Hollowpointer Modified .22 Ammo Range Report

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Aug 8, 2004
Messages
1,265
Location
Wabash IN
A while back I bought a hollowpointer/accurizer tool. There were doubts expressed as to whether the modified bullets would perform.

I ran a 100 yard test. However, before we get to that test, let me walk you through the process of making the ammo.

282e7d7b.jpg
Here are the components to the hollowpointer...

Fairly simple setup, but precise.

329dafff.jpg
The first step is to put the round in the bottom block.

bdbf6c38.jpg
Assemble, and put on some sort of press - even a hammer will work.

7179d269.jpg
Pull the handle...

d4bc80bd.jpg
... and a gaping hollowpoint (depending on depth settings) results.

But how do they perform?

They do shoot more accurately than unmodified ammo, but to the same point of aim. This is probably because they've been set to a standard size, and because the center of mass is further back. This is speculation however. I just know it works!

I set up four water jugs at 100 yards, and fired into them.

These are the results:

a879aa44.jpg
This is the first jug. It's pretty well shredded.

93ecf6a8.jpg
A line of all four jugs...

19542b88.jpg
Here's a bullet I recovered from right beyond the fourth jug...

e84dfe34.jpg
Two more stopped inside the fourth jug.

I believe the variation in penetration is due to the fact that I fired 10 rounds, and kept firing after the jugs were pretty well empty. I tried this test before with three jugs and failed to recover any. I therefore added a fourth jug and kept firing until empty to try to get a few decent samples.

9de66a41.jpg
This is a picture of the unmodified round, modified round, and the three bullets I was able to recover.

Keep in mind that this is CCI 40gn LRN I modified. Their website lists the velocities thus:

Muzzle 1235

50 yards 1092

75 yards 1040

100 yards 998

So, when the bullet impacted, it was acting as a heavy .22 short. Yet, it still expanded to over .36".

These are doing better than my old standby, Winchester Xpert, and are of course more consistent.

I'm impressed.

Josh <><
 
There is a fellow over on Rimfire Central that makes them. I think they're about $75.00 a set. Look in the classified section, he has a WTS thread.

Paco Kelly over on Lever Guns also sells a similar tool.
 
Hello,

Yep, this one was made by D Rock at RFC.

Paco's are made from brass and don't sound quite as durable. Could be wrong as I've never used his, but I'd much rather use tool steel.

Josh <><
 
I don't think I'd do the upsetting with a hammer. Where is the pressure going to go if you touch off a sensitive primer? For that matter I don't think I'd try it in a press either, but that's just me. My .22 does what I want it to without modification.

For comparison's sake, how did unmodified hollow points perform?
 
Is there not a chance the bullet will actually be seated deeper--possibly causing overpressure issues?

A 22LR bullet is a heeled bullet in that it has a step around the bullet that the case mouth rests on.

One would have to 'strip' this step, or heel off of the bullet in order for the bullet to be set any deeper into the case.

The .22 LR is both ubiquitous and unusual in that it is both a rimfire cartridge and it uses a "heeled" bullet. While most modern cartridges use a bore-diameter bullet that fits inside the case with the case being larger than bore size, heeled bullet cartridges use a two-diameter bullet with the shank smaller than bore diameter and fitting inside a case which matches bore size.

22_1.jpg

See what I mean...?

As for the hammer thing...I would not!
 
Last edited:
Then there's something fishy about the original post Uncle Mike. Those fired bullets do not looked like "heeled" bullets to me. Or am I missing something???

Andy
 
As far as I know, all .22LR used heeled bullets, unless it's a shotshell.

how about posting specs on your rifle and the price of the kit and link to?

a0c21a68.jpg

The rifle is a Savage Mk II BTVS in left hand configuration chambered for the .22LR. The 'scope is a Mueller APV 6.5 to 14 with AO and my first bipod ever.

The sizer/hollowpointer can be had from D Rock on Rimfirecentral.com . I'd give you a more specific link, but I cannot get the site to run correctly for me right now. It's lagging.

He does have it advertised in the "for sale" section.

Josh <><
 
ASCTLC,
The step on the .22 heel is not as pronounced as it appears in Mikes picture.
It's only the thickness of the case.
The base of a .22 is also slightly concave (similar to a Minie Ball) & when fired, the base of the bullet tends to obturate (upsets & expands to fill the bore) under pressure (approx. 22,000 psi).
See the 8th pic in the OP.
 
Last edited:
I'd guess a sliding door into the back yard. If so, that's a nice setup...

That's how we used to harvest our spring and fall deer each year at my ex-mother-in-laws place in Bandera :)

--wally.
 
I am not trying to be a smart-A, but couldn't you just buy hollowpoint bullets? What is the benefit over a OTC hollow-point that is 36 grain? Is it the extra 4 grain weight?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top