If you're looking for something a shelf or two below what you've mentioned, I'd like to recommend the Ruger 10/22 Hornet. Load it with .223 bullets, (NOT .224) and you'll get excellent accuracy!! Might consider a better trigger, but even w/a new trigger, you're total $ should still be low.
Mike
I definitely DO NOT recommend the Ruger 77/22 .22 Hornet. Mine went back to the factory 3 times before they replaced it. Took it, still new in the box, to Jaqua's and traded for a Remington. This rifle has a terrible reputation. My 77/22 .22LR on the other hand, is an accurate, reliable, good looking gun that I'll probably keep forever.
Thank you all for your input. Unfortuneately, I have tried the Ruger, the new
Savage and even hand loaded for them. I'm just not happy with their performances. The Ruger was fair to be honest. The Savage was good but not great. I quess the old saying still stands true; "you get what you pay for".
Still looking for a Ancshutz 54 Sporter, Walther KKJ, Sako 78 or an early
American model.
Thanks again boys!!!
MAP
Don't fault the rifle, boys, its the round and not the rifle. I am convinced this one can't be made to shoot accurately. I have done my best with Savage, Anchutz, and 2 others, handloading and factory. Just can't make it shoot like any other caliber. I have tried two different twists, in two different barrels, to no avail.
I have given up on it. And it is a shame, it could be a very useful gun around the farm if only it was accurate. But when you miss a rabbit twice from the distance of 30 yards, it's time to pick up a rock.
"you get what you pay for". Well, That sir is plain bull pucky!!!! My CZ's outshot my buddys Ancshutz 54 and althought it hurts his pride as well as his pocket book he is willing to admit it. The Rugers shoot modified shotgun choke groups although I have heard that they have fixed many of the problems associated with the early ones. MY CZ with the sporter barrel shoots 3/8 inch groups at 100 yards with Hornady V-max bullets, pistol primers and LIL Gun powder. These are the keys to an accurate shooting hornet as far as I am concerned. My buddy has the big , heavy Ruger Stainless varmint .22 hornet. It has a long barrel. What a bunch of heavy weight BS. His gun does not shoot as accurate as my CZ's and he is carrying a lot more weight for no more acuracy in fact he has less as his gun only shoots about 1/2 inch groups. The little CZ with the carbine length barrel will shoot more accurately then a .22 Hornet has range. Guys look at the ballistics of a Hornet. It really is a 150 yard rig in the right hands. A .22 hornet is not a .223 and never will be so anything that will shoot even 1/2 inch groups will give you more accuracy then you have gun.
If one hole accuracy is what you want then a CZ with a heavy barrel would surely do it but as I said... You will have more accuracy then you have gun. I have shot hundreds of Nutria with mine out to 150 and seldom has one required a second shot. If they did it wasn't the guns fault. I have shot Starlings on the ground with Calhoon bullets at 100 ayrds. What more accuracy do you need then that??? Jeff The SX-1 guy who shoots .22 hornets as well.
I have a Ruger 77/22 hornet never had any problems and very accurate with my pet load - also dont forget the TC Encore - great gun - and you can change barrels - good luck!! J Mroczka
SuperX Jeff is right on!! I have a CZ and have used the same combination of components. Shoots great .75 at 100 yards all the time. Has a set trigger that you can adjust to suit your wishes. Great fit and finish, Super buy. Also, have had good luck with Speer 33 gr. TNT's. Will pound dogs out to 200 yards.
I am looking at Hornet for a short range dog gun. I have come to the conclusion that a K Hornet will be just the ticket. Easy ream job, no rethreading and a nice performance boost.
Cost being a consideration, the Savage looks decent. The claw extractor on CZ's is a turn off for single shot dog shooting. Do they make one in push feed?
Like Sxs28ga, I have a Ruger 77/22 Hornet in the target gray 24 inch barrel model. I have never had any major problems except is not as accurate as my .223 Ruger long range rifle. The Hornet is still stock and has a trigger that could be improved with a trigger job.
The Ruger .22 Hornet has a .224 bore. My understanding is that early Hornets used .22 rim fire boring as they used the same boring tools as for .22 LR and they were .223.
My experience with my Ruger .22 Hornet is that it likes bullets that are not as extremely pointed as some of the polymer tipped Hornady bullets. I also needed to increase cartridge overall length to the maximum amount allowed by the rotary magazine.
After much experimentation, I finally developed a load using 50 grain Speer Spitzer Soft Points and VihtaVuori N110 (it's in the Speer manual) that shoots a 5 shot 1" group at 100 yards. I load under the maximum so this load (for paper targets) is around 2000 fps.
The Ruger Long Range Rifle .223 Remington will shoot under 0.5" but it has a much better trigger.
I have read reports of tricked out Ruger .22 Hornets shooting well under .5" at 100 yards and of velocities over 3000 fps with L'il Gun powder with 35 grain bullets.
If you want a low noise moderate velocity .22 center fire, the Hornet is a good choice. If you want accuracy and velocity, I would suggest that you move up to a .223, 22-250 or a Swift.
I plan to sell the Ruger .22 Hornet and all of my dies, unfired cases, etc. this summer and buy a Ruger Long Range Rifle in .308. I mainly shoot paper targets these days and the .308 is superbly accurate. I still shoot some registered trap and games.
The .22 Hornet has its place but it is not, IMO, as inherently accurate as the more modern .22 center fires.
If you have the bucks, you may want to look for a Remington 700 Classic in .221 Fireball. This rifle and cartridge are extremely accurate and, while louder than the Hornet, are less noise intensive than a Swift or .22-250.
Have a CZ classic american model 527, 22 hornet, set trigger two clips, org box. I am the orginal owner...$475 + shipping & ins. My ffl to your ffl unless you are local in Oregon
Mag-al
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Trapshooters Forum
4.1M posts
85.3K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Trap shooting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about targets, clays, hunting, gunsmithing, gear reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!