I have just purchased a winchester model 43 in 22 Hornet. Not real familiar with this rifle.
I understand some hornets have different bore diamiters.
Do you know what the bore on a #43 is likly to be ?
Also is there a rats chance in hell of finding a replacment magazine ?
Any thing else i should know about the #43 ?
thanks ...tj3006

Because of the locking lug format, they have a reputation for having headspace issues if you reload at maximum pressures.

Jeff

Pre war Hornets were .223", post war .224". FWIW, I've used/use .224's in early Hornets without any problems whatsoever. Watch EvilBay for a spare mag.

Try hoosier gun works for magazines....they have a lot of magazines for sale.

My first rifle was a 43 winchester amd I've owned several since. I currently shoot one in 218 Bee, excellent squirrel medicine. I shoot .224 bullets in mine and already have a couple of clips, but would also like to know of a source if you find one.

The headspace issue is an easy fix. I haven't done one in a while but it just involved cutting a washer from shim stock and placing it in between the bolt handle and the bolt body on the front side IIRC.

Shane Thompson

Thomas there are a couple of hornet magazines for a win 43 on www.gunbroker.com

quote:

The headspace issue is an easy fix. I haven't done one in a while but it just involved cutting a washer from shim stock and placing it in between the bolt handle and the bolt body on the front side IIRC.

shimming was Frank de Haas' remedy, also.

Thanks for the help with the magazines.
And the good info !
...tj3006

Thomas - did you buy the one for sale in the classifieds here? If you did, it could be a somewhat different animal, it was listed as a 'K Hornet' I thought.

The Win 43 was basically an overgrown Win 69A. Like other legacy Hornets -- the Savages, the Win 54 & 70 -- it used a 1 in 16 rimfire barrel. Mine slugged at .2219". The finish is typical Win, well machined and beautiful. It is speedlocked, with a short striker fall. On the debit side, it is not notably accurate but can put the first round, cold barrel where you want it. The trigger is not notable for a varmint gun as it is quite heavy and not readily lightened. It does have a tendency towards excessive headspace. This is conveniently worked around by chambering to K-Hornet; the 5% or so increase in powder is not really significant, but the fact that you can now headspace on the shoulder is. By neck-sizing, you can keep the base back against the bolt and minimize case stretching. I've had mine for 55 years and still shoot it.

Bud W

IT is a K, I didn't notice the K in the add, But thats ok with me, Glad I didnt buy dies though !
I am a reloader and have done AIs before, I like that round just fine too.
...tj3006

You'll find it's quite good with cast bullets of 35 to 45 gr. I generally look for .223" jacketed bullets if available, otherwise I use .224". If yours is a later model with the receiver ring & bridge D&T'd, you might find them too close together to allow enough fore & aft movement of the scope; in that event get Weaver extension ring(s).

Bud W