Cheap and easy round to reload.