I have had the go ahead for a new project to take a Rook rifle that was bored out to 410 shotgun to relign as a 22 Hornet. I have a choice of two barrels. One is a 223 diameter bore which is the original size for the 22 Hornet with a 1 in 16.4” twist. Or a .224 diameter with a 1 in 12” twist which used in modern 22 Hornets as well as the .223 and .222 etc.

Principle reason for the .224 is the much wider availability of bullets in particular 30 to 40gn copper bullets. Here in the UK many places are going lead free for all game and vermin shooting.

Collective thoughts please from AR fraternity.

I would use the "modern" .224 with its' 1-12 twist. FWIW, I had an older (.223 bore) Savage that could not tell the difference between 223 and 224 bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by Heym SR20:

Principle reason for the .224 is the much wider availability of bullets in particular 30 to 40gn copper bullets. Here in the UK many places are going lead free for all game and vermin shooting.

That's your answer.

Thanks gents, great minds are all thinking alike

Given that nearly all bullets available today for either diameter are longer than the original 45 grain semi-pointed cup-and-core bullets used in the 'old days', I'd say go with the faster twist barrel no matter what diameter it is.

Another vote for the faster twist rate.

224 1x12, least you will have ammo and component problems in this day and time..

A .223" groove diameter will digest .224" bullets without a problem -- sometimes with better accuracy than a .223" bullet.

The 1-16" pitch is fully adequate for conventional cup-and-core jacketed lead bullets of 50 grains or less. I can't imagine wishing to shoot a heavier bullet in a Hornet.

Bottom line: I doubt you would find any difference in the performance of either barrel due to its groove diameter or twist. Other qualities may favor one over the other.

The cz 527 was advertised with a 1:16 twist. These rifles are tack drivers and shoot the 35 gr bullets very well. I shoot a 35 gr vmax. I hear they also do well with lead free bullets.

I had a bull barrel 22.250 with a 1-14 twist rate, and it was golden with 55 grain bullets. The previous owner shot hand loads to 68 grains to meet the Missouri bullet weight requirement for 22 caliber on deer. That is supposed to be too heavy a bullet for 1-14 but it shot just fine.

Thanks for all your thoughts gentlemen. Have gone with the .224 1 in 12” option so I keep as much flexibility as possible.

Interesting discussion gents. I believe you made the right choice as to diameter and twist if you like. The 16 twist is fine for most Hornet bullets. I have 3 Hornets, 2 are pre war Savages one a Model 23 D Delux, and the other a Model 19. The other Hornet is a Model 43 Winchester 50's vintage and obviously a 224 barrel. Most pre war Hornets were .223. Bottom line here, I find no difference shooting 224 bullets in them all. 35 Grain V-Max's with Lil Gun in 2, and the other 34 Grain Varmint Grenades with Lil Gun.

Jerry