22 hornet seating depth

[Enginetech88]

I was reloading some 22 hornet rounds today and the Lyman book says to have the OAL to be at 1.723". Im using 40gr. Hornady V-max bullets. This bullet is not listed, but when I seat to the specified depth it seems way to low in the case. There is also a space between the bullet and case mouth, because its setting deeper to the taper of the bullet. The same problem when I am reloading with a 55gr FMJ bullet. Both are .224 in diameter. The brass length is correct. Calipers are also correct. Just wondering on what you guys think of this. Thanks!! Josh

 

[1858rem]

dont seat them any deeper than the ogive! the COL is likely a minimum, and you can seat out as far as you want(many prefer having a least caliber length of the bullet inside the case for good neck tension though) or any length up to .015 off touching the lands, fitting to magazine length works really well to.


*i was gonna put a "wink" smile on the end but mine is missing from the smilies panel, tech error or my slow computer quit loading page before it was done?*

 

[Walkalong]

dont seat them any deeper than the ogive!

Excellent advise.

 

[Ol` Joe]

The Lyman COL is the max for the cartridge, you need to stay at or below this to allow the cartridge to fit the magazine if you have one on your rifle.
The Hornet is designed for blunt nosed light wgt bullets and the sleek Hoirnady or long 55gr FMJ are going to have to be seated out farther then normal. If you have a single shot this wont matter, if not I`d switch to a different bullet style/wgt.
BTW the Hornady mnual lists the 40gr Vmax at 1.810" and the 55gr FMJ at 1.780" COL in their new manual.

 

[Enginetech88]

Thanks for the information! I guess I will have to pick up a few more manuals as everyone says. The rifle I shoot these out of is a single shot. So no big deal. I do have a magazine fed Hornet, I will have to get that out and see how that one shoots. Then I will find out what the OAL is for that magazine. Thanks again!!!! Josh

 

[dagger dog]

Enginetech,

On the 40gr V-Max ,just seat them one bullet diameter,or 0.224" of the base of the bullet into the case. That is, if that doesn't jam the bullet into the lands, which would be very rare . That will leave the ogive of the V-Max far enough exposed.

You need to try to find the length of your chamber, so you can try seating the bullet out at least to the lands to see if it shoots any better at that length, or a specific distance away from the lands.

You can do a chamber cast with Cerro-Safe, a low temp casting metal.Then measure the length from the base of the casting to where the lands start with a caliper.Or use a special tool from Hornady, which in my opionion, costs to much. The Frankford Arsenal Bullet seating measurement tool # 190-644 at Midway for $15.29 works just as well with out the special cases required by the Hornady (Stoney Point) tool. I have both and find I'm using the Frankford more. Or you can do the smoked bullet into the case routine which doesn't cost anything.

It will be rare indeed if you find a bullet long enough to seat out to the lands and still be able to be stabilized by most Hornet barrels twist rate. If you move into the 50-55 gr bullets the length starts to increase and the slower twist on some barrels becomes a problem, if you have a 1 in 14 twist it may shoot upto 55 grain bullets if they are not to long, but the 1 in16 older Hornet twist usually won't stabilize the longer bullets. The "standard" Hornet bullet weight was 45 gr. and has a stubby shape.

You mentioned a single shot and if it is Contender or Encore they probably have the 1in14.

The Hornet is a very acurrate cartridge, once the right combo of bullet weight and shape, powder, primer is found. Most will shoot in the sub 1" with the right combo and a given, that the rifle and shooter is of good shape.

A favorite of Hornet shooters is that 40gr V-Max that you've already loaded, plus HODGDON LIL' GUN powder Rem 6/12 small rifle primers or CCI small rifle benchrest. A good starting charge of LIL'GUN is 12.5 grs, this is a load combo made in handloader heaven. The little 35 gr V-Max and 33 grain Berger fbhp will clock in the near 3000 mark with 13 grs of LIL-GUN, and shoot just about the same sub 1" groups as the 40's.


Lucky you,you get to work up that bug hole shooting load.