22 Nosler - Part 5 - I give up

Published on October 6, 2017
Duration: 20:19

This video details the persistent issues encountered with the 22 Nosler cartridge, specifically mangled brass during extraction. After initial problems with an Odin Works barrel, a second AR Stoner barrel was tested with both handloads and factory Nosler ammunition. Despite attempts to resolve the brass extraction problem, the issues persisted, leading the creator to conclude the 22 Nosler cartridge itself is fundamentally flawed or suffers from poor brass quality. A potential workaround involving 6mm Hagar brass and a 6.8 SPC bolt is discussed as a last resort.

Quick Summary

The 22 Nosler cartridge frequently suffers from severe brass mangling during extraction, even with light loads, rendering cases unusable for reloading. Testing with different barrels and ammunition confirmed this persistent issue, leading to the conclusion that the cartridge itself or its brass quality is fundamentally flawed.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 22 Nosler Problems
  2. 00:14Odin Works Barrel Issues
  3. 00:59Odin Works Inspection Results
  4. 01:51Testing AR Stoner Barrel
  5. 02:16Factory Ammunition Test
  6. 02:53Handload Details (69gr MatchKing)
  7. 03:45Reloading Specs (Winchester Primers, OAL)
  8. 04:37Potential Solution: 6mm Hagar Brass
  9. 05:50Range Testing: 50 Yards Zero
  10. 07:16Range Testing: 100 Yards with Chronograph
  11. 08:46Testing 77gr Factory Ammunition
  12. 10:15Examining the Mangled Brass
  13. 12:21Conclusion: Total Surrender
  14. 12:32Recommended Workaround: 6mm Hagar
  15. 13:50Reflections on the Cartridge
  16. 14:13Blame and Manufacturer Responsibility
  17. 15:33Lessons Learned about Barrel Manufacturing
  18. 17:23Manufacturer's Role and Customer Responsibility
  19. 19:41Accuracy Results and Final Thoughts
  20. 20:01Final Surrender and Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common problems with the 22 Nosler cartridge?

The primary and most persistent issue with the 22 Nosler cartridge is severe brass mangling during extraction. This occurs even with light loads and affects both handloads and factory ammunition, rendering the brass unusable for reloading.

What solutions are available for 22 Nosler brass extraction issues?

A potential workaround for the 22 Nosler brass problem involves using a 6.8 SPC bolt and 6mm Hagar brass. This brass is then processed through 22 Nosler dies, which reportedly eliminates the rebated rim issue and resolves the brass mangling.

Did testing different barrels resolve the 22 Nosler brass problem?

No, testing with both an Odin Works barrel and an AR Stoner barrel failed to resolve the brass extraction issues. Even after Odin Works inspected the first barrel, they found no functional problems, suggesting the issue is inherent to the cartridge or its brass.

What are the accuracy results for the 22 Nosler in this test?

In this test, handloads with 69-grain Sierra MatchKing bullets achieved approximately one-inch groups. The Nosler 77-grain factory ammunition performed poorly, shooting groups of three to four inches, making accuracy secondary to the brass extraction problem.

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