Bullet weights for a 22 Hornet?

rbursek · December 6, 2011, 11:12 PM

What are good bullet weights for the 22 Hornet? They seem to have really went heavier in some loads.

**Unclenick** · December 6, 2011, 11:29 PM

It seems to me a 16" barrel twist was common in early versions of the Hornet. So flat base bullets in the 45 grains and lower weights was all it could stabilize. If you have a modern one with a 14" twist, like is in a .222 Rem, then you can stabilize flat base bullets in it that are up to 60 grains or so, I expect. My own .222 loves the Sierra 53 grain flat base MatchKing.

hornetguy · December 6, 2011, 11:32 PM

My standard load is with the 40gr. I don't go any lighter than that. It also shoots the Speer 50gr TNT very well. Some of my cast bullets are slightly over 50gr, but I think around 55gr will be about as heavy as I can go.
One of these days, for grins, I might try the 60-62gr, just to see how they do.

Crankylove · December 6, 2011, 11:51 PM

I stick with 40 and 45 grain bullets in my .22 Hornet. They seem to do the best for me, with some 36 grain Dogtown HP's thrown in for squirrels. I load 40 grain SP to about 2,800 feet per second and get very good accuracy and performance.

Para Cassatt · December 7, 2011, 12:08 AM

I haven't gotten around to trying many of the lighter ones in the 30gr. - 35gr. range but the Hornady 35gr. V-Max factory round is accurate. My favorite bullet, the Nosler 45gr. Solid Base RNSP, has been discontinued but I haven't found a rifle it wouldn't shoot well in.

mrawesome22 · December 7, 2011, 02:28 AM

I use the 35 grain vmax. Aim for them g-hogs beedy eyeballs. Super out of an old Savage with lil gun.

December 6, 2011, 11:12 PM	#1
rbursek Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2011 Location: Milwaukkee, WI Posts: 152	Bullet weights for a 22 Hornet? What are good bullet weights for the 22 Hornet? They seem to have really went heavier in some loads.

December 6, 2011, 11:29 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	It seems to me a 16" barrel twist was common in early versions of the Hornet. So flat base bullets in the 45 grains and lower weights was all it could stabilize. If you have a modern one with a 14" twist, like is in a .222 Rem, then you can stabilize flat base bullets in it that are up to 60 grains or so, I expect. My own .222 loves the Sierra 53 grain flat base MatchKing. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

December 6, 2011, 11:51 PM	#4
Crankylove Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Location: 8B ID Posts: 1,753	I stick with 40 and 45 grain bullets in my .22 Hornet. They seem to do the best for me, with some 36 grain Dogtown HP's thrown in for squirrels. I load 40 grain SP to about 2,800 feet per second and get very good accuracy and performance. __________________ The answer to 1984 is 1776

December 7, 2011, 12:08 AM	#5
Para Cassatt Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2010 Location: South Carolina Posts: 117	I haven't gotten around to trying many of the lighter ones in the 30gr. - 35gr. range but the Hornady 35gr. V-Max factory round is accurate. My favorite bullet, the Nosler 45gr. Solid Base RNSP, has been discontinued but I haven't found a rifle it wouldn't shoot well in. __________________ Have you taken someone shooting lately?

December 6, 2011, 11:32 PM	#3
hornetguy Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2011 Location: on the north side of DFW Posts: 970	My standard load is with the 40gr. I don't go any lighter than that. It also shoots the Speer 50gr TNT very well. Some of my cast bullets are slightly over 50gr, but I think around 55gr will be about as heavy as I can go. One of these days, for grins, I might try the 60-62gr, just to see how they do.

December 7, 2011, 02:28 AM	#6
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	I use the 35 grain vmax. Aim for them g-hogs beedy eyeballs. Super out of an old Savage with lil gun.