Author Topic: I need advice about a Contender Carbine, 22 Hornet... (Read 822 times)

luredaddy · « **on:** January 17, 2005, 01:31:21 PM »

I am close to ordering a 22" Bull barrel from a custom maker. I am hesitant because I donot reload, and I realize the Hornet can be touchy as far as accuracy is concerned. Will factory ammo do the job, what twist should I get, etc... I am in NE Ohio, and most shots on varmints will be under 200 yards. Those of you that shoot this round in a Contender Carbine, I would appreciate the input.

22popnsplat · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2005, 02:18:39 PM »

To be very honest it is a crapshoot as to how its going to do with factory ammo , factroy 22 hornet ammo that I have seen has been pricey and there is not usually a great selection. The hornet is a fun cartridge though.
I own both the hornet and a .223 encore ,
The .223 has alot of factory offerings at much more of a resonable price . If you dont plan to start reloading I would suggest the .223 and then try the winchester white box and blackhills ammo , They both have a reputation for shooting well

luredaddy · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2005, 02:26:08 PM »

I already have a factory 223 Carbine and I shoot the white box Winchester. I also have a Bullberry 22 Mag carbine , that likes Remington Premier, I just want a 22 Hornet.

Sandy Flakeman · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2005, 02:16:36 AM »

I know of 4 different factory manufacturers of the 22 Hornet.
Remington, Winchester, Hornady, and Sellier & Bellot .

I'm sure one of these will give you decent accuracy.

janehal · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2005, 04:17:28 AM »

Why not order a K-Hornet as long as it will be custom?

?I ordered a great 24inch Bull Stainless from the TC Custom Shop......you can then shoot regular Hornets, most will group well, after you shoot a couple hundred, then try Reloading.......you will always be thankful that you did and have lots of fun.

irkjr · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2005, 06:42:19 PM »

I have a 14" factory barrel in .22 Hornet for my Contender. It shoots so-so with factory shells, but really shines with both AA 1680 and H-Lil Gun. I load both 35 gr. V-Max and 40 gr. BTs with fine groups. I have loaded for a couple other Hornets that family members own with similar results. I reload and shoot 10 or so different calibers and guns but the Hornet is by far the most fun for me.

coopershooter · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2005, 03:49:02 AM »

i agree with janehal, get the k chamber, from a design stantpiont, it fixes everything wrong with the 22 hornet. are you set against reloading? or is it that you just dont do it yet? i have never bought a 22 hornet, but ive shot a few and the accuracy was not interesting. then i bought a contender carbine barrel in 22k-hornet. it shot so well, i bought a cz 527 in 22 hornet and had it rechambered to k-hornet. it shoots under half inch all day anyday! and what a pussy cat to load and shoot!
you could buy the 22 hornet barrel, and try it. if you dont like the results, have it reamed to k-hornet! it,s not that big of a job in a contender barrel .
good luck!

coopershooter · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2005, 01:28:39 AM »

the long sloping sholder of a hornet case does nothing good for centering the cartrige in the chamber! and with the k-hornet the case headspaces on the sholder instead or the rim! this is one reason ,from an accuracy stand piont the (k) has alot more going for it than the standard case.
coopershooter