I have a newish Henry. Maybe 300 rounds through it. Today I took it to the range with CCI TMJ and Hornady Critical Defense ammo.
The CCI shot very well - 3" off hand at 100 yards. The Hornady could not find the paper at 100 yards.
I moved back to 50 yards. CCI still made small groups, but Hornady was making key hole hits on the target - see photo.
Obviously the answer is to stick with CCI. Has any one else experienced this?
Michael

I didn't get keyholes, but I did get very poor accuracy from the Hornady Critical Defense ammo out of my Marlin 57M rifle due to it not having enough velocity to stabilize the bullets well. It's designed to be shot from short-barreled pistols with faster twist at short range like would happen in a self-defense scenario. With the powder replaced and the bullet re-seated, I got much higher velocity and much better accuracy. That's not a task to take on lightly, though. You can do a search here on the forum for more info about doing it, if you're interested. The most accurate factory ammo that I found for my 57M was the Federal 40-grain TMJ ammo, followed closely behind by the CCI 40-grain TMJ.

Is this with a 22lr or a 22mag?

I am using the CCI mini-mag in my (22LR) 24" Henry Frontier. I am pleased with the way the CCI shoots.

I think it's safe to assume it's 22 Mag, since CCI doesn't make a TMJ (j = jacket) in 22LR, nor does Hornady make a critical defense round for 22LR.

snaketail2 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 02, 2018 1:59 pmAbout Hornady Keyholes

You made me curious so I went out to test my 45 grain .22 WMR Hornady Critical Defense and 40 grain .22 WMR CCI Maxi-Mag with my 24" Henry Frontier Long Barrel. After 20 shots out to 100 meters, there were no keyholes with the Hornady. The 10 shot group of the CCI Maxi-Mag is much better and it impacted higher.

BTW, both ammo brands had 2 ram ringers each out of 5.

Does anyone know what the twist is on the Henry compared to other rifles?

In the old days, my 57m liked the 50gr Federal. With a scope 1” at 100 yards.

Thanks Dennis

dwostler wrote: ↑Sat Nov 03, 2018 12:49 pm Does anyone know what the twist is on the Henry compared to other rifles?

In the old days, my 57m liked the 50gr Federal. With a scope 1” at 100 yards.

Thanks Dennis

All the Henry .22's are 1:16 including Magnums. The .17 HMR are all 1:9.

It shouldn’t key hole the 45’s. I’d measure the twist rate to confirm the actual rate then call Henry. I suspect the actual rifling rate isn’t 1:16, but more like 1:20

Will do Joe.
I don't think its is a serious problem. I can shoot CCI and be happy, but I'll check the twist rate and call Henry.
Michael

While you’re figuring it out, go catch some speckled trout and redfish. This is the time of year to slay’em!

edgehit wrote: ↑Sat Nov 03, 2018 3:30 pm While you’re figuring it out, go catch some speckled trout and redfish. This is the time of year to slay’em!

Had planned to go tomorrow. Wading with plastics and jig heads. Thanks for he encouragement.
Michael

Anyone need 4 boxes of Hornady .22 Magnum 45gr?
Here is a target at 40 yards...Not for Henrys

Michael

Michael, next time I see you, let my give you some 50gr federals to try, just curious.

Thanks, Dennis O.

dwostler wrote: ↑Thu Dec 13, 2018 7:11 pm Michael, next time I see you, let my give you some 50gr federals to try, just curious.

Thanks, Dennis O.

I'd go for that.
Michael