Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles 22 hornet loads

Got a 22 hornet BRNO which seems to be a .223 bore for what I understand. Bought Sierra 40 and 45gr .223 bullets and was wondering if i should use same loading data as for the .224 bullets (since I have trouble finding .223 data). Quite sure it doesn't make a difference but just checking out to be 100% sure...Thx!!

I use the .224 bullets in my ZKW465, its a early fiftys gun, not sure what yours is though I would slug the bore and get a definite measurement. I use a rimfire pulled bullet that can be upset in the bore and tapped thru with a brass rod. as far as the load data use the 224 specs and start lower as usual and work it up. you may find the 223 slugs wont group quite as well if the bore is a 224.

Got exactly the same rifle (1949 ZKW465)... will start low as you said and work my way through with the .223 but will surely try the .224 also.... By the way, what is the approx. value of that rifle in U.S.? I know they are more rare than up here in Canada so must have a good value. Paid mine 600$ (very good condition) with some brass and dies. Thanks for the info!

you did good. I paid something like $425 for mine 25yrs ago, came with a 4x Nickel scope in European mounts. I wouldnt take a grand for mine now... word of caution, DONT loose the magazine, they are a bitch to find and over a $100 for a cheap one, and the gun wont chamber a round with out one worth a damn.

I found a load using ww 680 an a 45gr SP that is 3/8inch on demand, if I do my part. Yours have the double set trigger?

Yep, double set triggers. The upper one is a 22f 7x57 with an old 3x meopta scope on it that will probably be fitted on my zkw. Thanks for the advice on the magazine. While doing research on the gun before buying, I realised they were kinda rare. Once bought, I realised why, they're kind easy to take off. Another rare item on it are the tri-leaf sights. If one of those two things would've been missing, i wouldn't have bought it. The tri-leaf was taken off due to the scope but the seller had it with him. Thanks for the info!

I have a couple Pre-War Hornets, and I know the bore is .223. I use .224 bullets anyway, as they seem to group the best. I use 35 Grain V-Max's and Lil Gun Powder, and I also use the 40 Grain Ballistic Tip. On some rifles the Ballistic Tip is too long for the magazine, but it really shoots great!

Jerry

Was exacltly what I had in mind when sayin i'd try the .224. Range closed for winter (you know, the season with snow (you know, the cold white stuff) lol)hardly can wait to try.Thx for the info Jerry

I have an old Savage 23D. Mine is also a .223 bore. I used the .224 data as a starting point. My likes the lighter bullets better.

I get great accuracy from Sierra 40 grain bullets and H110 powder. I also play with James Calhoon bullets of the 30 and 37 grain weight. Calhoon bullets are .224 but they are very soft and light with a short bearing area. I don't have any problem shooting them.

James calhoon? new to me, will certainly check that out! thx!

They are not available near me for sure i'll stick with my hornady and sierra!

Calhoon bullets are great in the Hornet, and hes just over the border in Montana. I use the 30, 37, 42gr double HP, still working loads , but the terminal results are much better than the traditional soft points. I'm getting over 3000 easily with the lighter weights, but gotta be careful here working loads in the winter as the summer pressures will bite me in the butt.

You can buy stuff here cant you, Mail order??

Can't get bullets from U.S. by mail. Illegal unfortunatly. If it wasn't of that I'd buy everything from the south, alot cheaper on many things not only bullets, and to add, 15% taxes is a wallet killer here......(another wallet killer is my wife but that's another story......!)

But their not bullets, they are silver plated trade beads for native art work projects... or trade goods?? ear rings, yeah thats it. maybe nose stud thingys...

Calhoon bullets or home decore and body ornamenataion thingys are pretty. When "thrown" from the fanciest of sling shots, they fly well and kill better. I did shoot a dragon fly with one a couple of years back.

Just one thing to say........HA! Another kinda way of seeing it!