22 Hornet Load Data - Old vs. New

[JDinFbg]

I have used (and am still using) Hercules 2400 (yes, Hercules not Alliant) powder in my 22 Hornet with good results for eons. My loads were developed in the late 1960's based on the loading data then published, and I found the best results using 9.5 gr. with a 40 gr. bullet. My supply of Hercules 2400 is about to run out, so will be switching to using Alliant 2400. From all info I've found online, the consensus is that the Hercules and Alliant 2400 powders are essentially the same with only the typical lot-to-lot variations one would expect to find with all powders. However, newer data sources, which would be based on Alliant 2400, list load levels considerably lower that what the older data sources listed that were based on Hercules 2400. So, this leads me to wonder if the older and newer powders by the 2400 name are indeed the same? Or, is the new load data based on lawyer CYA influence? This is not specific to 2400 as I've noticed all load data in the newer data sources suggest lower loading levels than older data sources provided for the same powders.

What are your thoughts?

 

[wasa]

I'm a firm believer of start low and see how it feels and sounds. I also like looking at as many sources as I can (which you are also doing). As you mention, who knows what changes, if any, have been done to the powder.

Me, I'd use the current load data with the new Alliant 2400 powder. Not worth damaging the firearm or damaging you.

Good luck!

 

[Archie]

Every reloading book I've ever read advice to re work loads when changing anything and powder lots are specifically included.

Also, improved pressure sensing equipment indicates prior test results were higher than read and understood. So the result show differently.

If one wants to ignore that and pretend it's all lawyer talk to suppress enjoyment, go ahead. It will likely not cause a simulated nuclear blast. What normally happens cases wear out quicker and the arm tends to develop head space problems. Perhaps nothing at all; guns are funny that way.

 

[BBarn]

Some of the difference in older versus newer data is due to pressure limits. Speer makes the following statement in their 12th edition manual (1994): "The industry maximum pressure for the Hornet has been reduced 4000 cup during the past few years".

Primers also make a significant difference in the little Hornet case. There are some very good published loads that specify CCI small pistol primers. I've also had good success with Fed small rifle primers under Alliant 300MP.

Personally, I use the latest pressure tested data available that matches my chosen components as closely as possible. Especially with the little Hornet, since I'd rather step up to a 222/223 than hotrod such a nice little round.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Powder technology changes are mostly to make them burn cleaner, not change the burn rate - BUT bullet technology has come a long way, too - way past changes to old powders. If you're talking about plated or jacketed bullets, a lot of the newer bullets just don't need the pressures older bullets needed to do the same job. The data was based on how well a load performed without exceeding copper-crusher limits. Also keep in mind a lot of older "pet" loads were higher than needed to move the bullet in order to ensure a full burn and reduce soot. The dislike for sooty residue is not new.

Drop your preferred load 10% and build up to what shoots best in your rifle, just like you would with a lot change or new powder.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Every reloading book I've ever read advice to re work loads when changing anything and powder lots are specifically included.

Also, improved pressure sensing equipment indicates prior test results were higher than read and understood. So the result show differently.

If one wants to ignore that and pretend it's all lawyer talk to suppress enjoyment, go ahead. It will likely not cause a simulated nuclear blast. What normally happens cases wear out quicker and the arm tends to develop head space problems. Perhaps nothing at all; guns are funny that way.

I don't think they're trying to suppress enjoyment, I think they're trying to avoid a liability lawsuit. Something Micky-D's should have thought about before serving coffee the temperature of lava in the drive-thru. Tort juries always favor the perceived victim, no matter how stupid they may be. That's why even mirrors have warning labels on them.

But you'll never see one that says, "WARNING: You really are as fat and ugly as the mirror makes you appear." It's a matter of who is most sympathetic to a jury.

 

[JDinFbg]

Some of the difference in older versus newer data is due to pressure limits. Speer makes the following statement in their 12th edition manual (1994): "The industry maximum pressure for the Hornet has been reduced 4000 cup during the past few years".

Primers also make a significant difference in the little Hornet case. There are some very good published loads that specify CCI small pistol primers. I've also had good success with Fed small rifle primers under Alliant 300MP.

Personally, I use the latest pressure tested data available that matches my chosen components as closely as possible. Especially with the little Hornet, since I'd rather step up to a 222/223 than hotrod such a nice little round.

The statement you noted in your Speer manual probably explains the reason for the reduced loads now published. I tested CCI small pistol primers in my Hornet, but did not get as consistent results as when I used small rifle primers.

 

[FROGO207]

FWIW I like Remington 6 1/2 primers and Lil Gun for the most consistent ammo. I scoop a full casing and use 40 or 45 grain bullets. This IS a compressed load. ~13 grains seems to work best in my rifle. I recommend trying it. My results are better than using 2400.

 

[loadedround]

I'll go along with FROG0207 and recommend Lil Gun and 45 gr bullets for both the 22 Hornet and 22K-Hornet. I load and shoot both caliber rifles and Lil Gun has proven to be the most accurate powder for both of my Hornet rifles.

 

[JDinFbg]

I'll go along with FROG0207 and recommend Lil Gun and 45 gr bullets for both the 22 Hornet and 22K-Hornet. I load and shoot both caliber rifles and Lil Gun has proven to be the most accurate powder for both of my Hornet rifles.

Thanks for yours and FROG0207's comments on Lil Gun. I will give it a try if and when it ever becomes available. Right now, it and just about every other reloading component is not available. Given that I have 2 lbs. of Alliant 2400 on the shelf, I'll likely continue with it once my Hercules 2400 supply runs out.

 

[Bill M.]

I do not use 2400 so no experience. One thing that could be different between old data and new data is that the new data is probably developed using piezoelectric sensors and direct pressure measurement instead of crushed copper pellets and CPU.

My old data for my .41 mag was with Blue Dot and I thought it worked great. The new data says not to use Blue Dot in .41 Mag. Even though it is listed for 10 mm and .44 mag.

I also seem to get my best groups with Lil Gun in .357 and .41 mag. But I do not shoot much of it because of recoil and maybe flame cutting on the barrel face.