Hornet velocity spread

[Dusty223]

I hand load for my SB2 NEF Hornet.  With reasonable care in metering powder and normal case preparation I still get a velocity spread of up to 100 fps.  I have read that the hammer striking the firing pin may be the difference and always should pull the trigger back consistently.  Since this velocity problem leads to a wide pattern ( 1 1/2 " MOA) is there something I can do to the frame that will help my accuracy?  Anyone else solve this problem?  Thanks.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome aboard!! A full pull to the rear of the trigger is required due to the transfer bar, an exaggerated pull works best, pull it to the rear and follow thru by holding it there momentarily, don't release it at the break.

Read the FAQ and Help sticky info, it's there to help us with issues like this. :wink:

btw, Hornet barrels are among the most consistently accurate of the H&R/NEF calibers with the right load.

Tim

[cheatermk3]

Just out of curiosity, what powder/primer/bullet are you using?

The  small cases like the hornet really magnify the effects of various components.  Are you using the same cases for all your loads?

[trotterlg]

Handi's do have a ratherr anemic firing pin strike.  Here is a good plan:  In small rifle primers there is a wide range of primer cup thicknesses.  A Hornet is a rather low pressure round, so it will not require one of the thicker small rifle primer cups that are generally required for the .223 or .17 Remington range of pressures.  Take a look at this chart and you will be able to select a primer that is a lot softer (thinner) that will allow the little Handi to set it off a lot more consistantly.  One of the pistol primers may also be usable for you.  Larry

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php

[Fred M]

Dusty 223

Hornet barrels are among the most consistently accurate of the H&R/NEF calibers with the right load.

The Hornet is a finnicky little cartridge to load for super accuracy.
Select a powder that fills the case with a bit compression.. Never mix case brands. Weigh cases and sort them in four groups.
 
Stay away from hard primer like th CCI Match or standards, use only soft cups like Federal or Remington.

Load bullets touching the lands or into the lands if you can.  

Unless you have a super accurate powder measure that throws charges with zero variation, forget about powder measures. Weigh all the charges.

Neck tension should be uniform, to get that  case should be outside neck reamed for uniform neck wall thickness.

Primer pockets and flash holes should all be uniformed. you also should use a good brand of bullets match grade would be advantageous.

[quickdtoo]

That may be Fred, but forum posts show that no one has complained about Hornet accuracy in a Handi, on the contrary, there are many, many posts about how good they shoot and that's been my experience, too.     You can find lots of "My .223 won't shoot" type posts, but you won't find any on the Hornet like that. The accuracy gods must just like the Handi Hornet!! :wink:

The biggest problem I had was getting my die set up so I didn't crush the poor little fragile cases!! :oops:  Hopefully the Lee collet die I ordered will be an improvement as has been recommended by several members.

Tim

[Paul5388]

Tim,

The Lee collet die is the only sizing die I use on my Hornet.  IMO, you did good by ordering one!  

If you'll remember, my Hornet SL 20" is on an old H&R shotgun frame, which may help ignite the CCI 400s I use exclusively to get MOA or less.  BTW, it has always shot better than my SB2 .223!

[quickdtoo]

:toast:

[Fred M]

Tim

Super accuracy

Is what I said and I mean one hole repeatable accuracy. Unless you pay attention of all the little things you wont get it. Other small cartridges react the same when things are not just right. Notwithstanding good equipment.

[quickdtoo]

Fred, I think one-hole accuracy is beyond my capabilities, unless it's a one shot group!! :oops:

Tim