Loads for the .22 Hornet

[terryt]

Hi:

I have recently acquired a Handi-Rifle in .22 Hornet.

IT CAME WITH A 4 CAVITY NOE MOLD THAT’S DROPS 37 GRAIN BOOLITS.

THE MOLD IS BRAND NEW AND THE MAN I GOT THE RIFLE FROM NEVER CAST OR LOADED THESE BOOLITS.

HAS ANYONE HAD EXPERNICE WITH A BOOLIT THIS LIGHT?

THANKS,

TERRYT

[FLHTC]

If it's an older one, it should be 1 in 12 or a really old one, 1 in 16. This should stabilize those light bullets fine. A newer 1 in 9 might give you accuracy issues with a bullet that light.

[Wayne S]

As FLHTC they came with different twists, checking the twist is easy using a cleaning rod, I'm sure that procedure is a sticky somewhere. And if it's a 1-9 there might be a problem. Whit that short a bullet you will never touch the riflings with a chambered round so your best chance for accuracy is a tight fit of the bullet into the throat. I suggest finding an "egg" sinker that is about .227 in dia. or a piece of lead you can use to slug the throat, to get the proper Dia. to size your bullets.

[Larry Gibson]

I've a bit of experience with the Lyman 225107 which is what the NOE is copied from I believe(?). I've shot it in 14 and 16" twist Hornets with reasonable success. Best was at lower velocities in the 1200 - 2300 fps range. In faster 9" twist .223 it did not do well ( talking 2 moa or less) at all above 1800 fps. The short bearing surface really works against that bullet especially with the shallower groove depths of most .224 cal barrels. Also the faster 9" twist works against it.

It is an excellent bullet for duplicating .22LR standard, HV and hyper velocity loads in the 22 Hornet though. I use Bullseye and Unique powders for those loads.

Larry Gibson

[dtknowles]

If you don't have or can't find Bullseye or Unique, I have used Red Dot and Green Dot with success.

Tim

[terryt]

Hi:

Thanks for the info. IT does have a 1in9 twist. I may sale the NOE mold and get one that casts a heavier boolit.

Terryt

[Larry Gibson]

If you can find a 225462 Loverin style it should prove excellent in your faster twist Hornet.

Larry Gibson

[gnoahhh]

I have a 5.6x35R (Euro Hornet) with a 1-8½" twist. It loves the heavyweights like 225415 and the Lee Bator and 3½gr. Unique, small pistol primers. The lightweight 225307 is only a fair performer in this one. 225438 with 1.8gr. Bullseye is very good also.

[CWME]

I never had any luck at all with my Handi hornet. Didn't matter what boolit I tried to launch, it just won't shoot. It now sits in the back of the safe for when I retire and have time to burn.
That NOE 225107 works great in my 1-14 twist .223 though. Might want to hold onto that mold and trade rifles instead... YMMV

[dtknowles]

I had an H&R 158 in .22 Hornet. I was not happy with the accuracy (I only shot it with jacketed bullets). I gave it to my brother and bought a Ruger #3 in .22 Hornet, still not tack driver but it is better than the H&R.

Tim