22 Hornet reloading issues.

[FT3CrowCall]

Been shooting and hunting for more then 30 years and started with reloading last year, started out with the 22 Hornet.
Still learning a lot and based on the many tips and tricks here in this great forum I was able to devellop a load in my CZ 527 22 Hornet which shoots great in my rifle ( 12,3 grains Lil Gun with 35 grain Vmax, slightly flaring and crimping ).
A friend gave me recently some 40 grains Nosler Ballistic tips for reloading in my 22 Hornet.
I checked my Hornady reloading manual which states a load between min. 11,7 and max. 13,2 grain of LIl Gun for the 40 grains Vmax , which is a bullet which is similar to the 40 grains NBT in my eyes.
When I checked the Nosler reloading data on the internet I saw a min charge of 9 grain Lil Gun and a max of 11 grain for these BT.
How is it possible that Nosler has other Lil Gun loading data then Hornady for a bullet which is very similar?
What is the safest thing to do in a case like this? Only trust the Nosler loading data?
Curious how you guys handle something like this.

22 Hornet Load Data

 

[Smellydog]

Don't worry about it that the first thing.
Lilgun doesn't blow hornets to pieces.
I rarely start at the bottom, usually at the top of it I have case capacity.

 

[FT3CrowCall]

Don't worry about it that the first thing.
Lilgun doesn't blow hornets to pieces.
I rarely start at the bottom, usually

I am new reloader and yes, still a little paranoid with the contradicting loading data.

 

[mealiejimmy]

The best load with LilGun in a 22 hornet is just to fill the case with powder and then press the bullet in - job done and it WON'T be dangerous

Cheers

Bruce

 

[SpikeD]

You are making assumptions about the data, the reloading manual shows data for that bullet, that case, that primer that batch of powder used at the time and in that particular firearm or test barrel.

Different bullets have different constructions and differing bearing surfaces. If you start trying to interpret differing data between manuals to try and deduce load data then you are on your own if things go wrong. If you look at reloading manuals from the same maker from different years you will see differences in load data even with the same powder. There's a chapter on this in the Berger reloading manual that is quite informative in this respect.

As you've looked at the Nosler data use that, it's the safest option.

 

[mealiejimmy]

I am new reloader and yes, still a little paranoid with the contradicting loading data.

With LilGun it is simply impossible to put enough powder in the 22 hornet case to cause any signs of overpressure
Do a search on loading for the hornet on this forum and you'll find that one of the most knowledgeable and respected members on here (Muir) always advocates simply filling the hornet case with LiLGun and pressing the bullet into the case
I have followed his advice for many years without any problems and some considerable success
Stop worrying and start shooting

Cheers

Bruce

 

[25 Sharps]

Lots of advice on here sting don’t worry, fill the case with Lil gun.

Wouldn’t disagree at all, I got some silly charges into Remington brass with an 18” drop tube and got 3200 fps with a 40 gr. DO NOT TRY THIS, well over max but I’m trying to make the point.

With .22 hornet and lil gun you will not be able to get enough in the case to cause pressure issues.

But, as a new reloader be aware this is specific to this particular powder in this particular cartridge, you cannot necessarily do this with other combinations and be safe. So if you tried it in .17 hornet you’d get pressure spikes similarly if you filled a hornet case with H110 you will likely get a pressure spike.

As a general rule I will try and find 2/3 sources for the cartridge and powder combination. Bullets can be substituted but you should only use the same weight bullet or at a push the next bullet weight up, never use data for lighter bullet. When substituting bullets choose a bullet of similar profile, as you have with v-max and NBT. This is because bullet lengths will be similar, you should ideally avoid say, using flat base HP data for a tipped boat tail bullet as the bullet will be longer. Therefore, seated to the same depth it will use more case capacity and alter pressure.

Once you have found your data, if substituting start at the lowest start load and work up to the highest max load. Or stop if you get the accuracy / speed combination you want or hit any pressure signs.

Stick to that and you’ll be safe

 

[Smellydog]

Can someone find an incidence of someone blowing a 22 hornet up with lilgun?

 

[25 Sharps]

You are making assumptions about the data, the reloading manual shows data for that bullet, that case, that primer that batch of powder used at the time and in that particular firearm or test barrel.

Different bullets have different constructions and differing bearing surfaces. If you start trying to interpret differing data between manuals to try and deduce load data then you are on your own if things go wrong. If you look at reloading manuals from the same maker from different years you will see differences in load data even with the same powder. There's a chapter on this in the Berger reloading manual that is quite informative in this respect.

As you've looked at the Nosler data use that, it's the safest option.

By your argument only he matched the exact case / primer combination. Not always possible in the current climate.

 

[FT3CrowCall]

Lots of advice on here sting don’t worry, fill the case with Lil gun.

Wouldn’t disagree at all, I got some silly charges into Remington brass with an 18” drop tube and got 3200 fps with a 40 gr. DO NOT TRY THIS, well over max but I’m trying to make the point.

With .22 hornet and lil gun you will not be able to get enough in the case to cause pressure issues.

But, as a new reloader be aware this is specific to this particular powder in this particular cartridge, you cannot necessarily do this with other combinations and be safe. So if you tried it in .17 hornet you’d get pressure spikes similarly if you filled a hornet case with H110 you will likely get a pressure spike.

