I find that some rounds work better for me crimped. To those of you that crimp, how much crimp do you put on?

I use a light crimp (Lee factory crip die)just to make the pressure at which the bullets release more unform. I also find that small (pistol) primers give me better accuracy, likely because the bullet isn't pushed out of the case prematurely by just the force of the primer ignition.

I load for two Hornets (CZ 527 and Martini Model 12) and do not crimp either. Both are sub MOA guns (the CZ more sub than the Martini).
Pete

This is not an answer to the question. I load for two 22 Hornets, an Anchutz & a Kimber. I suppose between the two I shoot 700 rounds a year and have for 4-5 years. I have never crimped a single shell yet. Both guns shoot sub 1", the Anchutz, much better than that.

I use a light crimp on my Hornet, a Ruger number 1. I wasn't getting the accuracy I felt it should produce, so I did some crimping to see if it would shoot better. But, I haven't gotten any conclusive evidence that the accuracy has improved. Need to do some more testing.

Don

I have loaded for the Hornet in a Contender carbine now for 8 years. I have tried crimping and not. I don't crimp any more. I couldn't see that it made any difference. What made the biggest difference for me was partial sizing, (not pushing the shoulder back), and OAL of the loaded round. Getting a consistant load by trying different powders and primers is important but should be done before the other stuff is tried. DW

Hi,

I have reloaded .22 Hornet with AC 1680 11,8 grain, CCI 500 primer and after shooting not all powder was burnt. Barrel is 24" lenght. In the barrel a few grains remained. I did not use crimping. If I had used crimp, would it help? Or do you have any other idea? Thanks.

Try Lil'Gun powder.
Pete

I have been loading Hornet for about 30 years and have never crimped. My BRNO (CZ) gets sub moa easily with good bullets and if I do my thing.

As others have suggested I like the small pistol primer.

Agree with dwheels about not setting the shoulder back, I virtually neck size only with the FL die backed off a little.

Ditto PJ, Lil Gun and small pistol primers did the trick for me.

I tested three powders in my Hornet, Lil-Gun, H-110 and Win 296. In my rifle, H-110 was the most accurate with Lil-Gun being close. A whole load of Hornet guys say Lil-Gun is the most accurate in their rifles however. I would suggest that if you're doing any load developing for a Hornet, you should try both Lil-Gun and H-110, playing around with different powder charges in that finicky little case..
The Hornet is a fun chambering though. My Step Dad used IMR 4227 exclusively in his Hornet, a Winchester Model 54, right after WW II; I think somewhere around 11.0 grains with about the only bullet made for the Hornet back then, Sierra's 45 grainer. I loved his Model 54 Hornet mucho. He let me use it when we went chuck hunting while he used his man sized (long range) rifle, a custom 257 Roberts with a heavy barrel and a Unertl scope. He took the long shots, I took the short ones, and was happy to do so.. Good memories...

Don