Howdy and a question

[~z]

I'm the new guy on yalls site. I have been lurking in the shaddows for the last week or so, reading. Seems to be alot of knowlege floating around. Now for my first question.
I'm considering converting my Ruger 77/22 from .22 Hornet over to the K Hornet. Can anyone tell me what I may expect in the way of velocity and/or accuracy? I havent committed to the switch yet, still in the research dept.
~z

 

[Jet22]

The real advantage of the K-Hornet is a shoulder to headspace on. That should increase accuracy. I wouldn't expect much in velocity. Have you tried Lil'Gun yet? Great velocity with low pressure. It didn't work in my 77-22 (not accurate enough) but was great in my Browning Low Wall. Nice high velocity in my 10" Contender also.

 

[~z]

Yes, lil gun does good, I like BC-L2. Have you found a load for the 35 gn Hornady. I have yet to get better than .75 at 100.
~z

 

[Jet22]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Yes. I used 14.5 grains of Lil'Gun with the 35 grain Hornady V-Max. Be careful as it is a grain over what Rifle Magazine (#193 January 2001) used. I believe (I can't put my finger on that issure right now) they called for 13.5 for 28,000 (don't remember PSI or CUP) pressure. It had very high velocity with low pressure and great accuracy. This load did not work at all in my Ruger and I ended up using H4227 for accuracy in that gun. I didn't shoot this load much (sold the rifle) but it would shoot 3/4" no problem in my Browning 1885 Low Wall. I only sized enough to grip the bullet, backing the sizeing die off 3 or 4 turns. No crimp. I remember I tried Remington 7 1/2 primers and Winchester Small Rifle and Winchester Small Pistol primers without much difference. I DO remember I had a rough time getting this much powder in the case.

I sold the Ruger 1 1/2 years ago and sold the Browning last spring (having second thoughts on that one) but just picked up a nice 10" octogon Contender barrel earlier this week and am setting up to load for the Hornet again (worked on it a while last night). I also have had a Ruger No.1A and No.3 in the past in 22 Hornet. I have never had a K-Hornet but came close one time...Bought 28 Contender barrels from a guy and only had enough money on me to pay for 12. When I went up to his house to pick up the other 16 found he had given two to his freind...you guessed it...one was the K-Hornet. I do have a set of RCBS K-Hornet dies...its just a mater of time!

Besides the Rifle #193 listed above, The Hornet article was continued in Handloader #209 in February of 2001. There is also a good article on the K-Hornet In Handloader #197 February of 1999. These back issues are avalible on Ebay all the time, but the prices are steep (3 or 4 bucks plus shipping). You might be better off buying the whole year (6 issues) for around 10 bucks plus shipping. Always request Media Mail for reduced shipping costs.

Please be especially carefull when working up loads in the Hornet and load only one at a time and bump up only .2 or .3 at a time. When you think you have a safe load, load the same case 5 times in a row and make sure the primer pocket is still tight. About 15 years ago I had a T/C Contender Carbine barrel that I had to load 2 grains under published loads and it still showed excessive pressure. Things happen real fast in that small case.