Kimber of Oregon Model 82 .22 Hornet

[abbjr53]

I have recently acquired an ‘almost new' Kimber of Oregon Standard Model 82 Classic .22 Hornet rifle (left-handed edition). The serial number is LHH258. From what I can gather it was manufactured sometime between 1982-1988. I have researched the best I can as to the specifications of this rifle, but I can’t ascertain if it is a .223 or .224 diameter. I have read that any .22 Hornet rifle made past the 1950’s is a .224, but have also read anything made in just the past 15-20 years is a.224, and this rifle is older than that. I also believe it to be a 1 in 14 twist. I want to reload ammo for this refile and as reloading is an exact science I would like to tailor the ammo to meet its specific requirements. Can anyone confirm the technical specifications as it pertains to this Kimber rifle?

All feedback is welcome! Thank you!!

 

[Walkalong]

It will be .224.

Welcome to THR

 

[shotgunn77]

abbjr53,

I too recently picked up this same exact rifle. It is .224 and the barrel twist is 1-14". So far all I have loaded in it is 40gr projectiles, but with the 1-14" it should do great with the 45 grainers and I'd like to move that way.

IMHO if your serious about reloading for it, I'd go for the Hornady dies, the bullet follower on the seating die makes loading for this caliber so much easier.I'd also recommend getting a case length gauge of some sort so that you'll be able to set the varmint tipped bullets further out.

 

[rule303]

It is definitely a .224 bore. I would highly recommend a hand load of 13gr of Hodgdon Lil'Gun behind a 35 or 40gr V-Max with a CCI small pistol primer. That load is unbelievably accurate, and is right around 3,000fps.

 

[Sniper66]

It is definitely a .224 bore. I would highly recommend a hand load of 13gr of Hodgdon Lil'Gun behind a 35 or 40gr V-Max with a CCI small pistol primer. That load is unbelievably accurate, and is right around 3,000fps.

This is the exact load I use in my Savage Model 25. The output, 3,000 fps, is what I get. I use 35 gr V-Max bullets with Remington 7.5 SR primers. I whack prairie dogs out to 200 yards.

 

[Hanshi]

I have a Kimber of Oregon M82 .22Hornet that I bought new years ago #H213. I've mostly used it to kill deer using 45 grain factory loads. My reloads usually include H110/W296 and a 40 grain bullet. The load is well under 1" at 100 yds. Although I haven't chronographed the load I estimate maybe 2800fps or so. I really do love that little rifle.