Savage 340 .22 Hornet woes

[351 WINCHESTER]

I have a nice rifle that needs some "tweaking". Using 13 grs. Lil'Gun with various hornet bullets (.223 & .224) accuracy is so so (2" @ 50 yds.) I cleaned the barrel and tightened the barrel band. I know this isn't a bench gun, but I expected better accuracy. I'm using the Lee Classic loader which is slow, but that's what the previous owner used and it makes nice ammo. I weighed about a dozen chgs. from the dipper and it was right on the money @ 13 grains. I'm using w/w new brass, neck sized only. Some of the rounds are hard to close the bolt on and I had 1 stick after being fired. I did clean the chamber too.

I know the hornet can be "tempermental" and any sugguestions to improve accuracy would be much appreciated.

 

[loadedround]

First of all I would slug your barrel to determine if your bore diameter is .223" or .224". Older rifles have the smaller .223" bore and it's possible your Savage 340 is one of those older rifles. Once you determine that, match your bullet to your rifle's bore. The 22 Hornet headspaces on the rim, and it's possible that your cases have stretched to the point where they need to be trimmed. That in its self would cause sticky extraction. Neck sizing is fine if all your cases are shot in the same rifle and are all of the same length. I have only used a Lee Loader once in my life and that was for a pistol cartridge. Years ago, many of the older reloaders claimed that good ammo could be loaded on the Lee Loader, but it is my belief that better ammo could be loaded on a decent single station press with decent dies. Your powder choice and weight is fine and it's the same load I use in my Hornet with Hornady 45 gr bullets. I get less than 3/4" groups in my Ruger 1B. So check your bore diameter and case length, and possible a sturdy bench mounted press, your accuracy should improve.

 

[Chamacat]

Yep.I just went thru the same deal the other day..But..my little hornet was spraying bullet's at 50 yards ..and..some were even tumbling...I'm new at this..So with the help of all THR people here I have overcome my problem and..I use lil gun..14.grains and 30 gr barnes grenades "Hornet Specfic" bullet's.I shot a group of 1"..at 50 yards..4 outa 5 one holed..be patience..theres alot of good people here and information on .22 hornets

 

[rcmodel]

I think I understand you are using the Lee Hammer Bammer loader?

If so, I think it only neck sizes.
At some point, your cases will need to be FL sized.

The Savage 340 has a two-piece bolt with one locking lug, and case stretch will always be a problem with them.

rc

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Yes the Lee Hammer Bammer. I noticed the bolt only had one lug, but the owner told me it was strong and go ahead and load it up. Is he wrong?

The rifle came with a full set of conventional dies (I'm waiting on my mentor to come home (he's been in a nurseing home for 9 months now.) I'm also waiting on my oldest son to move out so I can get set up and organized. I'm doing the best I can right now.

Is the savage 340 a good gun or am I beating a dead horse?

 

[res45]

One of my most favorite and accurate rifle I ever owned was a Sav. 340C in 22 Hornet. Long story short it was stolen while having a repair done about 15 years ago. Anyways I could fire 5 shots groups at 100 yds. with my reloads that you could cover with a dime. I used RCBS dies FL resized Win. cases trimmed to correct length,CCI SR BR primers,IMR-4227 powder and Hornady .224 45 gr. Hornet bullets.

As far as the powder charge I believe it was around 11 grs. It was from my old Lyman #45 manual back in those days. I will look and see if I still have that data in my load log as far as the powder charge goes when I get back home Sunday night. I see no reason why you cant duplicate the same results.

 

[JHKelly01!]

.22 Hornet broken case extractor?

Does anyone know where I can buy a .22 Hornet broken case extractor. Too much reloading of Rem. cases can result in head separation, with case stuck in chamber, and I've lost my 50 yr old little extractor tool. any ideas?

 

[loadedround]

Brownell's sells them. I bought one from them a few years ago after I had a case head separation in a 22 Hornet...since converted to a K-Hornet to increase case life.