new hornet barrel

[dangerranger]

 I got a new hornet barrel from Trapper Ray today. mounted a scope on it, and did the usual detailing before shooting. I noticed a couple of things right away. this is much heavier than my old hornet,  and its a 1-9" twist . 
my old one is a 1-16". question is with the faster twist will I be able to shoot heavier bullits, say 55gr? It would be nice to be able to share bullits with the 223. DR

[gcrank1]

Yes, it will be a whole new world of .22 Hornet for you. For too long the Hornet was hobbled by that 1:16 as most wouldnt stabalize more than a 45, some few a 50gr bullet. Not so now. Load some and tell us how its working.

[manatee1947]

my guess would be that it would shoot pretty well with bullets up to say the 60 gr v-max, 64 gr winchester, maybe even the 69 gr sierra match, but that does not leave much powder space. I need to check my barrel to see what it is, I have not yet.

[jeepmann1948]

If you want to shoot the heavy bullets check the max coal on a chambered dummy round .If it is short  have it throated out for the longer bullets.In a single shot the COAL is not limited by anything but the throat.   70 gr in a hornet  almost a Whisper , nice idea

[McLernon]

Just keep in mind the heavier boolits will not have very good terminal ballistics as they will not expand at the lower velocities that you will be working with. So for hunting you will need the lighter boolits. JMHO

Mc

[gcrank1]

Which is to say, the heavier, thus slower bullets may not expand as they would from a cartridge that can drive them faster. It is rather relative though, since distance and retained velocity play into it. With the Hornet you may limit you shots to 150, maybe 200yd? Trajectory may be your real limiting factor, and how most distance shots are missed. The heavier bullet will also have more beans if you want to knock about some silouettes, etc., or the game you are after doesnt need more than a punch though. As said, it will almost be a Whisper and they do have a reputation.   

[dangerranger]

 I dont need heavier bullits as much as I need longer. the 36gr barnes varmit grenades are about the same length as a 55gr lead bullit. most of the hunting I do is under 150yds anyway. that would be ground squirrels, for coyotes its pretty brushy so 100yds is a long shot.if it shoots well I may open this one up to a K Hornet and take full advantage of the faster twist. DR