Very Happy!!Back to the gun clubs 100 & 200 yard range today with factory Horandy 35 gr V-Max and Winny 46 gr H.P.'s, after shooting at my home 50 yard range yesterday.
Handi .22 Hornet
Bushnell Banner 4-12x40
Caldwell Bags
Wind 5mph
Weather 75 & nice
Most likely help/tips a)" it likes dirty" - This gun reminds me of a 22lr as far as cleaning
b) complete trigger follow through for handi's
c) the forearm action screw/adjusting
d) I have crossed the magical "200 round" break in mark and never did lap the bore
Mods- I have 2 "O" ring on the lug and a 3/16" thick x 3/4" long 1/2" wide piece of weather strip foam for a forend tip pressure point/vibration isolator. The 3/4" length is run width wise accross the barrel channel and just slightly rides up the sides of the barrel........."slightly". My action screw is good and snug but not cranked anymore. Maybe snug tight plus a 1/4 turn.
Of great importance to me* My cold barrel POI was spot on!
Note; as noted throough PM help shots # 2 & 3 from cold bore will string. Once barrel warms slightly along with completely cold it's spot on. I don't hunt P-Dogs but this rifle/caliber does not over heat. This would be a killer 200 yard colony varmint all day gun!! No cleaning,no over heating,just keeps shooting tight for it's range.
Averages (not best)
100 yards- 5 shot groups 1.2's slightly less with the 46gr than 35 gr. 3 shot groups easily in the .6's best .5 and under for 5 shot 1". Note; it shoots the Winny's slightly better at 100 about moa for 5 shot. BUT, look at 200 where the V-Max shines.
Note; I have the stock trigger about3.5- 4 #'s. I like it because it's crisp with no creep and nice for field. I have no doubt............zero. That with a 1.5 # trigger ,a 16-20 power scope and a real front rest. This rifle would average slightly under sub moa right now..............if not better, with factory ammo.
200 yards- My 3 shot (no 5 shot groups fired at 200) were in the 1.9's - 2.0 average with the Hornady!! The Winny's opened up a little.
This is plenty good MOA for this rifles range. It is better than I thought I would get and likely as good as many high cost Hornets if shooting factory ammo with the same scope and bags. I have a rifle/scope outfit that cost much more in a heavy barrel 22-250 that will shoot an average in the .6 to low .7's 5 shot/100 yards. I have a CZ 453 / 17hmr with a Burris scope that averages about 1" at 100 (basically the same as this Hornet) that will on occasion do a dime. The NEF Hornet costs 1/2 the price as the CZ set trigger model and 1/3 the 22-250 both of which wear better scopes too. This Hornet shoots with that 17hmr as far as averages. This rifle shoots better than 2 - 22 wmr's (mags) I have owned in bolt action.
Fun Factor- Like the 17hmr this is a FUN caliber. Very enjoyable to shoot. Complete,I watch impact on the woodchuck because of the low recoil. This gun is a pleasure to carry as a walking varmint rifle. I did not chrono the Hornady 35 gr. V-Max reported @ 3100 but it's HOT
for sure.
You know when as a varmint hunter you reach that confidance level in a rifle? You know where the first shot cold bore will be? You have confidance in it's accuracy? You know what to expect? I am there...........I luv this little gun !! It shoots right where I had hoped for as my best case. 1" high @ 100 gives you a very nice varmint pipe for shooting espeially with the hot v-max. I also checked my scopes come ups and again ammo poi. 8 clicks up from zero with the Winny 46 gr. HP's. "Bang,bang,bang"...........spot on, 1.2" high at 100!! Dial back down 8 clicks........"bang,bang,bang".........spot on 1" high with the hot V-Max !!!!.............Nice
PS- No vertical string problem now........none!
Two thumbs up.
Bill / W.S.
