Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters .22 Hornet question for JB

I've read in one of your Gun Gack books,not sure which one, your Hornet loads using CCI 450 small rifle primers.
I would like to try these primers in my Hornet but unfortunately can't find any right now.however I do have about three hundred 550 small pistol primers.
My question is have you ever used them in the Hornet and would they be a viable alternative?
Thanks Steve.

From what I understand the CCI 550 small pistol magnum primers are the same as CCI 400 small rifle primers. You can sure try the 550s, but in my experience small pistol primers (or the CCI 400) work better with faster-burning "traditional" Hornet powders like H110 and IMR4227 than today's slower burners like Hodgdon L'il Gun and Alliant Power Pro 300-MP, where the 450 often makes a big difference in accuracy.

Thanks JB.

I have half a brick of F200 SP mags, which seem to have a rep for being pretty hot. Seldom see them in data. Might try them if I run low on 450s.

Much as I love my Hornet, it seems to be the red-headed stepchild with all the emphasis I place on my “deer” rifles. Maybe it’ll get more attention when I get old…..