Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing .22 K Hornet X 2

Dirtfarmer,

I take my post about having no problems with 527 firing pins back--partly.

Noted earlier that small-rifle primers vary far more than LR primers. Many are made specifically for low pressures, which were normal in all cartridges taking SR primers for many years, such as the .25-20. Primers designed for such rounds (which included the .22 Hornet and .218 Bee) not only don't burn very hot, but often have very soft cups, probably to accomodate lower-strength firing pin or hammer springs. One such primer even has copper cups, instead of brass.

The .222 Remington operated at a little higher pressures and SR primers started getting both hotter and somewhat tougher, but after the .223/5.56 and some other high-pressure rounds on the same basic case came along in the 1960's, primer companies started making much hotter and tougher SR primers.

As noted earlier, I habitually test several different primers in small cartridges, but not just to see how they affect accuracy and velocity, but to see how they handle pressures. I did this in my CZ 527 .17 Hornet and three "softer" primers all cratered badly, with firing pin holes almost to the point of piercing. But two showed no trace of either, the CCI 450 and Remington 7-1/2, both designed for higher-pressure rounds. They also happen to be the most accurate primers I've found in my three rifles chambered for Hornet-case rounds.

I remember something about Rem 6 1/2 vs. 7 1/2. I have both. Also have 450's, BR-4's, and others. I'm going with 450's and won't look back.

If I get good ignition on 450's with the lighter spring, good. If I think I need more spring, I'll replace it.

DF

I'm sure it will work fine.

10-4 Buddy, they'll serve you well in the Hornet, and should do same in the 'K'

Yeah, what kind of speeds you guys getting with these new powders?

Light em up with the 450's Tex, they will get it done right now, every time.

Out of the Ruger's 26" barrel 2830fps with 50's and 300MP - 3220 with 40's and Lil'Gun. No sign of any case web expansion, so I believe pressures are okay. Work up carefully in your rifle. I have plenty of bigger .22's so I'm chasing accuracy more than speed in this round.

Sounds good Tex, that's the reason I stopped at 2922 fps with the 45 gr TSX's in the old M-70, that and half inch groups when it's not too windy.

Wish I could deer hunt with my Hornet.

Difference between you Okies and us Cajuns, to a Cajun, it's only illegal if you get caught...

DF

I've noticed the Bee brass I have varies a lot in weight - say about 5% range in 10 cases, so some case sorting is indicated, too...

And yeah, Texans can hunt deer with any center fire.

Texas law probably knows they'd never catch you guys, anyway...

DF

Yes, but how can I crow about my stunt shooting without being legal?

Oh well, crow less, eat more? ;]

Here in Montana there are no caliber or cartridge limitations for taking big game with rifles or handguns during firearms seasons. You can use rimfires if you want. I'm surprised Ingwe hasn't!

He will.............;]

well...I do already have .22 TCM dies...speaking hypothetically in rifle loony fashion...

I hope you're not contemplating drilling that BEE!

ingwe is probably a "don't ask don't tell" sort of a guy...

So, probably best to not ask...

If he was a Cajun, the round would be a given, .22 WMR, the variable would be candle power...

Different world, but they eat good, eat about anything come to think of it...

DF

Yeah, I know a few!

Mule Deer

You mentioned CCI450 and Rem 71/2. Where does the Fed205 rate on this continuum?

no, the Bee is clearly capable of fine accuracy, and has primo wood, too so it will stay original. They aren't very common either.

Armscor is selling a bolt action rifle in .22 TCM for a modest price. If I was going to experiment with a rifle in such a caliber that's a better choice - or at least a cheaper one