Opinions Requested - .22 Hornet Rifle

[bozo699]

Kenny,
I had a feeling you might pop up, I was thinking of you and the handi rifle as I wrote my last post. I haven't had the good luck you have had with them but I like there design and simplicity, as mentioned I had a 25-06 that shot pretty well and I should have kept it.
Wayne.

 

[Kenny474]

Wayne,
The Handi's haven't all been good to me though. I went through 3 .17HMR barrels, and still don't have one that shoots even decently. Then there's the .45cal muzzle loader barrel that groups about 36" on average at 50yds. And yes, that is 36", as in three feet. (What's that, 72 MOA? ) I have tried EVERYTHING, it just sucks. There have been a few others as well, all have been traded or sold. And yes, they were sold as poor shooters and I explained the accuracy issues to whomever bought them. I don't sell straw and tell you it's gold, I will tell you how it is, straight up.

When you have owned as many Handi Rifles and barrels as I have, you will eventually find a few good ones, and some really bad ones as well. I keep the good ones.
I don't like to admit that I own anything that shoots bad either, so I usually don't admit to it or talk about it. ;D Then you're forever the guy with the Handi Rifle that can't shoot for beans.

Kenny

 

[BBTC48]

If you have to own something with the word "Hornet" on it, make sure it says "K-Hornet". Much better in all respects...brass life, horsepower, and easier to tune for accuracy. Oh, and the 221 FB ? A real little sweetie. It should get some interest or attention from you before you dole out your $$. It's worth a look.
An old friend of mine who had hornets for decades gave in and had his reamed to K-hornet and says the difference is soooo worth it.
Good luck.
Bill

 

[Kenny474]

I will add my 2 cents on the .221 FB as well, since others have mentioned it. I have an XP-100, all original except the Fajen stock, that is chambered in .221 FB. It's just scary accurate for a pistol and is an absolute dream to shoot. Hardly any recoil, really easy on brass, is capable of very respectable accuracy, very respectable velocity even in my short barrel (10.75"), brass is available or easily formed from .222, .223, .204R, etc., and the best part of all, it uses a standard .223 diameter bolt face and can be chambered very easily in any short action with a .378 diameter bolt face. So no special machining or oversized rimfire actions necessary, no rimmed brass, better and thicker brass than the hornet, the benefits just go on and on. Really just an awesome little round, and my second favorite .224 caliber round, after the .222.

The .221 FireBall is also the parent to several other excellent rounds that should also be of consideration, the .20 VarTarg and .17 Mach4, and is also parent to the .300 Whisper, 6mm Whisper, 6.5mm Whisper, 7mm Whisper and the .338 Whisper #2 (the .338 Whisper #1 uses 6BR brass). With the great ballistics of the .20cal bullets, the .20 VarTarg is a very attractive option, as .20cal bullets will usually have a higher BC than a .224 bullet of the same weight.

If you do like the Savage Lightweight Varminter, you may also want to look at the 5.7FN offering, as it produces ballistics similar to or slightly better than the Hornet and uses stronger brass from what I understand. I was going to buy one for a short range small game rifle, but as I stated earlier, didn't really like the rifle all that much. That is only personal preference though.

Kenny