I want to load some cast bullets for my Ruger 77/22 Hornet.
I checked LoadSwap and have some questions:

1. Which powder? I have BlueDot, RedDot, and H110.

2. At what velocity will leading become a problem?

3. How effective on small game such as squirrel & rabbit?

I would really like to hear from any of yall that has hunted small game with the Hornet. I want to work up a load that won't destroy a lot of edible meat.

Squirrel Jambalaya is mighty good!

I want to load some cast bullets for my Ruger 77/22 Hornet.
I checked LoadSwap and have some questions:

1. Which powder? I have BlueDot, RedDot, and H110.

2. At what velocity will leading become a problem?

3. How effective on small game such as squirrel & rabbit?

I would really like to hear from any of yall that has hunted small game with the Hornet. I want to work up a load that won't destroy a lot of edible meat.

Squirrel Jambalaya is mighty good!

Check the barrel twist of your rifle...some at 1:16 and others 1:14 (and a few are 1:10)...the faster the twist, the LONGER the lead bullet it can stabalize ("heavier" as well, but longer is a better descrition).

Even with a 1:16, have no trouble getting the 50gr. Lyman #225415 to shoot well (and the little flat point seems to help on game). This 1:16 twist won't stablize the Lyman #225462.

After a lot of goofing arround and expeimenting, have settled on two small game charges. With a gas check in place, will use 4.3gr. of Unique for about 1570fps. Using the same bullets without the gas check attached, will use 2.0gr. of Red Dot for all of 1100fps....pretty much a dead-ringer for a .22LR solid point, just with a little less vel. and a litte more bullet weight.

---------
I also keep some Sierra 45gr. HI Vel. bullets on hand. At Hornet speeds, they act more like big-game bullets; slow expanison and deep penetration (OK...deep for a 45gr. .224" bullet...not deep in comparison with a 45/70). Enough expanison to put a turkey down for the count without blowing a moon crater in the breast.

Have just started to investigate this type of Hornet shooting. So far I've used the Lyman 225438 mould with gas checks and IMR SR-4759 powder. The cases and primers are Remington and the lead is wheel weights melted and cast into bullets. I'm also considering using AA XMP-5744 powder.

Have done very little hunting with the above load but it does seem to do the job--mostly small varmits. Even tried this load in a Taraus Raging Hornet pistol and appears to like it also.

Will have to set up the chrony someday and do some load work but for now it works for me. Sorry I can't be more specific on the nuts and bolts.

3grains of unique and the 225438 44gr bullet is good to 100yds and on squirrels ! JAGG