Model 70 .22 hornet
I recently acquired a Winchester model 70 .22 hornet. SN # 19XXX. I would like to know if I should use .223 older style bullets or can/should I use newer .224? Any recommendations on what ammunition to use would be very helpful. Thank you
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You could slug the barrel and measure the exact diameter to make the decision or wait for "Hangfire" to clear this up. 0 -
Either bullet size can be used... load/shoot both and see which one gives you the best accuracy. 0 -
It might shoot better with the .223 if that's what it was made for. .224 will likely shoot fine. Stick to the 40 and 45 grain bullets if its an old rifle with a slow twist rate. PerryShooter says pistol primers work better for loading your own.
Not sure there is a lot choice in factory loadings these days.
Wow 13 offerings at least 9 listed as in stock 35 gr should be ok too0 -
When I was loading the Hornet for my Model 70 I used .223 bullets for most shooting, but used .224 to try heavier bullets.. No problem, and that was common practice for most shooters..Pre 64's actually had a .222-.223 bore.. I've never encountered ANY safety/pressures issues.. I don't know at what point they changed to .224, if they ever did.. The same holds true for the Model 43... .224 was standardized in the 1950's , and Winchester stopped the Hornet in '57, so ???
What you also want to check is the rifling twist rate.. Yours is probably 1:16.. Now I think most are 1:14.. 1:14 is better for handling heavier bullets, but check your current manuals for specifics..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdoCNZBlRGQ0 -
I think it might have been made 1939. 0 -
I have a model 43 also but it's in .218 bee. It's a special and almost like brand new it was drilled and tapped so I put a Leupold VX-3I 3.5-10 on it it's bore sites and ready for when I can sight it in. 0 -
FWIW: Source: Roger Rule's book on the M70. Groove diameter for the Hornet is .222, bore is .217, rifling twist is 1-16".
Hope this helps.0 -
I have a Model 70 chambered in 22 Hornet that was produced a few years after yours. Prvi Partizan 45-Gr Soft Point ammo is reasonably priced, if you shop around, and shoots well in mine. 0 -
I will try some Partizan loads thank you for your time. 0 -
Have always loaded 40 gr. Sierra Varminters (".224) in R-P cases using small magnum pistol primers (be careful of your seating depth with these) and a full case of Hodgdon Lil' Gun...wonderful results in everything I own. 0
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