Converting 22 Hornet into 22 K Hornet. (Remake video)

[@stevemakin7648]

Hi Fella... I have been a .22KH fan and shooter since I had my Anschutz rifle reamed to fit this wee wildcat back somewhere around 1990. I LOVE It, and will say that if I had to chose just the one rifle from my small but quite effective 5 rifle selection of small calibre vermin and small game getting units, THIS one would be the one left in my cabinet!!.. It is frugel as heck and as you have noted, gives quite an effective round utilising almost exactly HALF of what is used in full chat .223 rounds. It is also truly accurate, cold-bore shot and all which is important to me as I like to nail what I am shooting at with the FIRST (and almost always) ONLY bullet. So,e of my most favoured reloads use the same 40gr Sierra BlitzKing that you are experimenting with, and prior to that, when I first started to reload for her, 45gr Sierra Blitz bullets (which I think must be no longer made as I have found difficulty finding any these days. Happy this was the case though as it made me search out those truly amazing little 40gr BlitzKings! I also occasionally shoot with the 35gr Hornady V-Max (which within 100yds are even MORE accurate and often almost one-hole with my loads, but are quite destructive close in and lose ooomph quickly which is a downside not suffered by those pointy wee BlitzKings. And then too on occasion I have fallen back on 45gr Sierra Hornet bullets. Those are quite destructive also as they have really thin copper jackets and a big blunt(ish) meplat of exposed, soft lead, but are again, REALLY Accurate! Recently I have found that my rifle, that lovely little Anschutz 1700, will quite readily stabilise the short, exposed lead 50gr Hornady SPSX projectiles pushed along quite quickly by my - compressed charge- loading of Lil'Gun, and et STILL give me back excellent, and regular sub-inch 100yd accuracy zipping along at a measured 2860fps!! That even surprised ME!! The .22KH is a wonderful little gun if one is prepared to put in a bit of time sorting out useful powders for it and that is the only area where I'd say there is a bit of a problem. The removal of Winchester 1680 quite a few years back made Viht N110 and N120 along with Hodgdons H110 and IMR 4224 about the only readily available, USEFUL powders I could find and get regularly in the UK to feed this little wonder round. I found 2400 a bit "touchy" and apt to suddenly give me high pressure signs and casehead separations without top rate accuracy and velocities together, and even the N110 could get a might spikey in hot weather and top loads too, but marvelously accurate for all that. I had a lot of 3 round touching holes in my early days with it as the propellant behind that stubby wee 45gr Sierra Hornet bullet! So thats my story in a short few words (well, shortish 😄). I look forward to hearing how you are doing and how your loadings progress with time and experiences... Good Luck and Safe Shooting... P.S. I too use my forming loads as hunting loads and find that, if I load the SAME Weight of whateve propellant behind the SAME bullet, the accuracy I get from either the original Hornet or the formed K Hornet rounds and velocities are pretty near identical for all sense and purposes..

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Gday mate. Thank you for sharing your story and you thoughts. You like many others, are hooked by this lovely little round. For me, it has revitalised shooting as a hobby. And i love when owners of 223 and larger are amazed after shooting my K Hornets. Thanks for watching

[@anthonyfinlay5338]

Yes the P75 is a very nice rifle. The first rifle I bought. Second hand in 1978 !,! Needs a bit of work now. It’s been through the mill. Had a broken stock when I got it. I glued it up with an Aussie glue call ed N H Town. Boat builders glue. Fantastic. I had a great gunsmith on the Victorian border, unfortunately the cancer got him. I seen an add for a smith in Box Hill. I’ll give him a go. K Hornet first , then the rest. Powder is the trouble now. I’ll get LG when available and use with pistol primers Thank you

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

I already have several varmint rifles, chambered for everything from 22 ppc up to 220 Swift. My next rifle was going to be a 22 hornet, but now I am sure that a K-hornet makes better sense.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

The K Hornet is what the 22 Hornet should have been from the start. Just so versatile. Thanks for watching

[@thesheepman220]

I have a 17 REM , 220 swift a 22-250 both single shots ruger no 1 and a Thompson encore and sako A1 , which I use for Fox and varmints all my other rifles I use for bigger game , I used too have a 22 hornet and miss it , I just been offered a cz re- barrelled too k hornet this is why I looked up this vid

[@lukefenech]

G'day. I'm up in Cairns. Building a K Hornet on a ZKW465 at the moment. I've never in my life seen Lil Gun for sale up here. W296 is also excellent aparrently but rare as rocking horse poo. Hopefully I can get 2205 to work OK. Cheers for the video.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Good luck with your build. You will have fun

[@paddlingfool64]

I had a rifle built in 17 K Hornet, would shoot 1inch groups at 200 yards regularly

