Let’s Talk About Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet
For a reloader, the foundation of a great cartridge starts with quality brass. That’s where the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet comes in, promising consistency and reliability for high-volume reloaders. I stumbled upon this brass when I was looking to ramp up my .22 Hornet reloading for varmint hunting. I wanted something more consistent than the mixed range brass I had been using.
Unboxing the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet felt like opening a treasure chest of reloading potential. The brass looked clean and uniform, even in its unprimed state. The weight of the bag hinted at the quality Nosler is known for. My initial thoughts were centered around the time saved by using quality brass rather than meticulously sorting through questionable range pickups.
I considered Winchester and Hornady brass, but I opted for Nosler due to their reputation for tight tolerances and consistent performance. Nosler brass has always yielded better results for me, especially regarding velocity consistency. I was excited to see if this bulk brass lived up to the Nosler name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet at my local shooting range, focusing on developing a consistent varmint load. I was using a Ruger No. 1 chambered in .22 Hornet for this test. The weather was typical for late spring: mild temperatures and a slight breeze.
The brass fed smoothly into my reloading press and resized without issue. I experienced no split necks or other common brass failures during the initial resizing process. I was impressed by how uniform the brass was, which is critical for consistent neck tension.
The only issue I encountered was finding my specific load data needed a slight adjustment due to the brass capacity compared to my older brass. After adjusting, my accuracy at 100 yards was exceptional. The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet performed beautifully.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet has proven to be incredibly durable. I have reloaded some of the cases three or four times now without any significant signs of wear. The primer pockets are still tight, and there are no signs of case head separation.
Maintaining the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is straightforward. I tumble the cases in walnut media after each firing. This process cleans the brass effectively and keeps it in excellent condition.
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet outperforms my previous experiences with mixed range brass. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in group sizes and velocity consistency. This consistent performance gives me confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet
Specifications
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is specifically chambered for the .22 Hornet cartridge. The brass comes in a bulk quantity of 250 pieces per bag, offering a high volume of reloading material. The cases are headstamped with “Nosler” on the full length side of the cartridge.
These specifications are crucial for reloaders seeking uniformity. The consistent brass weight and dimensions translate directly to more consistent loads. The Nosler headstamp also assures the reloader of the brass’s pedigree.
Performance & Functionality
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a consistent and reliable platform for reloading accurate .22 Hornet ammunition. My groups have tightened up significantly, and my velocity spreads are much smaller.
The brass’s strength is its uniformity. This uniformity allows for consistent powder charges and bullet seating depths. A minor weakness is the lack of pre-primed cases, although this gives reloaders complete control over the priming process.
The brass exceeds my expectations. It’s not just good brass; it’s excellent brass. The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is a game-changer for my varmint hunting loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is outstanding. The materials used appear to be of high quality, resulting in durable cases. The weight of each case feels consistent, which reflects the strict manufacturing tolerances.
The brass is user-friendly; it resizes and primes easily. There isn’t a learning curve. Even novice reloaders will appreciate the consistency and ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is designed to last through multiple reload cycles. I expect to get at least 5-7 reloads from each case with proper care. This durability makes it a cost-effective choice for high-volume shooters.
Maintaining the brass is easy. Standard case cleaning procedures such as tumbling or ultrasonic cleaning are sufficient to keep it in top condition. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will also extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet doesn’t come with accessories, as it is simply unprimed brass. However, it is compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and components. This compatibility includes popular brands like Redding, RCBS, and Hornady.
Reloaders can further customize their loads by using different primers, powders, and bullets. This brass provides a solid foundation for developing customized .22 Hornet loads. This offers reloaders a platform to craft precision ammunition tailored to their specific rifles and hunting needs.
Pros and Cons of Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet
Pros
- Exceptional Consistency: This ensures tight groups and consistent velocities.
- High-Quality Materials: This means durability and long case life.
- Easy to Reload: This reduces frustration and increases efficiency.
- Nosler Headstamp: Provides confidence in the brass’s quality and reliability.
- Good Value for High-Volume Reloaders: This offers a cost-effective option for producing large quantities of .22 Hornet ammunition.
Cons
- Unprepped Brass: Requires case prep before loading.
- Price: It’s more expensive than some other bulk brass options.
Who Should Buy Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet?
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is perfect for serious varmint hunters and target shooters who reload their own ammunition. This .22 Hornet brass is perfect for those looking for consistency and accuracy. It’s also a great choice for anyone who shoots the .22 Hornet frequently and wants to build up a large supply of reliable ammunition.
Someone who is just starting out reloading and only shoots occasionally might find the price point a bit high. Those who prefer pre-primed brass should also skip this product. They should look for alternatives that require less initial preparation.
A good set of quality reloading dies is a must-have accessory. A case trimmer and chamfer/deburring tool are also essential for proper case preparation. I also recommend using a consistent powder measure to ensure uniform loads.
Conclusion on Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet
The Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet is a top-tier choice for reloaders seeking consistency and quality. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the performance justifies the price. The improved accuracy and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
The price is justified due to the quality and consistency of the product. It’s an investment in better ammunition and improved shooting performance. For me, consistent groups are worth every penny.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Nosler Bulk Rifle Brass .22 Hornet. If you’re serious about reloading accurate and reliable .22 Hornet ammunition, this brass is a must-have. Don’t settle for mediocre brass; invest in Nosler and experience the difference! Level up your reloading game today.