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Factory Hornet in K chamber

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25 April 2009, 12:49
Tentman
Factory Hornet in K chamber
Hello Guys

Is it satisfactory to use factory ammo in a K chamber, I know its possible given correct headspacing etc but I'm interested if cases are split, and what sort of change in accuracy might be experienced.

Cheers - Foster
25 April 2009, 14:41
Code4
The Hornet headspaces on the Rim, not the shoulder so useing factory ammo in a K or improved chamber is fine.

Once the case has been fired and fire formed, you can adjust your K-Hornet F/L die to 'bump' the shoulder, makeing two points to headspace on but it is still not necessary.

Edit: Cases will only split if old Hornet brass is used that has been resized and fired multiple times. Best to use new brass. Final accuracy will only be achieved with loaded fireformed brass. That does not mean you will not be able to find an accurate load whilst fireforming. POI may change slightly between unformed and fireformed shells.

Factory rounds fired in a K-Hornet chamber will have slightly less velocity than if fired in a factory chamber. Not that you'll notice in the field.

The primary advantage of the K-Hornet is less brass stretch between reloads and maybe some velocity increase.

The same applies to the .218 Bee and the Mashburn Bee.
26 April 2009, 04:40
Code4
Edited.
26 April 2009, 09:24
303Guy
quote:
Once the case has been fired and fire formed, you can adjust your K-Hornet F/L die to 'bump' the shoulder, makeing two points to headspace on but it is still not necessary.
Why 'bump' the shoulder? Why not just let the bolt close firmly on the case? This is what I have been doing for years with the 303 Brit. In fact, I had one that had to be forced closed on new brass. It always loosened up on firing. I allow my hornet to headspace on the rim. Cases last forever or until they get lost, whichever comes first! Wink (I do not recommend that with 'normal' loading - only if no neck sizing is done and then only if the chamber will support the neck).


Regards
303Guy