Has anyone worked up loads using Sierra's 63gr SMP bullet for the Hornet? My hornet has a 1-12" twist and shoots 55gr bullets pretty good. I want to use Lil' Gun powder since this seems to always produce less pressure. Any thoughts? Thanks

My guess is that it will keyhole.

I'd say it's iffy on the key-holing or not, I shot 62 gr hp's out of my 218 mashburn 1-12" pistol, which pretty much matched hornet rifle velocities. I'd think a 62 gr plainbase would work but iffy on the boat-tails re stabalizing them.

Whatever your top 55 gr load is, I'd nock 15% off, and work up to that level. Looking at some data I'm thinking a top load may be 10 to 10.5 grs of Lil-gun, but that is just a WAG, so work up with caution.

Sometimes combo's that aren't supposed to work do, other times they don't. It's fun learning for yourself so long as you do it safely.

Thanks for your replies.
Paul H, you and I were thinking the same. Before I posted this discussion I had loaded 5 rounds as follows:

63gr Sierra
10.0gr lil gun
WW brass
WSR primer
OAL = 1.973"

The OAL to touch the lands with this bullet in my handi rifle was 1.983" so I backed off .010" to play it safe and go from there. Thanks again.
BTW, I won't get a chance to try these until this weekend. I'll let you know the results.

I am able to shoot 12.0 grains of Lil Gun behind a 55 grain in several "modern" firearms. However I would stress that pressure spikes occur when using small rifle primers, and the CCI 550 is my primer of choice for the Hornet and Lil Gun. Ten grains would be my starting point as well. Good luck.

You should consider FMJ if you are going after dangerous game with your Hornet.

I love your sense of humor, however I will have my field knife with me for the dangerous game