[@anthonyfinlay5338]

My favourite projectiles were Winchester 45 grn JHP loaded with L'LL Gun and small pistol primers Now we cant get powder etc . I think the k is a goer for me

[@thesheepman220]

Many thanks injoyed the video look forward too many more atvb Steve

[@markandmellwhiteley7995]

l have to say l really enjoyed watching your 22K hornet video, thankyou

[@blindfredy6128]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video thanks mate. As a young man man back in the 70s and 80s I did a lot of hunting, my choice of calibres were .223 and .270. I did have a mate(passed away) that hunted foxes for furs, I went out with him a few times on the spotlight. He never missed a shot and every fox dropped in its tracks and he used the .22 hornet. I wasn’t interested in fox hunting, I was mad keen on pigs and as ammo was dirt cheap the little.22 hornet had no interest to me. 50 odd years later there are so many.22 and .22 and .22k hornets on the market and to be honest I had no idea what a k hornet was until this video. My only reloading experience reloading was using a lee loader in my Winchester .30-30 which was my scrub gun for pigs, hunt in the mornings and late afternoon. In the evenings with hammer, primers, powder, projectiles and the trust Lee loader in the hunting shacks I would reload the spent cases for the next day. Now some 50 years later I’m only interested in punching paper and your video has me very interested in the K. You’re last video was made a year ago so I have no idea if you’re still shooting or even above ground or you even read this reply but if you do could you give me me a hand? Other than a Lee loader and a hammer I know bugger all about reloading and if you would be so kind as recommend a budget reloading set up, I’ll never be an Olympic shooter but I would like to achieve you’re accuracy just for the enjoyment of it it sounds like a challenge I will enjoy. Sorry I was so long winded but I did abbreviate it quite a bit.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Gday mate. Glad to hear that you have an interest in the beloved 22 Hornet. I use a RCBS reloading setup and dies. I have also found that all my Hornets all love either LilGun or 2205. They also shoot amazing on small pistol primers (as well as small rifle primers). I havent seen a Hornet yet that doesnt like Nosler BT 40gr. I have 4 different brands of hornets (6 hornets in total). 40gr Vmax work well too. If you are punching paper, be very particular when filling cases with powder, as "The smaller the case, the more accurate you have to be with your trickle charger) i use a RCBS electronic charger. I works great. Cheers mate, have fun

[@jmkhenka]

My rifle has a large chamber, so I only neck size the brass. It gives me most case capacity, case life (10+ reloads. Primer pocket gives up first) and accuracy. If i FL size brass, the loads i have shoots poorly. Hardly any stretch, have not yet had to trim a single case.. Also I only neck size the first 4-5mm of the case, to help center the case in the rifle.

[@BrnTanHides]

Very Kool with a "k"! lol Very interesting about just firing a regular hornet shell to create the (birth) K Hornet shell. I did not know that and it adds weight in a tough decision to convert my 22 Hornet. 22H was the First caliber rifle I ever shot a deer with back in the 80s. Dropped it on the spot as well. First memory of a great hunt with the parents and other relatives. (I was the youngest) Took me a long time to find a 22 Hornet as the owner of that particular little rifle wouldn't part with it as it's been with him since his time over seas. Anyway, my hornet is strictly for trapping and fur bearing animals but also target practice. The scarcity of brass let alone factory loads got me into reloading, which as you said Is fun! (some of my fam don't realize that yet though haha) Long story short... thank you for the excellent vid. You got me closer to thinking I should convert my 22 Hornet... without worry of doing more harm then good. :)

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Cheers mate

[@petermiller8634]

Thanks for this video which I found interesting because I’m considering having my CZ hornet modified into a “K” chamber. My standard hornet shoots great as is but the improved case life & velocity of the “K” appeals to me. Do you know if your gunsmith removed and set the barrel back at all or just reamed out the chamber & left it at that, as I’ve read varying articles on whether this is necessary ?

[@ozcountryliving4751]

The whole procedure is done with the barrel in place mate

[@anthonyfinlay5338]

Hi I'm going to get my old Sako P75 converted. Very impressive indeed

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Nice old gun the P75 mate

[@bear-tv]

