I've recently started reloading for a new 22 Hornet. My question is, should I crimp the bullets? Are there certain bullets best not to crimp?

Any info on loading the Hornet would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe A.

I use the Lee factory crimp die and Lee collet dies to load for my Hornet. The collet dies cut down on the case stretch you may get with regular dies. I crimp all of my Hornet rounds. It seems to give me more consistant velocities. If you haven't settled on a powder, give Lil Gun a shot.

I load for two Hornets, a CZ 527 and a BSA Martini. I do not crimp either round. The CZ shoots under 1/2 inch and the Martini shoots under 3/4 inch five shot groups

I no longer have a Hornet but went through a number of them over the years, from single shot pistols to carbines to rifles. I never, ever found a need to crimp.

I don't crimp my Hornet ammo!
I don't see any need to do so, I get good accuracy without it!

Thanks for the replies.

I've just tried 5 rounds that I crimped and crimping doesn't look promising for me. May not been a good test, trying .223 bullets for the first time. My rifle is an Annie 54 Hornet with heavy barrel and the bore slugged a tight .223 so I decided to give them a try.

Today I tried the Hornady .223 45 grain Hornets. Only loaded 15 (working 12 hr. night shift). As I said, the 5 rounds that was crimped did poorly. The other 10 rounds didn't impress me any, either. I have a box of the Sierra .223 Hornets in both 40 and 45 grains. Hope to try them next week. The powder was little gun.

So far, Sierra 40 Grain Blitz Kings (.224) is grouping the best for me. After trying the Hornadys today, I shot a 5 shot group with the Blitz Kings that 95 yard with 4 in one small hole and a flyer opening the group to a .5 inch or less.

Thanks,

Joe A.

My uncle put me on to the little .22 Hornet back in the late 60's. I have had several single shots and now have a Ruger 77/22-Hornet.
I have yet to crimp a hornet round.