.22 Hornet unstable rounds

[Sirius1963]

Hi - my recently acquired CZ 527 .22 Hornet presented a problem at the range. This range has a velocity/energy limit which necessitates somewhat reduced power loads, which Im happy with. A fellow shooter recommended around 3.8gr of Tin Star to experiment with. On the first outing this proved OK at 50m, but I know it can do much better. I received 3 different bullet weights when I bought the gun from the previous owner, between 40 - 50 gr (all varmint type bullets). I figuered Id try out Sierra MatchKings at 52 gr. These are a fair bit longer, and when fired all keyholed at 50 & 100 m. I believe its a 1:16 twist, and the rifling and crown are all good. Is this a simple case that the bullet is too long and heavy for the twist rate and relatively low power load ?
If there is a good source of lighter load reloading data available Id be interested to read it ( at present Im avoiding using cast bullets in it, but do have lymans cast bullet directory for future use)
Thanks

 

[Klenchblaize]

The bullet weight and PROFILE you refer to is certainly not helping you.

K

 

[B&W FOX]

I had the same issue with a .22 hornet 527 I purchased used off here.
It had a trip back to Edgar Brothers, came back still the same.
I cured it in the end by weighing it in for scrap so no other unfortunate person would have the displeasure of ever owning it.

 

[MarinePMI]

How low a velocity? Those heavier bullets are going to need higher speeds to stabilize. If you're stuck with the lower velocity, you'll need to go to lower weight (shorter) bullets. 35gr VMax for example, or the 34gr Dogtown.

 

[Sirius1963]

I had the same issue with a .22 hornet 527 I purchased used off here.
It had a trip back to Edgar Brothers, came back still the same.
I cured it in the end by weighing it in for scrap so no other unfortunate person would have the displeasure of ever owning it.

Haha - seems a little premature to me at this point !

 

[Sirius1963]

How low a velocity? Those heavier bullets are going to need higher speeds to stabilize. If you're stuck with the lower velocity, you'll need to go to lower weight (shorter) bullets. 35gr VMax for example, or the 34gr Dogtown.

That’s my current thinking - shorter for sure, and it appears lighter are much more common. I’ll load some of the varmint rounds that came with the gun, and see what improvements are made. Can’t be any worse for sure.

 

[mealiejimmy]

What are the velocity and energy limits?
Given that info, Quickload may be able to come up with some suggestions.

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Sirius1963]

1600 fps is there or thereabouts

 

[Sirius1963]

Correction 2150 fps & 1496 muzzle energy

 

[mealiejimmy]

Assuming a 20 inch barrel, and a Sierra 45gn hornet bullet (p/n 1210 - in stock at Henry Krank)
QL gives many predictions for an MV of 2150fps (there's no Hornet on earth that can produce anything like 1495 ftlbs muzzle energy)
Here are just a few
8.1 gn Vit N100
5.7 gn Ramshot Silhouette (in stock at CGSG)
9.5 gn Lovex DO63
5.6 gn RS20
Of those, I'd say the Ramshot and RS loads would probably work better because they are producing higher chamber pressures.
The problem with reduced powder charges is that if they don't generate enough chamber pressure, the case may not seal against the chamber and you could have gasses blowing back against the bolt.

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Sirius1963]

Cheers Bruce - much appreciated

 

[Oracle]

How low a velocity? Those heavier bullets are going to need higher speeds to stabilize. If you're stuck with the lower velocity, you'll need to go to lower weight (shorter) bullets. 35gr VMax for example, or the 34gr Dogtown.

34g Dogtown.....now Unobtanium....but I still dream.

 

[MarinePMI]

They're not in stock, but they can still be had under their manufacturer's real name...

Nosler 22 Caliber 34 Grain FBHP Bullet (BLEM) - 100ct

In fact, I'm surprised UK dealers aren't clamoring for them since so many use the venerable Hornet in the UK...

 

[Fox Red]

Get some Lil Gun, a 35gr or 40gr V-Max and load a batch 12.5 - 13.0gr. If it doesn't shoot with one of those loads I'd be surprised.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Correction 2150 fps & 1496 muzzle energy

Hmmm. A hornet delivering 1.5 times the ME of a triple deuce but travelling at only 2/3rds of the triple’s speed? I really don't think so…….

 

[NP435]

Velocity has impact on stability and so does projectile profile. So this range is limited to 22lr/22 mag velocity?
Perhaps find another place to shoot. Do you use the load in question on quarry of any kind?

 

[Muir]

Get some Lil Gun, a 35gr or 40gr V-Max and load a batch 12.5 - 13.0gr. If it doesn't shoot with one of those loads I'd be surprised.

Accuracy isn't the issue. Stability is. ~Muir

 

[Muir]

They're not in stock, but they can still be had under their manufacturer's real name...

Nosler 22 Caliber 34 Grain FBHP Bullet (BLEM) - 100ct

In fact, I'm surprised UK dealers aren't clamoring for them since so many use the venerable Hornet in the UK...

It was explained to me in another post:
The 22 Hornet in the 34 or 35 grain weight class does OK out to 100 yards but then falls on it's face. Absolutely worthless past 150 yards.
That's why nobody shoots them.
T'would be the acme of foolishness to even try.
I learned that right here.~Muir

 

[Klenchblaize]

It was explained to me in another post:
The 22 Hornet in the 34 or 35 grain weight class does OK out to 100 yards but then falls on it's face. Absolutely worthless past 150 yards.
That's why nobody shoots them.
T'would be the acme of foolishness to even try.
I learned that right here.~Muir

If I want/need a 200 yard gun I leave the hornet in the cupboard.

Simples!

K

 

[Sirius1963]

It’s interesting to tackle new challenges. My immediate goal is to use a small caliber to achieve tight groups reliably and consistently at 100m. I’m sure .223/.223 etc are all contenders - but on this occasion I prefer the .22 Hornet.