.22 Hornet Load Data

The .22 Hornet cartridge enjoys a storied legacy, tracing its origins back to the late 1920s and early 1930s. Developed by a group of experimenters at the Springfield Armory, including Col. Townsend Whelen and Capt. G.L. Wotkyns, the .22 Hornet was designed as an improvement on the older black powder cartridges. Initial development centered on modifying the .22 WCF (Winchester Centerfire) case for smokeless powder use, leveraging small-caliber performance at higher velocities. In 1930, Winchester began producing factory ammunition and rifles chambered in .22 Hornet, which quickly garnered favor among shooters looking for a flat-shooting, light-recoiling varmint round. Its immediate success stemmed from its superb accuracy and effectiveness at ranges up to approximately 200 yards.

Today, the .22 Hornet still sees widespread use thanks to its versatility and mild report. Its applications center primarily on small-game hunting, varmint control, and sometimes even target shooting. Due to its relatively modest power compared to larger centerfire cartridges, the .22 Hornet produces mild recoil, making it accessible for a broad range of shooters and well-suited for extended sessions at the bench. Farmers and ranchers frequently favor this caliber for pest management, using it against species such as ground squirrels, prairie dogs, foxes, and raccoons. The relatively quiet report, compared to higher-velocity counterparts, is also appreciated when hunting in populated or noise-sensitive areas.

In terms of target species, the .22 Hornet is ideal for small- to medium-sized varmints and predators. It excels at taking game such as woodchucks, rabbits, crows, and similar-sized pests, delivering sufficient energy for humane, ethical kills without excessive meat damage. While not as flat-shooting at extreme distances as newer high-velocity .22 centerfires like the .223 Remington, the Hornet’s niche lies in shorter-range precision and minimal pelt damage—a consideration for fur harvesters and trappers. Some hunters have used the .22 Hornet for small deer under tightly controlled conditions, but this is not standard practice nor recommended due to its limited energy and lighter bullet weights.

Typical bullet weights for the .22 Hornet generally range from 35 to 45 grains, with some manufacturers offering bullets up to 50 grains for specialized applications. These lightweight projectiles allow muzzle velocities from around 2,400 to 3,000 feet per second, depending on the load and barrel length. Bullets intended for the Hornet are often designed with thin jackets to ensure proper expansion at lower velocities compared to higher-powered .22 centerfires. The cartridge itself features a rimmed, bottleneck case design, which feeds reliably in both bolt-action and break-action rifles. Its compact size and efficiency make it a cherished choice for reloaders, offering excellent case life and the opportunity for fine-tuning loads to individual rifle preferences while still maintaining cost-effective shooting.