I have been reloading for 22 Hornet with Lil'gun and, as you would expect, results were very good.
Nothing unusual, except that velocities were much higher than those published in manufacturers data. There were no excess pressure signs.

1. Nosler - for their 45gr solid base Hornet bullet quote max load of Lil'gun 12.5gr (compressed) for 2749fps. I found 2950 fps for 870 ftlb. with Rem cases and CCI small rifle primers COL 1.775".

2. Hodgdon - quote 13gr max load of Lil'gun for 50gr Sierra SP for 2713 fps. They used Win cases with a lower capacity. COL 1.845".I found 3096 fps for 1064 ftlb!

These loads were carefully constructed from correctly stored components. The loads were shot in mild temperatures. Barrel cleaned between loads.

The 50gr Sierra load compares to a mid range velocity for 50gr.222 (Sierra data)!

Have I missed something or have manufacturers been conservative with their velocity figures? 300fps seems too large a difference.

Regards....

.......Titan

I trembled in confusion myself, all the facts I knew reduced to dust in the wind. I inquired amongst learned and even pious folk, Hodgdon and a few trolls. I found that it is common, and nobody offers meaningful answers. My conundrum is a #1, reamed to K-Hornet specs and the first thing I found was that it did not care for the light bullets, that is, anything under 45 grains. The velocity variations were wild. I tried everything that can be tried in that circumstance, and I mean EVERYTHING, to no avail. I don't even want to quote the velocities I achieved with the 40 gr VMAX and Ballistic Tips as the DEA would probably descend upon me. All of this without exceeding Hodgdon's Max. loading...without even coming close. I settled on 12.7 gr of Li'l Gun under a 45 gr Hornady Hornet bullet that leaves Dodge at an average velocity of about 3250 fps, accuracy in the 7's for 10 shots if I want to wait, or 5 shots if I don't. I am still using brass that has been fired a dozen times although it required annealing after 8-10 firing cycles. My barrel is I think a 1:14 twist, 26" long. I've read of some achieving over 3500 fps with the 35 grin pills...I've done it with 40 grainers. One day I said to myself, "Self, this is getting rediculous!" I got over it, learned to live with my "rimmed .222" and life goes on.

FWIW, the Hodgdon rep told me that I could fill the case to the mouth and load any bullet suitable for cartridge and twist, without causing harm. Smelled like liberal bullshit then, still does.

Hello Titan. It seems that as SAAMI published pressures have been reduced, data has followed the reduction. I'm doing what you are doing and finding similar results. I don't worry about how many times a hornet case can be reloaded. Three is fine with me. Good shooting, ned

Hey Dan. I didn't know you were a Hornet person. I got a hold of some Sierra 30 grain h p's for the 22 mag and while hard to load in the hornet, they make a 222 look bad.

Yeah, and I bet they go "WHOP" when they land don't they? Been shooting Hornets since I could pick one up, always had one or three in the family. I am the first however to diddle with the K version.

Thanks...
....... and a sense of relief!

I also found 40gr Vmax exceeded 3000fps and exceptionally accurate.(Sub MOA)

Using Lee "Shooter" Ver(3.2) this Vmax load when zeroed at 100yd is predicted to be only -3.66" at 200yd. The 50gr Sierra load is predicted -3.25". I will try this range soon.

Regards...

.....Titan

Titan;

I am not a real Barnes Bullet fan, as i think they are overpriced.

However one thing that they have always had in their load manuals, at least in # 2 and 3 is a load with the Hornet and a 45 grain X bullet.

For many places where the deer are the size of a long legged Doberman, I don't think you could get a better cartridge combo than the Hornet and a 45 grain X Bullet, for a kid or female shooter.

It will even work very well for some macho guys also.

Even the 50 and 53 grain X bullet in a Hornet or K Hornet ( even better) will take care of a lot of game, and with Lil Gun will give more than adequate velocity.

Too many of us hunters buy into the macho saying " use enough gun". Nothing wrong with the saying, but instead of what our concept of what Use Enough Gun means. It means to me, if it will get the job done WHEN I PUT THE BULLET IN THE RIGHT SPOT, then it is more than enough gun.

In Oregon, why does Anyone need a 500 yd magnum with 4000 ft lbs at the muzzle to take some scrawny 75 to 90 pound blacktail at 50 to 75 yrds? The logic escapes me continually.

Good post partner!

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire

I shot some 40 gr V-Max over a F1 Master chrony today. I was using CCI 400, 13.5 gr Lil'Gun, COL 1.93" and I used Rem and Win brass in a 20" Handi rifle. The velocities I got were recorded at a measured 15'. All charges were thrown from a Redding #3 and every 5th round checked on an Ohaus 505.

Win brass

2898

2853

2715

average 2789 fps



Rem brass

2769

2739

2782

average 2763 fps



The Winchester brass grouped at 1.62" at 100 yards. The Remington brass grouped at .87" at 100 yards.



I don't know a good way to check the acuracy of the chrony, since Winchester white box .223 (advertised at 3600 fps) only averaged 3302 fps today out of a 22" Handi rifle. I guess I should have used some .22 LR match ammo to check with, but it has always recorded very close to the published velocity when I have checked it.

Paul5388....

Your data compares well with the published Hornady 40gr Vmax top end load.

I seated the 40 gr Vmax slightly shorter at 1.902", but still longer than the Hornady COL 1.810".

I have found Remington brass to be very good for some load combinations and Winchester or RWS better for others....all part of the challenge!

Regards...

Titan