CZ 527 in .22 Hornet

[RURALRIMFIRE]

Well, I bought this rifle second hand a couple of months ago. It was a full stock version but, I had the barrel chopped to 16" and screw cut so, some of the woodwork had to go! Anyway, initially had some extraction problems due to previous owner faffing about with the magazine. New mag sorted that one out.

Then, the trigger!:( How on earth anybody could've used it and got any decent groups with the trigger like it was, I don't know. it took me ages to sort it out but, with the help of 'Hornet 6' from the BBS, it is now well and truly sorted. Nice light pull and a very crisp break.

So, after putting just over a hundred rounds through it, [all homeloads] I can now say that I am very impressed with this little calibre. Somebody once said that 'the Hornet is like a .17 HMR on steroids' and they are not far wrong! The good thing is that it is fox legal and so far, with the two foxes I've shot, the 35 grain v-max bullet has done a devastating job on them! Magpies and rabbits up to 170 odd yards haven't liked being on the receiving end either!

Confidence is now building with this rifle. I suppose that you are always taking a chance with a second hand weapon but, at the price it was up for, I'd have been a fool to let it pass by! I'd like to try a new CZ527 at some point just for the sake of it.

It just begs the question, why is the Hornet out of favour as a calibre? With the ability to reload the cases, unlike .17 HMR and the fact that it is legal to take foxes with it, unlike .17 HMR in the Met police area at least, I, for one, am glad that I've made the change to Hornet and am now looking forward to using it through the summer months.....

[Alex_W]

That's an encouraging review, RR. In answer to your question, I would hazard a guess that the Hornet is seen as sluggish and dated when compared to the HMR. I detest my HMR, and have as such sold it to someone who will hopefully appreciate it. It will be replaced by a .22 Hornet when I can track down a left-handed action.

Any right-handed Hornet admirers may want to check out the CZ527 advertised on Stalking Directory.

[RURALRIMFIRE]

That's an encouraging review, RR. In answer to your question, I would hazard a guess that the Hornet is seen as sluggish and dated when compared to the HMR. I detest my HMR, and have as such sold it to someone who will hopefully appreciate it. It will be replaced by a .22 Hornet when I can track down a left-handed action.

Any right-handed Hornet admirers may want to check out the CZ527 advertised on Stalking Directory.

Hi, Alex,

one thing it isn't, and that's sluggish! its pushing out around 3,100 fps. pull the trigger and the bullet impact seems to be every bit as instantaneous as with the Hummer. Devastating round!:eek: good luck with finding your l/h action!

[sir-slots-alot]

Hi, Alex,

one thing it isn't, and that's sluggish! its pushing out around 3,100 fps. pull the trigger and the bullet impact seems to be every bit as instantaneous as with the Hummer. Devastating round!:eek: good luck with finding your l/h action!

Hi, Similar to Alex, I to traded the much over rated HMR for the totally underated Hornet.

I am delighted with the hornet - I am sending the little 35 Vmax at 3170 fps ( Thats 600fps faster than a HMR with over twice the weight bullet ) and is devestating on any varmints within 200yrd.

It is as quieter, cheaper to run ( as I home load ) and has the same level of recoil ( NONE ) and just as accurate - especially in wind.

I have shot 9 fox ( all full grown ) and they have dropped on the spot from a chest shot... something that I would not have felt confident of doing with the HMR.

The problem the Hornet has, people compare it with larger 22 CF rifles, instead of judging it on its own merits.. It is then written off as an old sluggish calibre..:confused:

In truth , the Hornet is out gunned by the other 22 CF calibres... but that doesn't stop it being a tremedious little round that can punch well above its weight.


All I can say is some people are missing out on a cracking little gun.

Alan

[thomasem]

Same here!!!!

I sold my 17HMR about 4 months ago, did a one for one and had a slot for a hornet put on my FAC. I had a hornet years ago and wish I had never got rid of it!
The HMR is ok but quite a bit overrated in my opinion and so affected by the wind that I found myself taking my 22LR most of the time. I just jumped on the band wagon and bought one a few years ago, probably never put 500 shots through it!

