John, have a model 54 Hornet in an early Model 70 stock. Stage 3 of load development I'm going to remove front barrel boss screw and reinstall in inch/pound increments. Can't slide a bill of any denomination between the barrel and stock. would you shim it to get a true float, or am I splitting hairs. Question all in the name of minimalizing precious component usage. The barreled action fits the stock very uniformly as it sits minus barrel boss screw.
Thanks, Jerry
Hi Jerry,
So what has happened with your load development so far?
Remington 40 gr with lilgun not bad. Renington 45 with littlegun not as good (both .224) Speer 45 grain (.223) with 12 gr of littlegun pretty dern good. The Speer look the most promising hovering around an inch at 100 yards. Hoping to wring a wee bit more accuracy out of it. Step 1 - different charges, step 2 O.A.L. trial. Step 3 will be tweaking front barrel boss screw.
Based on some experience, I'd start by tightening the forend screw down hard. Have seen pre-'64 stocks result in very fine accuracy that way.
Shimming to free-float might help, but in general have found Hornet rifles relatively indifferent to free-floating.
Traditional, relatively blunt Hornet bullets are also very wind-sensitive compared to plastic-tipped 40s--which can result in larger groups even at 100 yards.
There can be issues with magazine length, but a good friend has gotten great results with plastic-tipped 40s in his pre-'64 Model 70.
One of the most consistent 40-grain bullets I've found for rifles with the traditional "short" Hornet magazines is the hollow-point Sierra, which can be seated considerably closer to the lands than plastic tips. But that of course would mean actually finding some!
Appreciate the advice. Currently working with what I have. Other projectiles will be tried when I can get em.
Based on some experience, I'd start by tightening the forend screw down hard. Have seen pre-'64 stocks result in very fine accuracy that way.
Shimming to free-float might help, but in general have found Hornet rifles relatively indifferent to free-floating.
This is the feedback I was hoping for. Will hopefully save me some loading components in the trial and error process.
Not JB, but let me chime in on the Hornet. Primers make a difference. I like CCI 450's with LG powder.