77/22hornet...magazine length???

[drdougrx]

Hi All,

Thinking of trading my 77/17 and replacing w a 77/22hornet.  I read in the Nosler loading manual that the magazine is too short for 40 or 45 gr BTs or similar bullets. 

Does anyone load for this gun and find this to be a problem???

[DennisB]

That's the reason--and the only reason--that I traded mine off.  First time out with it, a hundred miles from the loading bench, I ended up snipping off those little red tips just to use the magazine.   I did find that the rifle was a real tack driver with WW296 and bulk Rem 45gr HPs.  Ended up finding an old #3 Ruger and am back in the Hornet business...

[mcwoodduck]

I have shot some reloads out of mine with the 40 grain and the 35 grain ballistic tips and all feed through the mag. 
The only problem I have had is one of the reloads had a high primer and would not allow the bolt to close.
I have even shot some reloads of Roberts, that were set up for a single shot and had no problems.
You will be happy with the hornet.  the round has a really long neck and you can seat the heavier rounds pretty deep to keep the OAC length with in specs.  Also with the rotary mag I think they allow for more room as there is about 1/8 or more of an inch with the factory 46 grain JHP's I'm shooting.

[drdougrx]

Thanks for the replies.  I'm going to convert to K Hornet I think.  We'll see what happens.  I'll report back when I do.

[mcwoodduck]

Whoa!   Halt! Full Stop! Do not proceed!
Not sure with the rotary mag you will be able to convert to K Hornet.
The rotary mag lips look like the hornet round.  to move the shoulder you may either have to:
A change the lips on the mag by slowly grinding / filing / sanding them away so that the rounds will feed.
B Load the K hornet singel and have standard ammo in the mag as back up rounds.
C look at getting a CZ 527 as they have a strait mag and would not matter what you do to the shoulder.
D change one of the CZ 527 in either 222 or 223 to .221 fire ball and get what you want out of the K Hornet.
E buy a 222 or 223 and down load it.

[drdougrx]

Hi Mc....

Easy pard!  I've got quite a few .223s and I've checked this out....and...I like to tinker.

Z-Hat custom will rechamber and Mod the mag to fit the K hornet.  I like the cartridge and the Ruger.  Even unmodified, the rotary mag will hold 3 K hornets.  I know, there's nothing wrond w the hornet just as it is...you're right...I just wanna do something a bit different.

Thank-you for the warning...I appreciate the heads up!

[mcwoodduck]

OK,
I just did not want you to ream out the chamber to K Hornet and then find that you have a single shot.  And if you did want to go K hornet that there are a couple of easier rifles to make into one, the CZ 527 in Hornet being real easy.  With only a chamber ream being needed.

[Tallwalker]

Hmm, without modification, the CZ 527 Hornet magazine is shorter than the Ruger 77/22. My Ruger will allow an over all length of 1.780 with any bullet style I've tried so far if that helps.

[Dinny]

Hello everyone,
  May I make a suggestion?  I had Randy at CPC tighten my Ruger 77-22 Hornet bolt and was amazed at how much it improved the overall accuracy. I doubt that you will find anyone who has more overall experience with these rifles than him. He can also do the rechamber and a few other things to improve the Ruger 77-22 H.  Here's his website.

http://www.ct-precision.com/

Thanks, Dinny

[drdougrx]

Hey Dinny....CPC is where I'm sending it!  Along with a 10/22...both rifles, the whole shabang.  Didn't I see your post at another site???

[Dinny]

Doug,
  I usually hang out in the NEF/H&R Talk area.  I am a member on a few other forums, but like GBO the best.  I thought you were going to send your Ruger to Z-Hat, not knowing them, I suggested CPC.  I am real happy with what they have done for me. 

Thanks, Dinny

[drdougrx]

Thanks Dinny!  I live in the People's Republick of Massachusetts and CT is close enough to drive to.  Your endorsement changed my mind. 

[Dinny]

I'm sure you won't be sorry.  Be sure to submit some followup feedback. I especially would love to see how much better your Rugers shoot after they perform their magic on them.


Thanks, Dinny

[drdougrx]

Will do!