Been trying to find a good secondhand hornet for a while with no luck so fingers crossed.

Tom

[RURALRIMFIRE]

Same here!!!!

I sold my 17HMR about 4 months ago, did a one for one and had a slot for a hornet put on my FAC. I had a hornet years ago and wish I had never got rid of it!
The HMR is ok but quite a bit overrated in my opinion and so affected by the wind that I found myself taking my 22LR most of the time. I just jumped on the band wagon and bought one a few years ago, probably never put 500 shots through it!

Been trying to find a good secondhand hornet for a while with no luck so fingers crossed.

Tom

good luck with finding one!

[jim-r]

Same here!!!!

I sold my 17HMR about 4 months ago, did a one for one and had a slot for a hornet put on my FAC. I had a hornet years ago and wish I had never got rid of it!
The HMR is ok but quite a bit overrated in my opinion and so affected by the wind that I found myself taking my 22LR most of the time. I just jumped on the band wagon and bought one a few years ago, probably never put 500 shots through it!

Been trying to find a good secondhand hornet for a while with no luck so fingers crossed.

Tom

theres one for sale on pigeonwatch at moment

[suomi]

Mate of mine got one to replace his 22-250. He really rates the hornet, seen him drop foxes with it and it really puts them down on the spot. I think this has been the only rifle that he has keep for over 18 months he changes them more often than his socks :p He has just had it taken out to hornet K spec but that's it. Pound for pound the hornet has been the best so far.

[RURALRIMFIRE]

Same here!!!!

I sold my 17HMR about 4 months ago, did a one for one and had a slot for a hornet put on my FAC. I had a hornet years ago and wish I had never got rid of it!
The HMR is ok but quite a bit overrated in my opinion and so affected by the wind that I found myself taking my 22LR most of the time. I just jumped on the band wagon and bought one a few years ago, probably never put 500 shots through it!

Been trying to find a good secondhand hornet for a while with no luck so fingers crossed.

Tom
Baz might have a BSA for sale.......

[baz]

Baz might have a BSA for sale.......

Just sold that to a guy on here

I have always had a soft spot for the .22H, very handy calibre and as usual its been out of fashion for quite a while what with the hype surrounding new wonder calibres that have come out in last decade, but the Hornet can do just about everything the average vermin shooter wants, the main thing is to find a good one as a poor one will be very frustrating to get accurate

The set trigger is the only part of the 527 I dislike, I simply adjust the "set" part out and end up with a pull weight of around a pound with no creep, just how I like a hunting trigger

The BSA Hunter is one of the best Hornets ever made but its getting increasingly difficult to find a good one because they havent been made for a few decades! They come with 2 stage trigger too

As Meic says they are way underrated, 3100fps with 35grn Vmax is a tad handy, can be reloaded cheaper than HMR ammo and twice the poke, very easy to moderate too

[mikemorton]

What's the nicest rifle in .22 Hornet currently in production Baz?

Krico?

[Alycidon]

Cooper in my book, model 38, whatever stock takes your fancy. I thought Anshultz used to make it as well, their 1700 range is a really nice tool. Not shown currently though.

Interesting comments about both HMR and 22 Hornet. There are a hell of a lot of HMRs for sale on Guntrader, a good slice of which are new though.

17AH will propel a 20gr Berger at 3800fps or so, truly a lightweight lightening bolt. Loads and info is here;

http://www.saubier.com/forum/archive/index.php?t-1213.html

Todd Kindler in the US has done a 20AH, this moves the 33gr VMAX at 2900-3200 depending on load. Good for 250 yards on fox.
A

[mikemorton]

Yes, the Cooper rifles look to be extremely well made.

I'm impressed so far. :)

Who imports them into the UK?

[Alycidon]

Yes, the Cooper rifles look to be extremely well made.

I'm impressed so far. :)

Who imports them into the UK?

Brian Fox is the Cooper importer

http://www.foxfirearmsuk.com/mainpagefront.htm

There has been an odd manufacturing issue in the past with soft bedding and one chamber that was out of round but these have been fairly sorted under warrenty but it means you would loose it while it goes back to the US. The one I handled and shot was in 6BR, lovelly little gun, suited my small hands well.

