Hodgdon Universal and the .22 Hornet - Wisdom needed

[Toddlo]

Hi All,

I have a can of Hodgdon Universal and I'd like to work up some cast loads for my .22 Hornet with it. I looked at the Powder burn rates from Hodgdon and they list Universal right next to Unique, which shoots fairly well for me. My question is has anyone tried Universal for the Hornet? I have a 225438 Lyman bullet. Winchester Model 43 BTW.

Thanks!

[crackers]

I guess the wisdom is saying, "Why fight the Lilgun Fairy?"

[mehavey]

Several of the more recently introduced fast burning powders were tested. These included: Hodgdon’s Universal,
Titegroup, and Longshot. Longshot proved to be a fairly useful powder in the Hornet. Universal and Titegroup both
indicated pressure signs before reaching 2,000 feet per second, therefore, I do not recommend either for use in the
Hornet
http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/ByCaliber/Cast%20Bullets%20in%20the%2022%20Hornet.pdf

[rbuck351]

oops was posting wrong data

[303Guy]

If you decide to try the Universal, don't be shy of lower velocities. A 16 twist hornet will stabilize heavier than one might expect. That mold is a 44gr and not too long I would think so should be fine at lower speeds. One way of finding out.

[Toddlo]

I was thinking that a 4.0 gr load would be a good place to start. Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[bobthenailer]

4.2 to 4.5 grs of 231 worked excellent for me for reduced loads @ 1600 fps with 55 gr bullet