22 Hornet Mould?

[RoadBike]

I have a Savage Model 25 Walking Varminter in 22 Hornet with a 1 in 14 twist. Thus far, it seems to do well with 35- and 45-grain commercial ammunition.

I would like to try casting for the Hornet. I'm considering the NOE 223-37 FN (225107) and the NOE 224-45 WFN. I have Lil Gun, 2400, 110/296, and 4227 for powders as well as Bullseye, Titegroup, and 231/HP38.

I have been hand loading for pistols and revolvers successfully for several years, but I'm a rank novice when it comes to casting for anything and to loading bottleneck cartridges. I've amassed standard Lee dies, Lee collet die, Lee FCD, and Lyman M die for the Hornet.

Intended uses for the Hornet would include casual paper punching, small game, and varmint control.

So, what mold would you recommend for the 1:14 Hornet? Gas check or plain base?

Thanks.

[marlin39a]

I have the Ruger 77/22VHZ with a 1-14 twist. I am shooting the NOE 225107 GC Bullet. I run them fast with Hodgdon Lil Gun. As accurate as the Hornady 35 V-Max I use to shoot.

[quilbilly]

I am using the older version of the Lee Bator mold in my Hornet T/C carbine and it loves that boolit launched at a velocity of about 1900 fps. I have used both 2400 and 4198 powders and both shoot well each giving near MOA accuracy (best my eyes will do except on really good days). That new version of the Lee mold looks even better than the old.

[MT Chambers]

My best accuracy with cast in .22 cf cartridges is with the vel. reduced to 1500 fps or so.

[10x]

I have the NOE 225 37 grain 10 cavity plain base mold. It is an incredibly accurate bullet in my savage single shot bull barrel 22 hornet.
I keep speeds under 1500 fps but out to 30 yards it gives a ten shot single big hole group.
I do powder coat the bullets and I size to 0.225"
I also have the NOE 225 37 gr GC mold but Have yet to cast with it.
Get a 5 cavity mold, and use an alloy with at least 3% to 5% tin.
I use 8 lb wheel weights, 2 lb pure lead, and 1/4 lb of tin in my alloy, This results in a cast bullet of about 38 grains .

[bleukahuna]

I also use the NOE 225107. Mine is2PB+2GC. All of my Hornets seem to prefer this one to my other .22 molds.

[richhodg66]

That NOE 45 grain WFN is great in the Hornet. I have all plain based in mine and shoot it at .22 rimfire velocities but it's a great small game bullet.

[dtknowles]

pick something and go. I have a plain base 45 grain NOE mold that I think shoots well but I can't get groups as good as 35 grain Hornady v max. My Ruger #3 my results your mileage may vary but it is fun.

Tim

[JeffinNZ]

This is 50m with the NOE 225107 and 7gr Lil Gun.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/JeffinNZ/Shooting%20stuff/87da06e9-a68f-4373-81e2-4fd3b16d415a_zpsqviwsx8f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/JeffinNZ/media/Shooting%20stuff/87da06e9-a68f-4373-81e2-4fd3b16d415a_zpsqviwsx8f.jpg.html)

Highly recommend the bullet.