The chamber problem was only an issue as the guy wanted to reload, instead of loosing it for some months he had it rebarrelled into TAC20 from 204 Ruger.
He simply loves it.
A

[mikemorton]

Thanks for the tip-off.

I've sent him an email. :)

[baz]

Cooper are certainly well made but a bit pricy for the average Hornet fan:D

I think the best available at reasonable price is the CZ527, you know its going to be accurate with a bullet that suits it, I bought a brand new one in the next calibre up .222, and it shot well right out the box, I cleaned any preservative out and shot 5 shots before zeroing it, the group was about 3/4 inch and that was PRVI factory ammo!

Groups tightened after a couple of dozen shots, I know the .22H version shoots very well too

I did glass/pillar bed it but to be honest it didnt really need it

A Cooper would be a special Hornet for sure though

[thomasem]

Just purchased a CZ Hornet off this site; it should be with my RFD by the end of the week!!

If anyone has a set of reloading dies for sale please let me know.

Tom

[sir-slots-alot]

Think I might be able to help you out - PM sent


Alan

[thomasem]

Hi Alan

PM sent

Regards

Tom

[thomasem]

Hi Alan

PM / money sent.

Regards

Tom

[sir-slots-alot]

Tom , they shall be on the way to you tomorrow.

Alan

[thomasem]

Thank you Alan, your a gent.

Regards

Tom

[Mr_Logic]

Hornet certainly is a great calibre. Much better than HMR, and in many circumstances a better fit for the land and quarry than the other 22CFs.

HMR is wind-affected at longer ranges (though we mainly think of it being so wind affected as it's used up to 200y, which is a long long way for a rimfire) and doesn't hit that hard. Hornet sorts out those issues while keeping cost, noise and recoil to a minimum.

It's lost ground because a lot of people don't reload and the factory ammo is both rubbish and expensive. If someone fixed that, it would be a common round again I think - all it takes is a bit of marketing!

[RURALRIMFIRE]

As the originator of this thread, i thought I'd better add a few more of my thoughts on the .22 Hornet...i haven't had mine for very long BUT, I am very impressed with this little calibre! it's a joy to reload for; i'd heard all sorts of tales about it being a difficult calibre to reload for but, I haven't found that to be the case.
The little 35 grain V-max bullets with 12 grains of H110 behind them, group very nicely and appear to very hard hitting out to around the 170 yard mark, which is as far as I've shot anything with it, so far. I've no doubt that it'll prove to be a good fox round out to about 200 yards or so, which is more than ample for me, most of the time.
I am growing quite fond of the CZ 527 now the trigger is sorted! it's a nice, lightweight rifle, very pointable from a vehicle and not a problem to lug around for an evening out after Charlie.
The question about why this calibre seems to be out of fashion needs to be addressed!
i think it's a cracking little round and can't wait for Mr Farmer to get his hay cut!:)
p.s. I don't miss my HMR one bit!

[claretcass]

I bought a new CZ .22H (American) new 6 years ago and its ideal for the 3 farms I shoot over, about 900 acres. I used to use the Hornady 35g Vmax but after the shortages and the price hike I now load my own.

I have had quite a few foxes over the years and over the ranges I need to shoot, very rarely more than 120 - 150 yards the .22H packs quite a punch. Because of the terrain. valleys, trees etc I don't need a larger caliber.

I have fitted the smaller T4 moderator and even with the moderator and the Harris 25C bipod its still light to carry over rough ground

I am very satisfied with my .22H and will be keeping it.

[bear]

picked up my bsa hunter cf in 22 hornet for £90 ,what a crakin little rifle and a bargain ,been sat in a dealers for a while cleaned up nicly

[EGGY]

OK Iv taken the plunge, variation in the post tomorrow and a HW66 on order :D

[aj]

After reading all these positive replies about .22Hornet, i'm starting to regret changing my Hornet slot for a .222(could be time for a variation soon).

[BSFNUT]

OK Iv taken the plunge, variation in the post tomorrow and a HW66 on order :D

Any idea on delivery date for a Hw66 - they are not normal stock items more is the pity !

