Can I make a Hornet barrel out of a 22 magnum barrel?

[jlwilliams]

  I'm looking at a barrel blank that is sold as a 22 magnum rimfire barrel blank.  The bore is .224 groove/ .219 lands with a 1:14 twist.  Is that a good starting point to be reamed to 22 Hornet?  It's a 1" blank so I have plenty of material to turn my profile and thread to screw into a barrel stub.  I'm not worried that the Hornet is too powerful for this blank, I'm wondering if the bore and twist are going to give satisfactory results on a Martini rebarrel project.

  Thanks for any help.

[.22-5-40]

Hello, jlwilliams.  I don't see why it couldn't be used.  They are designed for jacketed bullets, and the bore specs. look ok.  One thing you'll find, is that 14" twist is alot more versitile than the old obsolete 1-16" twist too many modern guns are saddled with.  Best of luck on your Hornet..you say it is on a  Martini..Is it a Cadet action?  I have a .22 Ackley on a little Australian cadet action, English walnut,  with Shillen brl.

[jlwilliams]

  Thanks for the info.

  The action I have is a Nepalese Martini Francotte.  They are better that the Ishapores (I'm told) and way better than a Khyber pass gun that I wouldn't shoot a CB cap through.  Still, I don't know that I'd trust it as far as I'd trust a BSA or a Lithgow gun as far as how much cartridge should go through it.  That's why I settled on the Hornet.  Pressure only a little higher than 38 special and an even smaller case.  There have been guns built that were more or less rimfire actions rebarreled to the Hornet that were safe and long lasting (for example, the USAF M4 survival rifle was an existing rimfire action with a new bolt from one company mated to a magazine from another and adapted to a takedown configuration).   

[gunnut69]

The Hornet is quite safe in the barrel you talked about. Many Hornets were put together using 22 rimfire barrels which explains the .223 diameter bullets available for use in the Hornet. Your barrel should use standard .224 diameter bullets also marked for the Hornet. Any .224 jacketed bullet will work well but those with heavier jackets won't expand as well. Springfield M1922's and 580 series Reminton rifles are some examples of those converted to 22 Hornet successfully. The 218 Bee is another caliber that would work for you and they provide a bit better case life and a tad more power.. I really like all the small centerfire 22 calibers..

[jeepmann1948]

Sounds Like a neat rifle in the works. Just a suggestion, consider the K Hornet. It is a lot easier on brass.I have 2 H&R's I reamed to the K version, not for more speed but for longer case life. Accuracy is better than before I reamed them .A K reamer is available for rent on the H& R site here with the proceeds going to help maintain the site.
Good luck

[Kmrere42]

Hi, jlwilliams.




I think that you will come to love the Hornady 40gr v-max in the hornet, with a case full of Lil-gun powder.
Best combo in 3 different rifles I've had.


I will be lots of fun.



Paul B.