If you were planning on shooting no heavier than 40gr. bullets in the Hornet, what would be the preferred twist, if there is one?? Purchased Ruger77 Hornet from one of our members and confident it does not need another barrel, but planning on doing considerable custom work on the rifle and searching for the optimum twist, profile, etc. All suggestions appreciated.

martin

It depends....

My experience was with a Hornet intended to be used as a glorified 22 magnum, only quieter. The owner had a groundhog and muskrat problem and wanted something to take on morning and evening walks. We worked up some quiet loads but the 1-14" twist would not stabilize 40 grain V max bullets at the slower velocities. 33 grain bullets were no problem but if I were to build a Hornet I think I would use a 1-12" twist based on my experience. I do not see this being a detriment and if I were to have issues with it in higher powered loads I should probably use a different gun anyway. But as I said, this would be for a particular use I'd have for this cartridge which will probably be different than someone elses.

Hello Mark,
Thanks for the input. My intended use will be a glorified "walk about" rifle on the farm for all manner of critters ranging from groundhogs, wild dogs, foxes, turtles, snakes, etc. Rare that a shot beyond 150 yards is available so should work fine for the intended purpose.

Again thanks,

martin

Here we go with turtles again.

1-12" is a good all-purpose twist rate. Mine shot everything up to 52 grains well with that twist. Never tried anything heavier.