Author Topic: 22 hornet to 222 ? (Read 1287 times)

grovey · « **on:** December 09, 2012, 04:48:38 AM »

Hey all, my first post. I have a h&r 22 hornet, and after reading a bit here about converting calibers I was wondering if it would be possible to rechamber my hornet to a 222 rem. My gun is a 258 handy gun 2. It has a nickel receiver that someone painted over , and a hornet bbl and long forearm from a model 157. Thoughts ?

elkslayer4x5 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2012, 05:46:03 AM »

I have no idea of what the regulars are gonna say, but my first thought is, WAIT!!

they don't make hornet barrels any more, but I say that because I don't have a hornet barrel ! Other than that, I'm pretty sure that your Hornet barrel is'nt old enough to be a smaller bore, ( .223 rather than .224, like some of the earlier hornets where ) so there should'nt be any problem rechambering your barrel to the triple duece, in fact I think that the hornet barrel would be your only choice to rechamber to .222.
I'm sure that others will be along to correct my thinking. lol

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2012, 05:47:54 AM »

Welcome! Not if it's a cast iron frame, what are the serial number prefix letters? It also has a soldered underlug if it was made prior to 1987, neither are good for high pressure chamberings.

Tim

EDIT: A little googling revealed the Handy Gun II was made from 1982-1986, so it would not be a suitable platform for rechambering to 222, enjoy it as a nice shooting hornet.

SEK_22Hornet · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2012, 07:28:56 AM »

I didn't take time to check the FAQ's, but I'm thinking that that might be a 1 in 16 twist barrel - if it is, it would not be very good for a 22 anyway. You might list is on here for sale if you don't want a hornet - I'll bet someone will grab it up. You might also consider reaming it to K hornet as well.

grovey · « **Reply #4 on:** December 09, 2012, 07:30:14 AM »

Bummer,,, Isn't this the same platform used in 20 ga, 30/30, 357 max ? I'm certainly not an expert, but would'nt those calibers create more pressure than a 222 rem ?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** December 09, 2012, 07:42:26 AM »

Quote from: grovey on December 09, 2012, 07:30:14 AM

Bummer,,, Isn't this the same platform used in 20 ga, 30/30, 357 max ? I'm certainly not an expert, but would'nt those calibers create more pressure than a 222 rem ?

The 222 runs at 50kpsi compared to 35kpsi for the 357mag, Hornet is about 43kpsi, but much smaller case head than the 222, 20ga runs only 12kpsi.

Tim

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/saami_pressures.htm

http://stevespages.com/page8d.htm

grovey · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2012, 08:06:08 AM »

I understand now. Twist is probably wrong too. My serial # starts with AY if my eyes are working this morning. Any chance the nickel guns are stronger ?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2012, 08:11:28 AM »

Nope, maybe weaker due to the electroless nickle treatment, but it's still cast iron. Even it the frame were stronger or you put it on a modern steel frame, the barrel's underlug is soldered on, modern barrels have welded underlugs.

Tim

gcrank1 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 09, 2012, 08:20:37 AM »

IMHO, 1:16 will stabilize up through 45gr. bullets, it gets iffy on longer, thus heavier ones because you often just cant drive them fast enough without too high pressure (it is really a length issue, not weight). On the right platform your idea sounds good, it is a nice looking little cartridge. FWIW, a bunch of old Hornet rifles were rechambered to the 218 Bee also, a case that is easier to manipulate than the Hornet.
Were I to do the 22 cal. thing over again, I'd get a .223 and load it to whatever level I wanted (I never 'needed' anything as voluminous as a 22-250).

grovey · « **Reply #9 on:** December 09, 2012, 08:52:13 AM »

Thanks guys.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** December 09, 2012, 09:09:45 AM »

See the reamer sticky above if you want to make it a k-Hornet.

Tim

craigster · « **Reply #11 on:** December 09, 2012, 04:28:50 PM »

K-Hornitize it, you'll be glad you did.

geezerbiker · « **Reply #12 on:** December 09, 2012, 10:31:31 PM »

I'll second that on the K-Hornet. I have a couple of them and it improves accuracy and makes the cases last longer for reloading.

Tony

c1skout · « **Reply #13 on:** December 10, 2012, 12:50:05 PM »

If you really want a 222 you could check with Brian here if they still have any barrels in stock, then you would just need to buy a newer sb2 frame to send in and get it fitted. I got one last spring to replace a wore out Savage I had. The 222 is one of my favorite cartridges.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** December 10, 2012, 12:55:59 PM »

H&R will not longer let Brian fit barrels that aren't on the accessory barrel page which the 222 isn't, if they have a 222 barrel it's for replacement on repairs, read the sticky. $:-\$

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,224285.msg1099234801.html#msg1099234801

Quote from: quickdtoo on January 06, 2011, 09:06:29 AM

Unfortunately H&R no longer offers any accessory barrels other than those listed on the accessory barrel web page, any barrels listed below that aren't on the H&R site are only available for repair/replacement..

http://www.hr1871.com/support/accessoryprogram.asp
Quote

c1skout · « **Reply #15 on:** December 10, 2012, 01:06:28 PM »

Bummer $:-\$

tturner53 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 11, 2012, 04:17:44 PM »

So what does it take to rechamber a .22 Hornet to .222? Assuming a modern SB2 frame and a 9" twist to start off. Easy schmeezy or pain in the neck?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #17 on:** December 11, 2012, 05:22:37 PM »

A .222 reamer and someone skilled in rechambering on a lathe.

Tim

Gaz-52 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2013, 11:35:59 PM »

Just to revive this topic if I may . Is it necessary to replace the extractor with one for a .223 Rem. or can the .22 Hornet extractor be secured somehow and be recut to size by the .222 chamber reamer as the new chamber is cut ?
Gaz.

Deerhunter#1 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2013, 07:16:13 AM »

if correct the 22 hornet is still on the accessory page so if correct is it still available to buy one.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2013, 09:03:24 AM »

I agree with previous statements..

Also the 22H to 222 preformance gains are minimal, I also agree to improve the case to the Ackley and enjoy this old rifle. With new powders and bullets you will be knocking on the back door of the 222 vel and energies with light bullets.

Good luck,
CW

quickdtoo · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2013, 10:22:52 AM »

The GBO K-Hornet reamer rental costs only less than $30 incl return shipping, see the sticky above.

Tim

Couger · « **Reply #22 on:** February 03, 2013, 10:37:44 AM »

Asking for clarification .......

What is the twist rate for current Hornet barrels? (I was under the impression H&R was using 1-12")

quickdtoo · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2013, 11:29:04 AM »

Vintage are 1:16", ~1987-~2007 are 1:12", 2007> are 1:9", all listed in the FAQs.

Tim

gcrank1 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 03, 2013, 11:33:20 AM »

If it were me I would do the K-H now and see how it works. Guys that have 'em like 'em; must be somethin to it.