Educate me on 22k hornet

seasley

seasley

Active member
I have a mint ruger all weather 22 hornet that I have not shot

I do not plan on reloading for this unless the k has its advantages over factory ammo

What are the advantages of the k hornet over factory and what does it cost to get it done and where in the Tulsa area?
 
Its hard to explain, at least for me. But I much prefer the K-Hornet over the standard Hornet. Most will say it improves accuracy. Personally, for me, it makes reloading a lot easier. The long necks on a standard Hornet make it really easy to get a bullet started crooked in the neck if reloading. I'm sure you know, reloading gives a lot more options over factory ammo. As for shooting factory ammo in a K, yes, that's how you make a standard Hornet into a K. A K-Hornet is basically an Improved Hornet. (And they look really cool) I buy factory ammo and shoot it in my rifle. After its fired it comes out a formed K-Hornet. Easy!! If you decide to K your Ruger,let me know. I have a gunsmith friend here in town that will do it for you.
 
It gives you the ability to headspace on the shoulder instead of the rim.
 
I’ve debated doing this conversion myself..I have 2 Hornets, a CZ 527 and a Krico, but I can’t bring myself to modify either one…ended up buying a 221 Fireball.
 
I've had my Ruger M77 in standard Hornet since the early 1990's, and was tempted to K it many times in the early years, but once LilGun powder came on the scene, the urge went away.

In spite of my screen name, I won't K my Hornet.

Using a Lee Collet Die, Lilgun powder and a small pistol primer, I get MOA, or slightly better, and 2,850+fps out of a 20" barrel with a 45gr bullet. Brass lasts, and lasts, I'm still using some of the original Winchester brass when I shot 2 boxes (100 rounds) of factory out of it.
 
K Hornet brass is formed by shooting factory Hornet ammo. For me the best think about the K version is that it greatly reduces case trimming. My Hornet brass usually needed to be trimmed after each firing. Headspacing on the shoulder is also a plus. Many early Hornets had headspace issues that could be worked around by reaming to K Hornet amd seating the bullets into the lands to hold the case in place when firing.
 
I think brass life and easier reloading is the main plus of the K hornet. The necks are shorter and less prone for the bullet to seat off center. At least for me. I need to shoot mine more and try out the new reloads I have for it that are K'ed. I been shooting most factory ammo fireforming brass. Another good point, you can carry a lot of bullets in your pocket too. :)
 
When I had mine, a single shot Savage 219 I used a 218 Bee FL die to neck size my Hornet. I had a Lyman Truline Jr turret press(custom 7/8x14 head) set up for the BUGs, Hornet and Bee.
 
The Lee Collet die , and Lilgun powder, solved the brass issues of the plain Hornet, at least for me.

According to Hogdon, Lilgun produces up to 200fps more than say 296/110 or 4227, and far less pressures, 32,000CUP vs. 42,000CUP.

But the 'K' does have the cool factor, lol.
 
You are correct there. Many Hornets suffer from excess headspace and reloaders following dir makers instructions tend to oversize the brass leading to excess headspace and short brass life. Partial sizing the brass to fit snugly in the chamber leads to longer brass life and greater accuracy.
 
I won a .22K Hornet made by Fred Smith owner of BullBerry.
He made the barrel for a TCA target match - won -then donated the barrel for the $5.00 raffle which I won. I was greatly disappointed! I knew nothing of K Hornets and wasn't interested until I bought dies and shot it Dead Nut!!
A pound of powder lasts years with a single shot carbine. One of my favorite. Get some 35 or 40 grain bullets and have a ball.
Soup
 
I’ve owned several Ruger 22 hornets ( slow learner). And currently own a Kimber 82 in 22K hornet. It’s very accurate. Frankly the performance vs the standard hornet is very slightly better, velocity wise. The K hornet head spaces on the shoulder vs the rim which helps accuracy and case life.
And I have two Anschutz 22 hornets and a Winchester 1885 single shot in 22h. All three of those rifles are very accurate.
I’ve had terrible experience with Ruger rifles and won’t ever own another. In my opinion there’s nothing wrong with reaming a 22 h to a k hornet, but the benefits are hardly noticeable.
 


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