[RURALRIMFIRE]

picked up my bsa hunter cf in 22 hornet for £90 ,what a crakin little rifle and a bargain ,been sat in a dealers for a while cleaned up nicly
now, that's what I call a bargain! let us know how it shoots?:)

[bear]

will let you know sir only tried 45 gr so far, sierra and hornady and hornady bee with 2400 powder i did get some 45gr sellor & belliot clover holes at 100 yards ,so using these at mo but when i get time (thats my biggest problem) not enough days in a week i will be gettin some other heads to try and i may get some lilgun ,,had slot for 223 and or 22 hornet ,,,,,,,, but at £90 the hornet won ,,, its not a dog,,, just a few carecter bruses but blueing intact bore not mint but v good

[Scrumpy]

For 90 quid you cant go far wrong!

[Chris St. MH]

Hi, Alex,

one thing it isn't, and that's sluggish! its pushing out around 3,100 fps.

From a 16" barrel?

[sidesy]

thanks for taking the time...:D

[Cavalier]

I have the CZ527 in .223. The 527 regardless of calibre is a cracking gun and have only praise for mine which is fantastic considering i had reservation about buying it initially :D;)

Kev :D

[saddler]

ALWAYS been a .22Hornet fan....just never got around to getting one of my own....yet

Saw some amazing old BRNO & Anshutz examples in New Zealand a couple of years back. That plan folded so they're still there & for now I'm here...

I think the reason its not MORE popular here - most folk want a rifle they can also use for range work/competition, etc....hence the bigger .22 c/f's get more votes...
The larger centre-fires also have had a wider range of ammunition types available too

BUT

The Berger Varmint-Grenade bullet has now been made in a Hornet-weight: check this out on the 'net - its amazing!!

AND

IF/WHEN I do get a Hornet - it'll definitely be getting the "K" conversion = simple as anything to do: drop the K-Hornet chamber reamer in, turn it until it stops cutting...job done. Just fire standard Hornet ammo in it & every time you do, the case then fire-forms to the new K-Hornet dimensions.
Again, check the K-Hornet data on the 'net...its sweet

Nice to hear of other Hornet fans - happy hunting with them!

[nicholiath]

ALWAYS been a .22Hornet fan....just never got around to getting one of my own....yet

Saw some amazing old BRNO & Anshutz examples in New Zealand a couple of years back. That plan folded so they're still there & for now I'm here...

I think the reason its not MORE popular here - most folk want a rifle they can also use for range work/competition, etc....hence the bigger .22 c/f's get more votes...
The larger centre-fires also have had a wider range of ammunition types available too

BUT

The Berger Varmint-Grenade bullet has now been made in a Hornet-weight: check this out on the 'net - its amazing!!

AND

IF/WHEN I do get a Hornet - it'll definitely be getting the "K" conversion = simple as anything to do: drop the K-Hornet chamber reamer in, turn it until it stops cutting...job done. Just fire standard Hornet ammo in it & every time you do, the case then fire-forms to the new K-Hornet dimensions.
Again, check the K-Hornet data on the 'net...its sweet

Nice to hear of other Hornet fans - happy hunting with them!

Would you need a variation on your FAC to change a .22 hornet to K Hornet?

[Scrumpy]

Dont think so, you can Ackley improve without a variation and this is the same kind of modifacation, I was quoted 200 quid to AI my hornet though as the barrel needs to be removed, I bet it doesn't really, just hand reamer the back out......

[saddler]

Would you need a variation on your FAC to change a .22 hornet to K Hornet?

Nope....

Why would you?

FAC states Caliber

"K-Hornet" is another variation of the Chambering...its a minor difference...

As I said, its just a case of a finishing reamer & a few turns until it stops cutting & free-rotates

The fact that the standard cases will still safely chamber & fire means its only a tiny difference physically to the gun....but a whole new load of fun for the ballistics
Like the difference between .17Mach2 & .17HMR - and then some!

Check out the data on some of the other USA forums & read up on how its done & the positive benefits of doing it

[saddler]

I was just doing a quick search to see if I could find some data to post here for anyone interested in the K conversion & found this....

