More hornet bullets.

[Eligus]

I've been using the Hodgdon load data. I might try the Sierra data and see what it chronos at.

Boydy - I previously tried stepped loads, abouit the same results for the 40gr.
COl 40gr - 1.736" 1st batch, 1.750" 2nd. batch (no apprechiabl difference); 45gr - 1.760"
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p69tpohz7y...20001.jpg?dl=0

[pothunter]

Eligus,

how well does the rifle shoot with factory, is it better or worse than your home loads?

You seem to be trying every bullet under the sun, but only two powders, if you aren't achieving the results that you are trying to achieve change another variable, but only one at once. Try a slower powder instead of a very fast powder, try several charge weights in small increments, 0.1 or 0.2 gr, pick the best charge weight then change seating lengths.

What is the point of testing a load if you think the barrel is dirty, if the barrel is fouled with a dirty powder you will never get a representative group of what the load is capable of.

What is your cleaning regime?

Has the crown been checked by a smith, is the rifle bedded, are the mounts secure, is the scope known to be good?

Sorry, lots of questions.

If in doubt ditch the Hornet and get a .222, RL7, BLC 2, Benchmark, H4198, H322, H335 or RS X terminator with a 50-52gr bullet set at an appropriate depth will give you better velocity, a better BC bullet and much better groups.

[Adamant]

If in doubt ditch the Hornet and get a .222, RL7, BLC 2, Benchmark, H4198, H322, H335 or RS X terminator with a 50-52gr bullet set at an appropriate depth will give you better velocity, a better BC bullet and much better groups.

^^^^^

This is, in my long and bitter experience of several .22 Hornets, the only sensible solution to getting one to shoot well

I am now the proud owner of a Sako L461 in .222 which took 5 minutes of work to have shooting single hole 5-shot groups...

[223AI]

I've been using the Hodgdon load data. I might try the Sierra data and see what it chronos at.

Boydy - I previously tried stepped loads, abouit the same results for the 40gr.
COl 40gr - 1.736" 1st batch, 1.750" 2nd. batch (no apprechiabl difference); 45gr - 1.760"
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p69tpohz7y...20001.jpg?dl=0

Fair enough, I'm yet to try any Sierra bullets through mine, apparently their 40gr HP is a good bet #1385.

I know one thing I'm jealous of the amount of time you have for loading and load testing!

[Eligus]

Pothunter - I'm trying different bullets because of the lack of a constant supply, trying what I can find.
I have the rifle shooting very well with the right load, down to 1" groups at 150 yards on a good day plus I like playing about!

Boydy - I'm supposed to be semi-retired and live on my own - so it doesn't matter if I sit up until 2am loading !!

[pothunter]

Pothunter - I'm trying different bullets because of the lack of a constant supply, trying what I can find.
I have the rifle shooting very well with the right load, down to 1" groups at 150 yards on a good day plus I like playing about!

Fair enough, find what shoots best and get as many as your ammunition allowance will let you buy.

[angrybear]

Pothunter - I'm trying different bullets because of the lack of a constant supply, trying what I can find.
I have the rifle shooting very well with the right load, down to 1" groups at 150 yards on a good day plus I like playing about!

Boydy - I'm supposed to be semi-retired and live on my own - so it doesn't matter if I sit up until 2am loading !!

Try the 30gn Barnes grenades, they're superb.

[angrybear]

Just compiled my results from this afternoons test session & I notice that across the board I'm getting better than 150 fps (5%) more than the quoted velocity figures for the powder load with every single bullet

I've double checked the weights on another scales and that confirms the loads are correct,

Averaging at Barns 30gn @ 3400fpe, 35 V-max @ 3300fps & Horn 45gn SP @ 3016fps, the first two are 1/2" accurate but I can't get the 45gn better than 2" e to e with any load so far.

[223AI]

Sounds like you've got 2 reliable loads then AB

Shows the difference with your K hornet, I'm getting 3040 fps with the 35gr v-max out of mine

[angrybear]

I got that 3300fps with 12gn lil-gun in a Hornady K case & small rifle primer.

This one is 10%+ better than the book velocity.