Not Another 22 Hornet Thread?!

[Elliott 436]

Yesterday I picked up a secondhand 22 Hornet from my local gun shop. I had the open sights at the font removed and to tidy the end of the barrel and had the barrel cut back by 2" and screwcut. It's now 20"

 

It's an older example with a double set trigger but it's a minter with a gorgeous stock.

 

 

 

The rifle came with a box of Winchester ammo so I'll be out tomorrow to zero my scope and see how it performs. Not expecting too much from the factory ammo as I'll be reloading.

 

 

Before I go out and buy all the Hornet specific gear I though I'd ask those who are experienced in loading this lovely little calibre what the best dies, powder (I've read Lil Gun), primers and bullets are. I'm hoping I'll be able to use 35gr VMax.

 

Also, are there special knacks or techniques for loading this calibre. The cases look quite fragile so obviously care needs to be taken when using the press

Edited May 14, 2016 by Elliott

[ianm 2,594]

Nice rifle but .22 hornet?zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Underdog 2,337]

Looks like a fancy model with that timber.

The Winchester loads were good.

Don't sweat the powder choice. With care top performance can be had with h110, v110, a2400, h4227 and countless others.

 

Take no notice of the na sayers, you got a great rifle and cartridge combo for Britain.

 

U.

[slipper 116]

Love it just what I'm after mate

 

I think it was charlie caller that said crimp die is essential turn it into a tack driver

[charlie caller 3,654]

I did and in my experience both the Lee factory crimp die and case flare die worked wonders, 35gn vmax are good and worked best with h110 in mine, also give Sierra 40 or 45 gn varminter bullets a try too, mine was superb with the 45 gn you will love the hornet, its a cracking little rifle, enjoy.

[Alsone 789]

That's what I call a proper stock.

[Brickhill 28]

Looks very pretty, but it's old hat. Depends what you want to shoot with it though.

[walshie 2,804]

Can never have too many hornet threads. Excellent calibre.

[Elliott 436]

Thanks chaps.

 

Looks very pretty, but it's old hat. Depends what you want to shoot with it though.

It's where I want to shoot with it really. I've got a few bits of land where the Hornet is better suited, including around the village where I live and a local golf course. It's a nice, handy carry rifle instead of the T3 Varmint in 223

[walshie 2,804]

I don't get how a perfectly accurate decent rifle that does all that's asked of it can be "old hat." Different tools for different jobs.

[Underdog 2,337]

I like old hats, they fit well.

 

I remember the last craze on swift. That's arguably older than hornet!

And how old is 270!

[Alsone 789]

I don't get how a perfectly accurate decent rifle that does all that's asked of it can be "old hat." Different tools for different jobs.

 

Whereas I think the .17 Hornet offers more to a lot of buyers these days, despite having slightly less energy, I agree with Walshie, different tools for different jobs. If you don't shoot large numbers of rabbits or need them for eating, I see no reason why a hornet couldn't completely replace a rimfire as a long range rabbit / short to low medium range fox rifle.

Edited May 17, 2016 by Alsone

[ianm 2,594]

Can never have too many hornet threads. Excellent calibre.

Especially if it the .17 variant.

[Andy RV 2]

Lovely rifle, what is it, a CZ?

[Elliott 436]

Yes, it's a CZ457. Grouping quite well too at 50M. This is a 4 shot group

Edited June 5, 2016 by Elliott