New Savage 40 and reloading

[ClarkB]

I've been looking at the new Savage model 40 in 22 hornet. Looks like a nice little set-up and from what I've read the accuracy is exceptional. I plan on reloading for the Hornet to A)make it more cost-effective and B)achieve better than average performance.

My concern is that the some information that has come through from Savage indicates that the new model 40, being based on a rimfire action, isn't necessarily made for anything but factory loads. I've also read some reports of the extractor not grabbing certain shells (maybe reloads?). I rather expect Savage to downplay what the gun can take. So I am curious if anyone has put their own reloads through the new model 40 and how has it fared?

Clark

 

[MMCSRET]

My Savage 40 is a fine rifle scaled to the small cartridge. Most 22 Hornets have been built on small actions. The early Savage 23 series was and worked well, The Winchester 43 was a scaled up rimfire action. The 22 Hornet in a Model 70 Winchester is some what of over kill but there were a number of them built. My M40 requires full length resizing for all loads in order to have reliable extraction and it is much more accurate than I am.

 

[ClarkB]

Thanks MMCSRET. On your reloads are you working up past factory made ammo or staying within factory specs? Anyone else have experience with this gun?

Clark

 

[MMCSRET]

I have used AA#9, H-110, and L'il Gun. I've tried 35 gr. thru 55 gr. I find 40 gr. V-max to be very good, following Hornady and Hodgdon data, the nice thing about a single shot is that you can seat the bullet out longer than with magazine rifles. The old Remington design hollow point 45 gr. is a very accurate bullet but much lower B.C. than a pointed bullet. L'il Gun produces lower pressures and should boost velocity, I'm still working with it.