Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Anybody play iwth a .22 Hornet?

I picked up a CZ American 527 in .22 Hornet and scope a few years ago and just got around to playing with it now. I rented a chamber reamer to change it into a K-hornet, now I'm fire forming the brass after I annealed it. The bigger issue is that with the plastic spacer in the magazine, I can't seat the bullets out far enough to get them close to the lands/grooves. So, I'm seeing if a buddy can 3D print me a smaller spacer - I gave him a drawing of what I need.

I'm not looking at setting any speed records with it, I just wanted something that had a bit more reach than the 17 HMR but didn't want to drag out the .223.

Does anybody have any pet loads for it? I have 'lil gun, CFE Blk, Vihtavuori N-110, H-110, H-4198 and an OLD metal can of 4227 Unfortunately I don't have any Rem 7 1/2 primers. just Win small pistol primers and some small rifle primers.

As for bullets, I have 36g Barnes Varmint Grenades, 40g Sierra 1200, 1385, Speer 1017 and Hornady V-Max.

I don't have a Hornet or a K-Hornet, but Lil Gun has a good reputation in them.

My dad has an older .22 Hornet, maybe from the 80s. Thing a tack driver and groundhog slayer. His is stock and he uses Hornady V-Max rounds.

To quote a former co-worker, "I've got underwear older than that."

Scott, can you not find them, or you just haven't bought any yet? I took a peek at Natchez, and they're way cheaper than Midway.

I have a 222. How does it stack up ballistically against yours?

I've shot a .22 Hornet. Do not have one though. Ended up going with a .17 Hornet instead. The 2 powders I have used in it have been Lil' Gun and 4895. Either have been sufficient. Super fun calibers. I shoot coyotes and gophers with it and you can watch the impact through the scope. Way to fun..

In order to increase the versatility of my 125+ year old exposed hammer drilling, I had a gunsmith turn down and fit a barrel from a .220 Swift to slide into the rifle bore. That drilling barrel is chambered for 9.3x80Rmm. The insert is .22 Hornet.

I load several bullets in the Hornet cases including Midway 33 gr., and some heavier Hornadys and others.
I use Lil Gun exclusively; reduced loads keep the noise level down to under .22 long rifle level. The side by side 16 gauge barrels probably also deaden some of the report.

As the intent is to have an effective way to pot blue grouse on the limb, cottontails sunning in the rocks, and the occasional rock squirrel raiding our bird feeders, I'm not loading for anywhere near top velocity.

I won't post my loads here on a public forum, but if you'd like to get some details, feel free to message me.

BTW, the Hornet is considered a really excellent wild turkey cartridge. There is sufficient poser to anchor the birds, but not so much as to damage meat.

4CornersPuddle. Thanks! I got the Hornet to add another tool to the toolbox. I have a regular .22 long rifle, one that is set up to shoot the 60g Aguilar Sub-Sonic ammo, a 17 Mach II, a 17 HMR and now the .22 Hornet. So I think I'm covered out to 200 yds or so. Anything further gets to talk to Mr. 223.

esshup, the latest issue of Handloader magazine has a Layne Simpson article on the .22 Hornet Improved that you just might enjoy and benefit from.
Happy reading, happy shooting, and happy New Year. Oh, of course run those Echos and the big Dolmar on January 1st, too!