As a general rule I will try and find 2/3 sources for the cartridge and powder combination. Bullets can be substituted but you should only use the same weight bullet or at a push the next bullet weight up, never use data for lighter bullet. When substituting bullets choose a bullet of similar profile, as you have with v-max and NBT. This is because bullet lengths will be similar, you should ideally avoid say, using flat base HP data for a tipped boat tail bullet as the bullet will be longer. Therefore, seated to the same depth it will use more case capacity and alter pressure.

Once you have found your data, if substituting start at the lowest start load and work up to the highest max load. Or stop if you get the accuracy / speed combination you want or hit any pressure signs.

Stick to that and you’ll be safe

some solid advice, appreciated, thanks

 

[Ratel]

With LilGun it is simply impossible to put enough powder in the 22 hornet case to cause any signs of overpressure
Do a search on loading for the hornet on this forum and you'll find that one of the most knowledgeable and respected members on here (Muir) always advocates simply filling the hornet case with LiLGun and pressing the bullet into the case
I have followed his advice for many years without any problems and some considerable success
Stop worrying and start shooting

Cheers

Bruce

Spot on Bruce, fill it, swipe off with card, push a 45gr Sierra sp in, go shoot things. That'll give you an inch group and would kill Roe very nicely if legal, even Fallow many years ago.

 

[FT3CrowCall]

My cz 527 22 Hornet has a 224 barrel I think. My friend gave me some 223 Sierra 40 grain Hornet bullets also. Do you use the same loading data for 223 bullets as you do for 224 bullets in a 22 Hornet?

 

[mealiejimmy]

Now you're really overthinking it, just load the feckin bullets and shoot

Cheers

Bruce

 

[FT3CrowCall]

Now you're really overthinking it, just load the feckin bullets and shoot

Cheers

Bruce

LOL

 

[Smellydog]

The .223" may not shoot to well in a ..224" barrel but the other way around you wouldn't tell.

 

[Docstar]

is there a guide on how much to crimp using a lee crimp die?

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Look down at the crimping collets gaps as you crimp and go halfway to a fully shut condition?

 

[Smellydog]

They are pretty much limited buy them selves.

 

[Bowland blades]

Been shooting and hunting for more then 30 years and started with reloading last year, started out with the 22 Hornet.
Still learning a lot and based on the many tips and tricks here in this great forum I was able to devellop a load in my CZ 527 22 Hornet which shoots great in my rifle ( 12,3 grains Lil Gun with 35 grain Vmax, slightly flaring and crimping ).
A friend gave me recently some 40 grains Nosler Ballistic tips for reloading in my 22 Hornet.
I checked my Hornady reloading manual which states a load between min. 11,7 and max. 13,2 grain of LIl Gun for the 40 grains Vmax , which is a bullet which is similar to the 40 grains NBT in my eyes.
When I checked the Nosler reloading data on the internet I saw a min charge of 9 grain Lil Gun and a max of 11 grain for these BT.
How is it possible that Nosler has other Lil Gun loading data then Hornady for a bullet which is very similar?
What is the safest thing to do in a case like this? Only trust the Nosler loading data?
Curious how you guys handle something like this.

22 Hornet Load Data

Got my 22 Hornet about 15 plus years ago . Love it and its just about the easiest things to load ! Its a CZ and so long as you don't go using anything but Hogdens LilGun and decent condition brass cleaned and checked for fatigue and use the short stubby bullets 40-45 grain ( i recommend Seirra Hornet, available at Henry Krank ) You really need to do something real stupid to run into problems - I actually now just drop a caseful of powder in the case. Very Low charges is where it can get unsafe - dont leave too much space in the case .
Hornady 35s will hit 3000 fps but it will be longer getting to most targets than all the other 40 and 45 grain - due to terrible BC - Choose another bullet I have tried most , Only the 35v max i dont recomend much past 100 yards ( if thats all you shoot under that range , you will have no problems though
I use L.E Wilson hand dies with neck bushings , the brass done like this lasts a long time ! I have never flared a mouth it is not required indeed your likely to get worse accuraccy . Use those quality neck bushing dies consentricity matters in this one !

 

[kenbro]

Been shooting and hunting for more then 30 years and started with reloading last year, started out with the 22 Hornet.
Still learning a lot and based on the many tips and tricks here in this great forum I was able to devellop a load in my CZ 527 22 Hornet which shoots great in my rifle ( 12,3 grains Lil Gun with 35 grain Vmax, slightly flaring and crimping ).
A friend gave me recently some 40 grains Nosler Ballistic tips for reloading in my 22 Hornet.
I checked my Hornady reloading manual which states a load between min. 11,7 and max. 13,2 grain of LIl Gun for the 40 grains Vmax , which is a bullet which is similar to the 40 grains NBT in my eyes.
When I checked the Nosler reloading data on the internet I saw a min charge of 9 grain Lil Gun and a max of 11 grain for these BT.
How is it possible that Nosler has other Lil Gun loading data then Hornady for a bullet which is very similar?
What is the safest thing to do in a case like this? Only trust the Nosler loading data?
Curious how you guys handle something like this.

22 Hornet Load Data

Some load info from a very experienced loader friend in Canada.
Ken.