Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Single Shots 1 in 9 twist NEF Handi 22 K-Hornet

As many of you know, when Remington bought NEF and moved the operation to Ilion, NY, their 22 Hornets were made with 1 in 9 twist barrels. This is how my 1 in 9 twist Handi shot with heavier bullets.

Today, I tried four powders with some 66 gr. bullets and this was the result. It was fun and the groups were hopeful! The bullet was a homemade jacketed 66 gr., FB OTM. The four powders were, from the left, AA1680, Lil Gun, AA5744 and IMR 4227. Std Ginex SR primers. These targets were shot at 50 yards, to see if 100/150 yd was worth the bother.

The rifle is not a tack driver, but it might be a fun varmint rifle. It was reamed to 22 K-Hornet by Ellwood Epps' grandson, has a slightly improved trigger, and was shot from a bipod. The powder loads will be brought up, except for AA 1680. I will give this one a second chance with a reduced powder charge. I used the max OAL and subtracted 0.020 in.

Below, the 66 gr bullet is beside a Speer 45 gr.

The group sizes were, from left, with MV in brackets,

AA 1680 - 0.540 in. (2069 fps)
Lil Gun - 1.89 in. (2328 fps)
AA 5744 - 0.770 in. (1830 fps)
IMR 4227 - 0.720 in. (2068 fps

nice groups, i went the other way with lighter grain bullets , Hornady 35 gr. V-Max. this bullet shoots well at 150 yds on prairie dogs, i also like 33 gr. shock Hammer bullets this bullet kills critters DRT. H110 powder

The 33 Shock Hammer is especially good with slow twist Hornet and K-Hornets, as it's accurate and has great terminal performance.

Not cheap, but worth the premium for a premium bullet.

DF

Thanks. I only tried those heavyweights because of the barrel twist. I am curious how 55 and 60 grain bullets will shoot. I would also like to see how 69 gr. bullets shoot as well. Just curious is all.

Steve, I bet it will shoot all bullet weights pretty well. Obviously it's not a match rifle, but seems to do pretty well for what it is.

It will be interesting to see the range of bullet weights it will handle.

DF

It should, given the fast twist. 🙂

And not enough speed to over spin and destroy thin jacketed bullets.

I’d think it would shoot any weight.

DF

I’m gonna try. 😊