Reloading the Model 53, 22 Jet

[panton]

When my father passed away I inherited his Model 53, 22 Jet (6 inch barrel). He purchased it new in 1961 or 62. Since it is next to impossible to find Hornady .222, 40 gr. 22 Jet bullets, I carefully experimented over the last several months with another bullet that has worked out very well. I selected the Hornady 35 gr. Vmax due to its short stubby shape. I was concerned about the potential increased pressure due to the .224 diameter. To offset the increased pressure, I moly coated the bullets. I know that moly coating is a hotly debated subject and that is not the point of this thread. My load is: 10 gr. of H110 powder, Federal small pistol mag primers, moly coated Hornady 35 gr. Vmax bullets. Chornographed velocities are 1600 +/- fps. Accuracy is much better than the original Hornady 22 Jet bullets (I have a few left). The load fits in the cylinder with no problems in OAL or neck diameter. Hopefully this info is helpful for the 22 Jet owners.

 

[Huckelberry75]

I bet that old girl is noisy. Great info, thx.

 

[panton]

22 Jet

Actually it was better then some rounds that my dad loaded up with 10.5 grs. of 2400 and the Hornady .222 40 gr. bullets. (Chornographed at 1580) 2400 puts out a pretty good muzzle flash and of course flakes of unburned powder. The recoil felt slightly less with the Vmax 35 gr. bullets as well. Since the velocities were close I am guessing the difference in felt recoil was due to the weight differences of the bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Natchez usually sells Hornady 40gr .222" bullets but they are currently backordered.

A friend has a .22 Jet and will appreciate the information you posted, I'll pass it on. Thanks...

 

[Dan W. Cady]

When my father passed away I inherited his Model 53, 22 Jet (6 inch barrel). He purchased it new in 1961 or 62. Since it is next to impossible to find Hornady .222, 40 gr. 22 Jet bullets, I carefully experimented over the last several months with another bullet that has worked out very well. I selected the Hornady 35 gr. Vmax due to its short stubby shape. I was concerned about the potential increased pressure due to the .224 diameter. To offset the increased pressure, I moly coated the bullets. I know that moly coating is a hotly debated subject and that is not the point of this thread. My load is: 10 gr. of H110 powder, Federal small pistol mag primers, moly coated Hornady 35 gr. Vmax bullets. Chornographed velocities are 1600 +/- fps. Accuracy is much better than the original Hornady 22 Jet bullets (I have a few left). The load fits in the cylinder with no problems in OAL or neck diameter. Hopefully this info is helpful for the 22 Jet owners.

I knew a fellow that swore by Cast Gas checked bullets .224 40 and 45Gr. He demonstrated their accuracy without the common cylinder tie ups in this caliber. Dan