[wolfe28]

I am in the process of working up some 22 Hornet loads for my TC Contender carbine to use on coyoties and I came across something interesting. As I size the case (new, unfired winchester brass, RCBS dies), the external diameter of the case neck is 0.237 inches, with a case wall thickness of 0.008 inches. This leads to an internal diameter of a sized case of 0.221 inches. I am loading 40 grain Hornady V-max projectiles (0.224 diameter) into the case. Needless to say, they will be snug and I won't need the factory crimp die I bought. After the projectile is seated, there is an obvious "hourglassing" of the case. The area of the case neck where the projectile is seated measures 0.241 inches, then there is a decrease in the case neck to 0.236 inches, and then there is the expansion of the case at the shoulder.

Is this a normal thing, or should I be a little worried at this point?

To me, due to the size of the case and the projectiles, this seams like it would not be out of the ordinary, but I haven't noticied it on any of the other reloads I have done.

Thanks,

D

[dakotasin]

i don't load for the hornet, but... due to the thinness of the brass, and looking at most of my loaded revolver rounds and seeing this, i'd say worry not.

[The Bushmaster]

To continue with Dakotasin. ...as long as they chamber smoothly without binding...

[dakotasin]

lol! yes, that is important.

[loadedround]

Wolfe28: I load for both the 22 Hornet and the 22K-Hornet and what you are seeing is similar to what I have seen also, and appears to be nornal with .224bullets.. Hope your case life is better than mine. I'm lucky to get three reloads out of new brass before I get partial case head separation and that's why I converted my 77-22V to the K-Hornet...and yes my headspace is correct.