Hi Hornet guys. I get 3250 fps with my standard Hornet (CZ 527) Remington cases 40gr V-max over 14.5 gr of Lil'gun powder. Cci small rifle primer. I had 2.75" cut off my barrel being screw cut for my moderator but it would have pushed 3300+ I reckon. I've managed to get 14.8gr of powder in the Remington cases after fire forming chasing velocity but best accuracy was with 14.0 to 14.5gr. The 35gr v-max are very accurate as are Sierra varminter hornet 40gr soft points and Sierra 40gr hollow points (harder copper jacket) and best of the bunch at long range was the 40gr v-max with it's higher bc (3" groups @278 yards and that's with a cheap scope) 35gr v-max passes through the chest of a fox at 77 yards but stopped it in it's tracks. It takes a rabbits head off and flips them over twice 2 ft in the air. Ps I eat everything I shoot except foxes and I've only shot 4 foxes in my life 2 with a shotgun (36 grams No3 shot) and only for protection of live stock. The .22 Hornet is great and very capable. I don't see the benefits of converting to K. I've reloaded cases multiple times and get very acceptable accuracy and speed. The cost benefit here in the UK with the waiting times for adding a variant on the firearms license then proofing at Birmingham plus new dies etc doesn't seem worth it. I worked out my reloading to be £0.47p per shot. Factory ammo is £1.19p per shot for Hornaday 35gr V-max. All in all I'm very happy with it in its original and best form imo.

[@TriggerPullTV]

That’s some serious speed. Must try that higher capacity Remington brass.

[@jmkhenka]

I only use RWS (best brass i can get hands on) and 13 grain LilGun is case full, but it compresses easily. The sierra 40gr HP number 1385 is the best bullet i have used in the hornet, loaded to around 2800 FPS im sub MOA up to 200 meters, wich is my max range. The V-MAX is great, but in sweden the weight limits it to small pests. We need 40gr to reach sufficent weight for foxes, capercaile, grouse etc wich are my primary prey. It's the rifle i love to shoot the most, its accurate, the stock is nice and cheap to reload with 12.5gr LilGun. It's a anschutz 1432-34 with a realy nice stock. The 527 is nice also, and is the only factory new rifle in 22h that is available here in sweden. Swedish classification has kept the hornet, as the classification is only shared by a couple other calibers - 221 fireball, 204 ruger, 22 WMR and perhaps some pistol calibers like 9x19. It's illegal to use any larger calibers (say 222R) when in the mountains hunting white grouse (ripor).

[@bear-tv]

@@jmkhenka I also rate the sierra 40gr hp very highly too. It is a very accurate bullet. I have found it doesn't expand as well as the V-max 35gr & 40gr bullets do. The copper jacket is harder. The Hornet is a fantastic and very capable rifle. Have you seen Bows Guns Rods & Reels here on KZbin shooting Impala deer in South Africa with the Hornet? He's very successful with his Hornet. We can legally shoot Muntjac deer here in the UK with a .22 centrefire rifle but no other deer species.

[@jmkhenka]

@@bear-tv the kind of hunting I use the hornet for (eating animals) the bullet work exceptionally good for. It makes a hole but does more damage then a pure fmj. The birds we hunt here is like in the size 0.5-800gr (black grouse) to small 3-6kg (small turkey, capercaile). And up to 200m it works wonder also having shorter safety margins then say a 6.5mm that is traditionally used. Swedish laws are a bit dumb regarding suppressors, so I'm waiting for the laws to ev. change so I'm allowed to use it on the 22h. I own a pressor for the 6.5/308 now.

[@peter1873]

Hey buddy..i also have the 527 22HORNETT... Im thinking of chopping my barrel to 18.50"..Do you think im gonna lose too much velocity?.. I have the "lux" model Cheers from South Africa

[@michaelcaporale2268]

G’day great review and info. I’ve got a 17 Hornet in the Weihrauch H66 Jagd Match and have had a few problems with it. Got it going good now but when I got it the barrel lent to the right and was touching the stock. My smith worked out the gun was poorly inletted and he removed the recoil lug which straightened it up. Also feeding and extraction isn’t great but I love it cos it shoots good now. Have you experienced any issues? Getting a Form stock out of the UK for it and the recoil lug will go back on. Might head down the 22 Hornet path next in an Anschutz or Weihrauch (a tad apprehensive) and the K conversion info’s been really great. Cheers and thanks again Michael

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Gday Michael. Sorry to hear you have had issues mate. I worked out years ago that Weihrauch 17 and 22 hornets (and 222 actually) need ALOT external taper on the end of the neck of the brass when reloading. This helps the spent brass slide up and over the next round in the mag. Also try loading just 3 into the 4 shot mag. This helps too

[@michaelcaporale2268]

@@ozcountryliving4751 so tapering at the neck meaning more vigorous deburring on the outside of the neck or some other method. Apologies but only been reloading for a few years. Thanks again

[@ozcountryliving4751]

@@michaelcaporale2268 yes mate. As much taper as you can. Nd only 3 in the mag

[@jonleone777]

I have a Thompson Center Contender that i rebarreled in 22K hornet. Loads are easy to fireform and brass lasts much longer than standard hornet brass. Shoots 1/4 to 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards if i do my part.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Nice

[@peter1873]

Hi Jon.. Im curious as to what barrel lenth contender you have and what speed you get from your conterder Cheers mate

[@jonleone777]

@@peter1873 barrel on contender is a custom wilson blank machined by bullberry barrels. It is 20 inch, about 820 in diameter. I usually shoot 40 grain bullets with either lilgun or h110. With lilgun i get about 3200fps and about 2900 with h110. Recently stopped using lilgun as it was enlarging primer pockets without displaying any other pressure signs. It did this even when i backed off on powder charges. Caused a little bit of flame cutting on my breech face. Cant afford to lose any brass. Cant seem to find any 22 hornet brass anywhere and only have 250 cases left. Other than that it a great little gun.

