H&R Handi rifle 22 Hornet?

[joneb]

I can buy one of these new for $200, I have not shot a H&R rifle or a 22 Hornet.
I use a Marlin 882 22mag for rock chucks, but the ammo has become scarce and expensive. I would reload the hornet, and may ream the chamber to 22 K Hornet.
Your thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[JSH1]

Buy it. The barrel alone is almost worth that. Going rates:

Barrel = $175
Receiver = $75
Stock = $50

If you don't like it the pieces are worth $300.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have one, the heavy barrel version. Neat little rifle, pretty accurate with neck sized handloads.

 

[joneb]

It's this one at the top of the page, http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/rifles/handirifle.asp Not sure about the twist rate, 1:12 maybe?

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I had one in .22-250, could not get it to group with even good Leupolds, shot all over the place...my buddy had the same rifle and he shot 1/2" groups.....mine also broke open when I fired...I got rid of mine at a pawn shop...to me they are hit and miss (pardon the pun)

 

[joneb]

Accuracy will be a big concern, my Marlin 882 shot 1.5" at a 100yds I dry fired it with a empty case while looking through the scope and there was quite a jump. I ground down the bolt spring until the jump went away, it shoot .75" or better now with no miss fires

 

[JSH1]

I would buy it.

If you don't want it I would be interested in buying it. I've been looking for a 22 Hornet Handi for awhile.

 

[tark]

I'm pretty sure the twist rate on a Hornet is 1:16. Same as a 22L.R. I know I had a 22LR barrel blank that I gave to a guy who made it into a Hornet. It is wonderfully accurate as long as he keeps the bullet weight at 45 grains. He has tried 50 and 55 grain bullets and gets keyholes. Of course, I don't see any reason why you couldn't chamber the Hornet in a faster twist, but velocites with a 55 GR bullet would be pretty slow.

 

[JSH1]

I'm pretty sure the twist rate on a Hornet is 1:16. Same as a 22L.R. I know I had a 22LR barrel blank that I gave to a guy who made it into a Hornet. It is wonderfully accurate as long as he keeps the bullet weight at 45 grains. He has tried 50 and 55 grain bullets and gets keyholes. Of course, I don't see any reason why you couldn't chamber the Hornet in a faster twist, but velocites with a 55 GR bullet would be pretty slow.

Per the Graybeard Forum:

Pre 1987 = 1:16"
1987 to 2007'= 1:12"
2007 on = 1:9"

 

[rule303]

The .22 Hornet is a great round in a single shot. Forget about using heavier bullets than 45gr IMO. The Hornet really shines with 35-40gr bullets. 3,000+fps while only burning 12-13gr of powder, and a nice mild report. You can load it down to .22lr or WMR levels, but trying to get .223 performance by loading heavy bullets in that small case is a losing battle.

 

[joneb]

Well I pulled the trigger on this one, it's the only gun I have with no ammo I'll need to get a scope base and ammunition, I will likely get 22 Hornet dies and see how that goes, turning this gun into a K Hornet maybe a option.
The barrel twist is 1:9" which seems a bit fast I will check Nosler for their 40 and 50gr 22 cal bullets, I have H-110 but will look for LIl-Gun.
The fit on this gun seems good lock up is tight, the trigger breaks clean with no creep. It has a recessed barrel crown and the fore end stock is free from the barrel.
For a cheap gun all looks good for now.

View attachment 209825
View attachment 209826

 

[Fremmer]

Good find, that's an interesting caliber!

 

[joneb]

Good find, that's an interesting caliber!

I thought I'd be getting a bolt action 223 Rem. next, but that didn't happen.
I am impressed with the efficiency and versatility of this cartridge, I hope it is not a pain to reload. I will be asking some questions in the reloader section soon.
I would like to thank all of you for your input.

 

[Cee Zee]

I haven't shot that particular rifle but I have shot other Handi Rifle and I've shot .22 Hornet. It should be a fine combination as long as the pivot point isn't completely worn out on the rifle. Sometimes they can get out of whack when they have been used too much.

The Hornet is a fun cartridge that really zings smaller game. I wouldn't want to use it shooting body shots on a coyote but that's me. Some people might. I would have no problem with head shots though. The cartridge has almost no recoil but it does make some noise. And I shot some out of a Stalking Rifle which is very light weight. I'd definitely prefer a Hornet over a .22 mag. It sits between a .22 mag and a .223 obviously so you can figure from there what it's good for. From my experience they fire like a laser out to a pretty good distance. The speed keeps drop to a minimum. Of course with a light bullet like that wind is going to be a factor. If you want to clear an area of skunks from a "safe" distance this would be an excellent choice.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I had a H&R Topper, the 158 earlier version in the late '70's.
It ate brass, wasn't satisfactorily accurate, so it went away.
Some report good results with the Pardners. I too had a Handi rifle in .243 and .22mag. The .22mag was ok, but I traded it for a Rem.597 .22wmr auto. The .243 was like the previous mentioned .22-250. Shot patterns, not groups.

I think you'll like the one you got. With a 1/9" twist, it'll handle most any .22" bullet. The newer ones will take and hold a trigger job. The '70's version had poor metal in the trigger and pull got bad after ~300shots.

To match the .22mag is really easy, and will save $$$.
My favorite powder for this is #2400. I use a 50gr cast bullet over 6.2gr of #2400 for ~2,000fps. It does everything the .22wmr will and most anything you'll use a Hornet for.
My other go-to loads for the Hornet are a 40gr Sierra Varminter HP (you can substitute a blitz king or Nosler BT) over 12.5gr of Hod.Lil'Gun (accuracy load, not hot, but still FAST!). This is my go-to load for deer with the Hornet (shot placement x3).
Also, 33gr or 35gr V-max over 8.3gr #2400 for 2,300fps (extremely accurate), or 11.8gr of H110/Win296 for 3,100 fps.
Don't over scope the Hornet. A 3x-9x w/adl. obj 32mm is just right. Keep it light and Handi...
Get the Lee deluxe die set w/collet neck sizer. Also a Lee universal neck expander. The Hornet brass is very thin and expanding slightly even for jacketed helps. Lastly, get a Lee factory crimp die. Crimp lightly after seating even bullets w/o cannulure.
Welcome to the Hornet club. You'll never be without one again. BTW, I had a K-hornet. It wasn't a happy experience. Another story for another day...

 

[115grfmj]

Nice rifle, and a good choice. Mine in 243 is an honest 3/4 moa shooter with rem 100gr corelokts. If you want talk to some real good folks who just happen to know abit about this platform, come join us over at Greybeardoutdoors.com

 

[joneb]

If you want talk to some real good folks who just happen to know abit about this platform, come join us over at Greybeardoutdoors.com

I may do that.
What has me confused is the 1:9 twist, I will stop by Nosler tomorrow and see what they have. With H-110 or Accurate 1680 and 40-50gr bullet should work?
Lee dies are on the way, I only have 55 hornet cases Scope base and hammer spur are also on the way, I hope this turns out well.