openbook
08-09-2022, 10:11 AM
…Fishing for data, that is. Specifically, data on where best to get data.
I have a lot less experience than many here, so my policy has been that I’ll only take data from the web if I can confirm it’s a lower loading than published data I have in my hand. For that reason, my goal is to find a manual that lists IMR-4198 and IMR-4227 with 55gr cast bullets. I think I've read every thread on the 22 Hornet on this forum, and seen lots of great recs and favorite loads—I'm just looking for a published load table to start me out. Later I’ll likely add a 225438 or the NOE remake of the 225107 (said to be a dream in the Hornet), but for now I’m stuck with what I have.
It seems modern references on 22 Hornet are geared almost exclusively toward fast twists and jacketed. Even my Lyman’s 4th Cast has only two entries in the 22 Hornet rifle section. When I got into the idea of reloading the Hornet, I had seen all kinds of recommendations for IMR 4227 and 4198—both powders I have. The Lyman’s also has data on loading 55 grainers with Red Dot, and I hunted some down to give it a try.
I have the Lee-Midsouth version of the Bator bullet, which I learned after buying is not the Bator of lore. At 55 grains and a longer profile than the old Bator it has trouble stabilizing at low speeds in a 1-16 twist. In my Savage 340 24” barrel, 4227 and 4198 seemed to offer a solution. But for the fact that in my modern references, there’s no data to be found.
I loaded the Red Dot through most of its load range with keyholing and 6” or bigger groups at 25 yards. I also gave the fabled Lil’ Gun a shot. After days of searching for data I finally took the lowest starting load I could find, for a same-weight jacketed bullet, and decreased it 20%. Those loads shot alright but I was stuck with a narrow range of weights in one powder. After some later reading in Beagle’s castpics writeup on loading cast in the 22 Hornet, I estimate those loads were going out close to 2500 fps.
Larry Gibson, always a great source of information on reloading my favorite calibers 22 Hornet and 45-70 Govt., has said on this forum that Lil’ Gun is not the greatest for cast bullets. I wonder if the same holds true for a GC round? Larry, if you’re out there, I would appreciate your wisdom.
This brings me back to 4198 and 4227. I’ve given the Red Dot and Lil’ Gun a run-through. 4198/4227 are said to be great slower-burning powders that I think could really get a round moving in my 24” barrel—though at a slightly tamer speed than the Lil’ Gun. And they’re on hand. All I need now is a good manual to give some starting data. All I have so far are the Lyman’s 50th, Lyman’s Cast 4th Edition, and load tables that came with my Lee dies. What older manual would you most recommend for some 22 Hornet cast load data? Lyman's 3rd? I’ve also seen praise for the 1967 Lyman 44th Ed. Reloading Handbook.
Bonus question: If you were buying an H&R Handi Rifle in 22 Hornet, what’s the dream configuration? I’ve learned they were offered in three different twists: 1-16, 1-12 and 1-9. Any other options that are “the way to go?” A few years ago I set out to find a Handi, and ended up with my Savage 340e with original Weaver side-saddle 4x scope. I love the Savage, but the Handi bug has bitten again. I’ll be on the lookout for a bit and will take recommendations about the best setup. And what would you call a reasonable price?
openbook
I have a lot less experience than many here, so my policy has been that I’ll only take data from the web if I can confirm it’s a lower loading than published data I have in my hand. For that reason, my goal is to find a manual that lists IMR-4198 and IMR-4227 with 55gr cast bullets. I think I've read every thread on the 22 Hornet on this forum, and seen lots of great recs and favorite loads—I'm just looking for a published load table to start me out. Later I’ll likely add a 225438 or the NOE remake of the 225107 (said to be a dream in the Hornet), but for now I’m stuck with what I have.
It seems modern references on 22 Hornet are geared almost exclusively toward fast twists and jacketed. Even my Lyman’s 4th Cast has only two entries in the 22 Hornet rifle section. When I got into the idea of reloading the Hornet, I had seen all kinds of recommendations for IMR 4227 and 4198—both powders I have. The Lyman’s also has data on loading 55 grainers with Red Dot, and I hunted some down to give it a try.
I have the Lee-Midsouth version of the Bator bullet, which I learned after buying is not the Bator of lore. At 55 grains and a longer profile than the old Bator it has trouble stabilizing at low speeds in a 1-16 twist. In my Savage 340 24” barrel, 4227 and 4198 seemed to offer a solution. But for the fact that in my modern references, there’s no data to be found.
I loaded the Red Dot through most of its load range with keyholing and 6” or bigger groups at 25 yards. I also gave the fabled Lil’ Gun a shot. After days of searching for data I finally took the lowest starting load I could find, for a same-weight jacketed bullet, and decreased it 20%. Those loads shot alright but I was stuck with a narrow range of weights in one powder. After some later reading in Beagle’s castpics writeup on loading cast in the 22 Hornet, I estimate those loads were going out close to 2500 fps.
Larry Gibson, always a great source of information on reloading my favorite calibers 22 Hornet and 45-70 Govt., has said on this forum that Lil’ Gun is not the greatest for cast bullets. I wonder if the same holds true for a GC round? Larry, if you’re out there, I would appreciate your wisdom.
This brings me back to 4198 and 4227. I’ve given the Red Dot and Lil’ Gun a run-through. 4198/4227 are said to be great slower-burning powders that I think could really get a round moving in my 24” barrel—though at a slightly tamer speed than the Lil’ Gun. And they’re on hand. All I need now is a good manual to give some starting data. All I have so far are the Lyman’s 50th, Lyman’s Cast 4th Edition, and load tables that came with my Lee dies. What older manual would you most recommend for some 22 Hornet cast load data? Lyman's 3rd? I’ve also seen praise for the 1967 Lyman 44th Ed. Reloading Handbook.
Bonus question: If you were buying an H&R Handi Rifle in 22 Hornet, what’s the dream configuration? I’ve learned they were offered in three different twists: 1-16, 1-12 and 1-9. Any other options that are “the way to go?” A few years ago I set out to find a Handi, and ended up with my Savage 340e with original Weaver side-saddle 4x scope. I love the Savage, but the Handi bug has bitten again. I’ll be on the lookout for a bit and will take recommendations about the best setup. And what would you call a reasonable price?
openbook