[@peter1873]

@@jonleone777 Thank you Jon If you dont mind,what is the powder charge with the lilgun @ 3200fps... Thanx..

[@jonleone777]

@@peter1873 13 grains.

[@mattluszczak8095]

Are you using lil gun? Did you have issues with sticky powder? What velocities did you get with 10.8gr powder?

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Currently using Lilgun . Have had good results with ADI 2205 as well. Not sure of velocity

[@wayneschenk5512]

Watched a guy on the weekend fireform to k hornet went well.

[@Sheldon-yc5uh]

Hello from NZ. I just got myself a CBC break barrel in 22 K Hornet and I love it to bits. However, I'm struggling to find a die set for it in NZ. Can you recommend an Aussie supplier who might be able to ship a set to me? Cheers.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Gunpro in Dubbo or Horsley Park gun shop are big suppliers. But ebay often has them. RCBS are good dies

[@Robert-fs1pb]

What kind of accuracy do you get from 22 hornet rounds.shooting out of the k hornet.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

0.33" at 50m (5 shot group)

[@rosshall641]

I have had a 22 hornet for 40 years I reloaded my own shells to when I was 15 years old mine is centre of the Target at 50 yards 3/4 inch higher at 100 yards and back to dead nuts on 150 yd I don't know why you'd want to change a rifle like that

[@Robert-fs1pb]

What was your twist rate on your barrel.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

1/16

[@TriggerPullTV]

I’m getting over 3,000fps with 40gr V-Max using 12.5gr of Lil Gun. Just the standard CZ527 in 22H 👍

[@ozcountryliving4751]

I love the CZ527. What a great little hornet. Thanks for watching

[@peter1873]

Hey trigger pull tv.. How would you feel about a CZ527 but the barrel chopped to 18.50"...? Do you think there would be a great velocity difference? Cheers

[@TriggerPullTV]

@@peter1873 I imagine so. Perhaps 100-120fps. That does sound like a handy truck rifle. Might be worth the compromise depending on what it’s going to be used for.

[@peter1873]

@@TriggerPullTV Yes sir.. Im planning on a truck gun..or perhaps on the GS for fishing/hunting trips..

[@huntershorizon1671]

As I understand 22k hornet rifle can shoot standard 22 hornet without any chamber modification ? What about 22 hornet can shoot 22k hornet without modification ? Thanks 👍, have a nice day.

[@ozcountryliving4751]

22 standard Hornet can not shoot a K Hornet. Thanks for watching

[@huntershorizon1671]

@@ozcountryliving4751 Thanks mate for quick response 👍👍

[@anthonyfinlay5338]

Would you recommend a gunsmith?

[@b0ng0man]

tobler in robertson

[@anthonyfinlay5338]

I,m out of powder !! Can’t get 2205 or Li’ll gun I use pistol primers. But might be a time to get it converted. Good vid Thanks for the rec Tony

[@andrejochimsen498]

what is the speed over a conograph at the muzzle for the k hornet?

[@ozcountryliving4751]

Havent checked with my latest loads mate. But its generally accepted that you can get up to 200fps more

[@BUDweiseneimer]

Hi . I have a ruger 1 in 22 k. Have some questions.. do you have an email address?

[@2clicksup910]

Heading this way now, so this is great information. I’ll be loading the standard Hornet with ADI 2207 powder, and I intend to load the K-Hornet with the same powder and projectiles. Is there any difference in accuracy using a standard Hornet loading loaded into a K-Hornet case?

[@ozcountryliving4751]

No mate. Just have to do load development on your particular gun to get the best out of it. Same as any other gun

[@2clicksup910]

@@ozcountryliving4751 as I can be somewhat indecisive, I couldn’t workout which way to go, so I have purchased 2 X 22 Hornets (both really nice rifles). 1 of which will get the “K” treatment. How much hotter were you able to take the K-Hornet before pressure signs appeared?

[@ozcountryliving4751]

@2clicksup910 mate hornets are pretty forgiving. I have never experienced over pressure in any of my experimenting.