...I almost need a lie down & cry - WOW - what a rifle!!

Check out the text & pics - may be from 1947, but I'd sell body parts to buy something as nice as this...

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=9210886

[saddler]

http://geocities.com/graymist44/k_hornet.html

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/w22khorn.html

[copperjacket]

Saddler you had better not look at the Tolley rook rifle or the Westley Richards Martini on Guntrader then...

[copperjacket]

In fact the BRNO looks right up your street

[saddler]

It IS nice - but I have a HUGE weak-at-the-knees medical condition caused when viewing REAL Winchester Model 70's (pre-64 are good....pre-war even better!)

[choc dog]

Hi guys

I would be very interested to know how you achieved a good trigger pull and crisp break with this rifle as i am still having difficulty

many thanks

Choc dog

[RURALRIMFIRE]

Hi guys

I would be very interested to know how you achieved a good trigger pull and crisp break with this rifle as i am still having difficulty

many thanks

Choc dog

try this-if the link works!
http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203529

[strud34]

hi i just got a 527 hornet realy like it still not the silkyest gun i have ever used.
A freind got one at the same time and we bouth had the same problems like some times the bolt dont pick up the bullet proply so you cant close the bolt, and then the bullet is in the chamber and you often need a rod to push it out. The bolt is not very smooth but that should get better with time.
The other 2 rifles I have do have very nice triggers so i thort the cz trigger would feel crud comperd to them, but not to bad realy i think it is ok.
As for the caliber .22hornet i realy like it not to power full but enough up to 200 yards ..... just need to try some varmint grenades 30gr no :)
Some time i feal the bigger calibers are to much, the hornet seems more useble im most places

[Alycidon]

If you do rechamber to K hornet you WILL need a one for one according to my force. Suggest you check it with your RFD first.

A

[Rockhopper]

Hi, I know this is about the Hornet round.
However I have just bought a CZ 527 in .222 and wondered if anyone has any experience, tips, or can point me towards a review and a place to buy bits n bobs for it?

Regards RH

[Tikka223]

Hi guys

I would be very interested to know how you achieved a good trigger pull and crisp break with this rifle as i am still having difficulty

many thanks

Choc dog


To get the best trigger on your 527. You need to adjust out all the free play from the set trigger (forward movment)unfortunitly once this is done you cant set the set trigger.
Use pages 30 and the illustartions here ....
http://cz-usa.com/assets/files/cz527_en.pdf
ILLUSTRATION 5 shows the trigger parts. Look at the trigger and adjust out the free play using B - trigger slack, C - trigger overtravel adustments.
Take your time and look at what each component is doing,and adjust one at a time, you'll get a nice crisp pull on your 527.
Hope this helps :)

I love my wee 527 in 22H best gun in the box ;).


Cheers
Stewart

[FoxHound]

Well, I bought this rifle second hand a couple of months ago. It was a full stock version but, I had the barrel chopped to 16" and screw cut so, some of the woodwork had to go! Anyway, initially had some extraction problems due to previous owner faffing about with the magazine. New mag sorted that one out.

Then, the trigger!:( How on earth anybody could've used it and got any decent groups with the trigger like it was, I don't know. it took me ages to sort it out but, with the help of 'Hornet 6' from the BBS, it is now well and truly sorted. Nice light pull and a very crisp break.

So, after putting just over a hundred rounds through it, [all homeloads] I can now say that I am very impressed with this little calibre. Somebody once said that 'the Hornet is like a .17 HMR on steroids' and they are not far wrong! The good thing is that it is fox legal and so far, with the two foxes I've shot, the 35 grain v-max bullet has done a devastating job on them! Magpies and rabbits up to 170 odd yards haven't liked being on the receiving end either!

Confidence is now building with this rifle. I suppose that you are always taking a chance with a second hand weapon but, at the price it was up for, I'd have been a fool to let it pass by! I'd like to try a new CZ527 at some point just for the sake of it.

