.22 Hornet Improved

.22 Hornet Improved (K-Hornet / Ackley Style)

The improved version of the .22 Hornet, often referred to as the K-Hornet, features a sharper shoulder and less body taper than the original design. This modification improves case life, increases powder capacity, and can raise velocities by roughly 150–200 fps when compared to standard Hornet loads. Most of these conversions are based on the Ackley design, which allows standard Hornet ammunition to be fired in the improved chamber, fire-forming it in the process.

Handloader’s detailed examination notes that accuracy tends to benefit from this improved configuration, especially when paired with lighter varmint-weight bullets. Because the sharper shoulder provides a better gas seal and more consistent ignition, pressures remain uniform across reloads. However, users must pay close attention to load data — published Hornet data should not be assumed safe in the improved case, especially near maximum charges.

Loaders often begin with reduced charges of standard Hornet data and work up cautiously. When properly tuned, the K-Hornet is known for excellent small game and varmint performance out to moderate distances, with noticeably flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift.

Source: Wolfe Publishing — Handloader Issue #93 (September)