.22 ICL Gopher (P.O. Ackley Data) |
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| Warning! Notes: Standard twist: 16". The .22 ICL Gopher is an "improved" version of the .22 Hornet similar to the K Hornet, and is the smallest of a line of "improved" cartridges. The ICL line closely resembles the older Ackley line of "improved" cartridges. They utilize the minimum body taper and sharp shoulder principle to a slightly greater degree and probably represent about the maximum for these two characteristics, sample fired cases showing about the same taper to the inch as the Ackley line, but a 45 degree shoulder, instead of the Ackley 28 or 40 degree shoulder angle. Loads recommended for the K Hornet can be used in the ICL .22 Gopher. (Handbook for Shooters & Reloaders/Vol. 1 - P.O. Ackley, 1962) NOTE: USE THIS DATA WITH EXTREME CAUTION |
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Cartridge History
.22 ICL Gopher (P.O. Ackley Data – Speculative) The .22 ICL Gopher is commonly referenced as a wildcat or experimental variation in the lineage of Hornet improvements, occasionally attributed to P.O. Ackley’s conceptual work on case refinement and chambering upgrades. However, no verified, published Ackley load table has been located to date—making much of what exists speculative or adapted from community experimentation rather than primary source data. In speculative reconstructions, the .22 ICL Gopher is envisioned as having a sharper shoulder and reduced body taper—similar in concept to improved Hornet variants—designed to increase case capacity and deliver modest velocity gains. Bullets in the 35- to 45-grain range, matched with clean, efficient powders (e.g. Lil’Gun, IMR 4227, H110 analogs), are often suggested as logical starting points. Handloaders commonly begin at conservative charge levels to account for unknown case geometry and unknown pressure margins. Because no original Ackley documentation is available, those experimenting with the .22 ICL Gopher must treat any preliminary loads as strictly hypothetical. Ensure meticulous component consistency, incremental load testing, and rigorous pressure monitoring. If you find a verified Ackley source or a historical magazine article later, we can replace this with a fully sourced version. Note: This entry is speculative based on typical “improved Hornet / wildcat” principles, and should only be used for reference until validated by primary data. |
| Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data. |
| Wt. | Bullet | Powder Manufacturer | Powder | Charge | Velocity (FPS) | |
| 40 | IMR | IMR-4227 | Subscribe | 2515 | ||
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| 40 | IMR | IMR-4227 | Subscribe | 2705 | ||
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