It just begs the question, why is the Hornet out of favour as a calibre? With the ability to reload the cases, unlike .17 HMR and the fact that it is legal to take foxes with it, unlike .17 HMR in the Met police area at least, I, for one, am glad that I've made the change to Hornet and am now looking forward to using it through the summer months.....

its got to do with the fact when people go CF they usually dont opt for the lowest power CF unless forced to by the coblers

[Sako Kid]

.22 Hornet good - .222 better (and nearly as cheap to run)!! :D

[THE GRIFF]

Well, I bought this rifle second hand a couple of months ago. It was a full stock version but, I had the barrel chopped to 16" and screw cut so, some of the woodwork had to go! Anyway, initially had some extraction problems due to previous owner faffing about with the magazine. New mag sorted that one out.

Then, the trigger!:( How on earth anybody could've used it and got any decent groups with the trigger like it was, I don't know. it took me ages to sort it out but, with the help of 'Hornet 6' from the BBS, it is now well and truly sorted. Nice light pull and a very crisp break.

So, after putting just over a hundred rounds through it, [all homeloads] I can now say that I am very impressed with this little calibre. Somebody once said that 'the Hornet is like a .17 HMR on steroids' and they are not far wrong! The good thing is that it is fox legal and so far, with the two foxes I've shot, the 35 grain v-max bullet has done a devastating job on them! Magpies and rabbits up to 170 odd yards haven't liked being on the receiving end either!

Confidence is now building with this rifle. I suppose that you are always taking a chance with a second hand weapon but, at the price it was up for, I'd have been a fool to let it pass by! I'd like to try a new CZ527 at some point just for the sake of it.

It just begs the question, why is the Hornet out of favour as a calibre? With the ability to reload the cases, unlike .17 HMR and the fact that it is legal to take foxes with it, unlike .17 HMR in the Met police area at least, I, for one, am glad that I've made the change to Hornet and am now looking forward to using it through the summer months.....

I have just put in for my FAC and put down for a 22 hornet, I had a few shots with one a few days ago and loved it, brilliant bunny bashing tool and fairly cheap to reload yourself to bring running costs down. Just hope I get accepted.

[Graham2]

.22 Hornet good - .222 better (and nearly as cheap to run)!! :D

Yes, yes, so it is, but it's not always possible to get land cleared for .222 or .223. .22 Hornet is a great little cartridge for certain pieces of land.

[EGGY]

Just an update, picked up the HW66 from Sportsman in Exeter a year ago,I prefer carbines so it came with a factory fitted 14 in barrel, as with all Weirauchs the trigger is stunning, I no longer buy rifles that need the triggers sorting. Im experementing with handloads and love this calibre , quiet , recoiless and accurate dont regret selling the HMR one bit ;)

[Sako Kid]

Yes, yes, so it is, but it's not always possible to get land cleared for .222 or .223. .22 Hornet is a great little cartridge for certain pieces of land.

Yes agreed, but you miss the point of my comment - I was just trying to wind-up a certain boyo who was the originator of the post! ;)

[no bull]

I recently re-stocked my Hornet for a laminate jobby, then pillar bedded it.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/nobull131/Picture083.jpg

And it groups sub 1/4" all day long :D
Below is a 5 shot group

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/nobull131/Picture100.jpg

[leadpig]

picked mine up yesterday,cant wait to try it:)

[Rabbitmurker12g]

Great post

[GERALD BUTLER]

I recently re-stocked my Hornet for a laminate jobby, then pillar bedded it.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/nobull131/Picture083.jpg

And it groups sub 1/4" all day long :D
Below is a 5 shot group

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/nobull131/Picture100.jpg

Wow what a transformation, look's fantastic may I ask who did the stock for you and approx price, groupings not bad either:D. Rgds Gerald.

[no bull]

Wow what a transformation, look's fantastic may I ask who did the stock for you and approx price, groupings not bad either:D. Rgds Gerald.

The stock cost £160 from USA (took over 20 weeks :mad:) pillar bedded and finished by yours truly :D

[Alycidon]

The stock cost £160 from USA (took over 20 weeks :mad:) pillar bedded and finished by yours truly :D

But whose stock is it?, Richards looks possable ?,

A