22 Hornet Reloading

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jski

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Are there any peculiarities to reloading the
22 Hornet? I noticed this on Brownell’s website for RCBS’s Hornet die set:
This 22 Hornet Two-Die Neck Die Set is for bottleneck cases to be fired in bolt-action rifles only—specifically, cases fired out of a specific rifle and neck-sized to go back into the same rifle. The set consists of a Neck Sizer Die with an Expander-Decapping Unit, and a Seater Die with Bullet Seater Plug. The Neck Sizer Die resizes the neck only (it doesn’t touch the shoulder or body) and de-primes. The included Seater Die has a built-in roll crimper to secure the bullet at the same time it’s seated.
 
Are there any peculiarities to reloading the
22 Hornet? I noticed this on Brownell’s website for RCBS’s Hornet die set:
I guess it makes sense not to neck size only for revolvers since the set-back might keep them from closing or make chambering them difficult, but I'm not sure why neck sizing only for break-top rifles would be a problem. Once the action is closed, a break-top should be as tight or tighter than a bolt-action. Maybe they just want to avoid liability from some yay-hoo slamming the action shut on a proud primer? Lawyers... 'nuff said.
 
I guess it makes sense not to neck size only for revolvers since the set-back might keep them from closing or make chambering them difficult, but I'm not sure why neck sizing only for break-top rifles would be a problem. Once the action is closed, a break-top should be as tight or tighter than a bolt-action. Maybe they just want to avoid liability from some yay-hoo slamming the action shut on a proud primer? Lawyers... 'nuff said.
I just acquired a Ruger #1 chambered in 22 Hornet. I assume the will function the same as the boltguns in their (RCBS) warning!
 
Hornet brass is thinner than most other rifle brass, so it is very easy to crush or deform Hornet cases. I get good results with the 22 Hornet using standard full length die sets. And I've also been very happy with the results using RCBS's X-die set for the 22 Hornet.
 
Hornet brass is thinner than most other rifle brass, so it is very easy to crush or deform Hornet cases. I get good results with the 22 Hornet using standard full length die sets. And I've also been very happy with the results using RCBS's X-die set for the 22 Hornet.
I’m surprised with the high pressure levels the round is subjected to. 44-40, 38-40, 32-20, etc are low pressure cartridge. Evidently, one of the favorite powders for the Hornet is Hodgdon’s H110; hardly something that I’d expect to use with thin case wall brass!
 
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These are the powders that Hodgdon recommends for the Hornet:
  • 296
  • CFE BLK
  • H110
  • H4198
  • H4227
  • IMR 4198
  • IMR 4227
  • Lil'Gun
  • SR 4759
Quite a lengthy list!
 
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I can confirm that Lil'Gun works great in the Hornet.

To elaborate on the reason for small pistol primers. Because of the Hornets small case volume and powder charges, rifle primers supposedly have enough power to push the bullet out of the case before the powder has properly ignited and built pressure. This leads to slightly inconsistent ignition.

You won't blow anything up with rifle primers and some guns don't care either way, but some guns do.

My 77/22 Hornet likes pistol or magnum pistol primers. Rifle primers will occasionally throw one shot out from the rest.
 
I don't load for the .22 Hornet, but I do load for a pistol in .22 Jet and I would never neck size only in a bottle neck cartridge in a revolver. Also make sure that I clean ALL lube off them and swab the cylinder chambers with patches with alcohol. I have seen fired cases back out and lock the cylinder.

Bob
 
I've used A1680, L'il Gun, IMR 4227, H110, 2400, and 300MP, with acceptable accuracy. I think its primarily a matter of individual rifle preference. As expected, bullet choice seems to effect accuracy more than powder choice. Loading mostly 40gr Vmax over 300MP and Fed SRPs lately, which seems to work well in a couple of Rugers.
 
I've used A1680, L'il Gun, IMR 4227, H110, 2400, and 300MP, with acceptable accuracy. I think its primarily a matter of individual rifle preference. As expected, bullet choice seems to effect accuracy more than powder choice. Loading mostly 40gr Vmax over 300MP and Fed SRPs lately, which seems to work well in a couple of Rugers.
I have one of the newer H&R's (mid-90's) and it definitely prefers heavier 45gr. bullets over the lighter 35 or 40gr. which my 10" T/C barrel does prefer (35gr. Hornady Express when it was available). As always, the barrel picks its load.

I gave up on reloading the Hornet the third time I crunched thumb and forefinger in the press. The bullets are just too small for my ham hands. :( When I did try reloading it I used 2400 with good results but that H&R rifle has always been more accurate with the cheap S&B 45gr. SP or Remington green-n-yellow box 45gr. SPS ammo. I have some "old" Remington 50-count boxes marked $14.95. I remember when that was a high price...
 
Another 13.0 grains of lilgun, mine prefers 35 grain bullets to the heavier ones.

The “turning the turning the corner” part was not doing the same thing, I do on most everything else, as far as sizing is concerned.
 
I have a Thompson Contender with 10 inch bull barrel that loves Hornady 35 gr V-Max and WW296 with PPU brass and Winchester small pistol primers.
Have had success with LilGun but with heavier 45 gr Hornady 218 Bee style bullets.
Years ago I used nothing but IMR4227 in a Ruger #3 but have gone to WW296 in it also.
I just love the Hornet.
 
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