Heavy bullet 22 Hornet setup

[TaperPin]

This is not intended to be a practical gun to shoot varmints or to be a slim compact easy to carry gun - it’s one of those projects for fun just because it’s so ridiculous. I’d love to know if any of you had done this before - finding any information about velocities or powders for heavy bullets seems to be nonexistent.

Tentatively I’m aiming at using a trued Rem 700 with replacement coned bolt and 1:7 medium-heavy 26” Bartlein as a single shot, and after the fun has worn off rechamber it to 223. A custom hornet reamer with a turn neck and freebore for a 77 gr Sierra Matchking or tipped Matchking to be seated way out. I realize a lighter bullet is much better suited on many levels, but it’s just extra fun to do this build with his. Same for the cartridge - a different case would be an improvement on many levels, and other small cases are easier to work with, but the ancient Hornet just makes me grin.

The bullet is so ridiculously long and heavy for the little Hornet that it literally makes me chuckle out loud every time just picturing it. If it shoots 1/2 moa I’d consider it a success - it will be fun outshoot the grandkids and nephews 223s plinking at 300 yards with the tiny Hornet.

If anyone has had really good results, I’d be tempted to go for an upgraded action like a Bat SV, but that’s an extra grand that I‘d rather spend on lathe tooling.

 

[JSH]

Some IHMSA folks played with something like you speak of back in the late 80’s to early 90’s.

 

[SteveOak]

We still do. For IHMSA Field Pistol class, 22 Hornet is the go to round. 55gr is thought to be the minimum weight bullet to knock the Rams over reliably.

I am looking for a stainless Steel Contender frame for that very purpose.

Be advised, the Hornet case is a PITA to reload. The walls are very thin and the long shallow taper makes the case weak. You need to chamfer the necks so the bullet has a chance to get started when you are seating them and use BT bullets. Even then, if they are slightly off line you will probably crush the case. A Redding competition seater with the sliding sleeve that supports the case and aligns the bullet will save you a lot of grief.

I am working on a pistol using a Remington Model 7 action in a pistol stock. My own version of an XP-100. I am going to chamber it in 22 TCM. Almost identical case capacity to the Hornet (15.3 vs 15.2 gr water) but is has an excellent case shape. Basically a 223 shortened to 1". It is shorter than the Hornet so the bullet to case differance with a 77 gr SMK would be even more exaggerated. The case shape would give you better efficiency and better accuracy potential. You can buy (Plus it is readily available.) new brass from Armscor or roll you own from 223 cases. I am seeing once fired too.

 

[JSH]

Steve, the Hornet even with 60’s could cause one frustration with hand set target. You guys with auto resets and a topple point set up have it made. Coming west of the Mississippi may cause some shooters grief.
Recall some years back a conversation with Gary R, telling me how his 221FB was taking over BB rams with proper placement, ain’t gonna happen on any kind of a regular basis her, lol.

To the OP, a lot of work for what you get in return. I doubt brass or primer pockets will stand pressures to get decent results past 100 with the heavies, even for paper punching.

 

[TaperPin]

We still do. For IHMSA Field Pistol class, 22 Hornet is the go to round. 55gr is thought to be the minimum weight bullet to knock the Rams over reliably.

I am looking for a stainless Steel Contender frame for that very purpose.

Be advised, the Hornet case is a PITA to reload. The walls are very thin and the long shallow taper makes the case weak. You need to chamfer the necks so the bullet has a chance to get started when you are seating them and use BT bullets. Even then, if they are slightly off line you will probably crush the case. A Redding competition seater with the sliding sleeve that supports the case and aligns the bullet will save you a lot of grief.

I am working on a pistol using a Remington Model 7 action in a pistol stock. My own version of an XP-100. I am going to chamber it in 22 TCM. Almost identical case capacity to the Hornet (15.3 vs 15.2 gr water) but is has an excellent case shape. Basically a 223 shortened to 1". It is shorter than the Hornet so the bullet to case differance with a 77 gr SMK would be even more exaggerated. The case shape would give you better efficiency and better accuracy potential. You can buy (Plus it is readily available.) new brass from Armscor or roll you own from 223 cases. I am seeing once fired too.

Thanks for the info - I’ve had a great time this morning reading a bunch of IHMSA forum posts. That 22 TCM does sound like an ideal design for this velocity range. All the pistols being used for the different classes are interesting.

The hornet has the advantage of a small diameter case so if I lose interest and rechamber to 223, the reamer will cut all the Hornet out cleanly without setting back the barrel. Since its on an existing action and the barrel was getting purchased anyway, the main expense other than components is a reamer.

 

[TaperPin]

To the OP, a lot of work for what you get in return. I doubt brass or primer pockets will stand pressures to get decent results past 100 with the heavies, even for paper punching.

There’s a good chance you’re correct - it’s just a plinking project. Worst case the rifle will get rechambered to 223.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Will the extractor work for the Hornet case?

Frank

 

[grovey]

Always liked the hornet, but I could never get onboard reloading the thin hornet case.

 

[SteveOak]

Steve, the Hornet even with 60’s could cause one frustration with hand set target. You guys with auto resets and a topple point set up have it made. Coming west of the Mississippi may cause some shooters grief.
Recall some years back a conversation with Gary R, telling me how his 221FB was taking over BB rams with proper placement, ain’t gonna happen on any kind of a regular basis her, lol.

 

[chuckshooter]

I just finished, last night, loading 400 hornet cases to form into 20 ah and yes, 2 cases did not survive. I think that only losing 2 is great considering how many I have lost over the years of loading 1st 22k hornet and then converting to the 20 AH. now I am hoping I don't lose any more when firing them. at least you plan to keep them as virgins, should keep loses to a minimum. good luck with the project.

 

[MClark]

Want heavy bullets in a Hornet case?
270 REN, 130 Sierra
I shoot from a 16” Contender carbine

 

[swd]

I’ve been loading 50 Vax’s in my Hornet for years. 2700fps with LilGun. A nice compromise of weight and ballistics for the little Hornet case. And it’s hard on coyotes too.