.22 K-Hornet shoulder angle

[TRECustom]

I have a .22 K-Hornet reamer coming that I was told has a 35 deg shoulder. When I checked on Hornady reloading dies, they have a 40 deg shoulder. I will be loading std .22 Hornet cases and fire-forming them. Shouldn't be a problem seating bullets in the std Hornet cases using the K-Hornet seating die, but don't know if the 40 deg sizer can work with the 35 deg brass.

What's the best answer?

Thanks, Tom

 

[SmokinJoe]

Since you haven't received a reply to your question, I'll take a feable stab at it. The dies that I've seen listed are for the 40 degree shoulder same as you found. The sizer does need to match the reamer or you will only be able to neck size with it. Personally, I would not buy the 35 degree reamer, and would order a 40 degree instead. If you want to discuss this further, PM me so we can set up direct communication.

 

[Cheechako]

Tom

There are more than one "K Hornets" out there and so you need to be concerned about more than just the shoulder angle.

The real, original K Hornet, has a 35 degree shoulder and a body length of 1.13" from base to shoulder. It was designed by Lysle kilbourn, thus the "K".

Many of todays Improved Hornets are actually Ackley Improved. His original version had a 30 degree shoulder and a body length of 1.18".

The 40 degree versions are often called "K" or "Ackley" but they may be neither.

The best way, of course, is to match your reamer with the dies. But if you're already commited to both, you'll have to adjust or start over.

But, in the end, that tiny shoulder can probably be accomodated with any set of good dies if you are careful in making the initial adjustment. Since they headspace on the rim, moving the shoulder around a little either way would not be a big deal.

Good Luck

Ray

 

[TRECustom]

Joe, I have received the reamer, but haven't used it yet. Mr. Manson will be back at work Monday and I will call him about options and recommendations.

Ray, I'll know more after talking to Dave, but a spec sheet sent with this reamer indicates to me that it is for cutting the original Kilbourne chamber. I am still holding off on ordering the die set. I haven't seen the specs on the dies by RCBS, or Redding. And I don't know if Lee makes a K-Hornet die set. I agree that the tiny shoulder and a 5 deg difference may be a non-issue, but........

As Joe points out, I may not be able to bump the shoulder with a 40 deg die, but depending on the body taper, I think I might be able to full-length resize. Right now, I plan on looking for a 35 deg die and staying with the Kilbourne chamber, but if no such die exists, will see what Mr. Manson recommends.

Thanks very much to both of you for the help. I will post what I end up doing. Tom