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Howdy,
Another rifle I recently got from my dad is a Model 43 Deluxe in .22 Hornet. According to it’s serial number, 28342A, it is of 1950 vintage. I intend to reload some ammo for it and am not sure if this rifle needs .223″ diameter bullets, or if .224″ is preferred. I just don’t want to start out on the wrong foot with this one. Thanks in advance for you help and knowledge!
Clint M
.223 was intended for only the earliest Hornets, because many had been converted from .22RF rifles. Factory-original Hornets long before the ’50s were bored & rifled for .224.
Thanks Clarence, appreciate the info, sir! I’ll load some up with .224s.
Clint M
Clint,
Make sure that you keep your reloads at (or below) factory load specs. The Model 43 action will not handle hot loads!
Can you post a few pictures of your Model 43 “Special” Rifle ?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Clint, I’m sure your 43 has a 16 twist like a model 70 barrel. You will find the shorter bullets 45 grains and below shoot the best. With that slow twist, and relatively low velocity from the Hornet, it is hard to stabilize bullets much larger/longer. Sierra makes a great little 40 & 45 grain bullet just for the Hornet. They are available in 40 and 45 grain. They shoot great in my 70’s.
Steve
Howdy Bert and Steve,
Thanks for your input as well. I appreciate your caution, and I try and keep my head when reloading and seldom get up to near factory, and never over for any caliber or gun I have. I do have some light bullets of various brands and weights that I’ll try out soon, I hope! I’ll also try and get some pics taken and post them. One word of warning though, some dingbat inlaid a black plastic diamond on each side of the butt long before my dad bought it. What a shame, too, otherwise a very nice rifle.
Clint M
Clint, I know a guy that does stockwork in the KC area. He can probably take care of that……..
Steve
Clint M said
One word of warning though, some dingbat inlaid a black plastic diamond on each side of the butt long before my dad bought it.
Sounds like that dingbat was a Weatherby enthusiast! If there’s a white-line spacer next to the buttplate, it’s certain.
November 7, 2015
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If you need brass or factory ammo take a look at the PPU ammo. My shooting buddy has very good results with it in his Martini and another rifle. Bought the ammo for the brass but his rifle likes the new ammo better than his loads.
Mike
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