Whats the low down on this calibre these days fellas. Ive used quite a bit of 22WMR over the years, not much 223rem though. Was thinking of getting a 22 hornet to extend the range and power of my 22mag hunting( small game, occasional small hog head shooting- controlled conditions over night baits, close range) without the blast and cost of the 223.... also the 22 WMR isnt that cheap itself these days. What are the realities of the hornet though?have to admit it ticks a few boxes for me just looking at the ballistics but real world may be different. Is it a solution to a problem or neither fish nor fowl. How is brass life, accuracy and platforms that still chamber it? Does reloading it make it more affordable than 22WMR including for plinking.
calling 22 hornet guys
- Thread starter trekker73
- Start date
Are you planning on shooting factory loads or reloads?
Jacketed bullets or cast?
Factory loads are more expensive. Jacketed bullets do not provide a significant advantage at these velocities. Cast, there are many options for weights and shapes. I like the standard Lyman 225428 cast bullet. But casting those little bullets is taxing. Keep the mold HOT.
Recently, I have purchased a dozen or more boxes of 22 Hornet jacketed ammunition. Realistically, this will last me until I am no longer shooting so I may not reload Hornet again.
My rifle, a Springfield Model 1922, built in August 1922, converted to 22 Hornet.
Some history of Hornet conversions.
Kevin
Jacketed bullets or cast?
Factory loads are more expensive. Jacketed bullets do not provide a significant advantage at these velocities. Cast, there are many options for weights and shapes. I like the standard Lyman 225428 cast bullet. But casting those little bullets is taxing. Keep the mold HOT.
Recently, I have purchased a dozen or more boxes of 22 Hornet jacketed ammunition. Realistically, this will last me until I am no longer shooting so I may not reload Hornet again.
My rifle, a Springfield Model 1922, built in August 1922, converted to 22 Hornet.
Some history of Hornet conversions.
Kevin
Anchorite
Member
Where I live there are old timers who swear by the round. Many have likely killed truckloads of hogs and deer (and everything else) over the years. It’s a favorite of poachers. I have one….a break action NEF that is accurate beyond what you’d expect of the platform - then again it is a rimmed cartridge.
Admittedly I don’t shoot that Hornet much anymore, preferring to download my 222 for any such endeavors a Hornet might be called on to perform. That’s not to say loading for the Hornet is a challenge … it’s not anymore so that any other cartridge. I would say you have to be aware of the necks and you may loose a few in setting up your dies. Brass seems relatively available.
I can consult my notes for more details, but as I recall in the last few years my go-to load was a 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip and a case full of Lil Gun and a CCI small rifle mag. Other loads (off memory) burned H110 with Speer 46gr FPs, and small pistol primers. There are good bullet choices out there for the Hornet. I like the Speers as they are less expensive than the Hornady. There are also some good Sierra bullets. The Hornet is a hand-loaders delight. Literally tons of data out there.
Admittedly I don’t shoot that Hornet much anymore, preferring to download my 222 for any such endeavors a Hornet might be called on to perform. That’s not to say loading for the Hornet is a challenge … it’s not anymore so that any other cartridge. I would say you have to be aware of the necks and you may loose a few in setting up your dies. Brass seems relatively available.
I can consult my notes for more details, but as I recall in the last few years my go-to load was a 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip and a case full of Lil Gun and a CCI small rifle mag. Other loads (off memory) burned H110 with Speer 46gr FPs, and small pistol primers. There are good bullet choices out there for the Hornet. I like the Speers as they are less expensive than the Hornady. There are also some good Sierra bullets. The Hornet is a hand-loaders delight. Literally tons of data out there.
redneck2
Member
At one time I did the great Hornet hunt for a suitable rifle. I figured out that accuracy is hit or miss (pun intended) with Ruger products. I had already purchased one before I found this out. Evidently they at least sometimes oversized the chambers, the result being the cartridge points downward in the chamber which deforms the bullet when fired. The Ruger was considerably short of my accuracy expectation
From the rather extensive reading I did, Browning seemed to produce some of the most consistently accurate rifles, the downside being the cost. I’m sure there are others. My LGS had a .17 Hornet CZ which I came really, really close to buying several times. At that point my varmint hunting days were winding down so I passed. The .17 is intriguing because of the velocity and there should be minimized probability of ricochet
if you reload I’d suggest Lee dies that neck size only. Your brass will last considerably longer.
The upside to the .22 Hornet is 90% of the velocity of a .223 with 1/2 the powder which means a significantly quieter report. IIRC the .17 Hornet approaches 3,000 fps but double check that.
From the rather extensive reading I did, Browning seemed to produce some of the most consistently accurate rifles, the downside being the cost. I’m sure there are others. My LGS had a .17 Hornet CZ which I came really, really close to buying several times. At that point my varmint hunting days were winding down so I passed. The .17 is intriguing because of the velocity and there should be minimized probability of ricochet
if you reload I’d suggest Lee dies that neck size only. Your brass will last considerably longer.
The upside to the .22 Hornet is 90% of the velocity of a .223 with 1/2 the powder which means a significantly quieter report. IIRC the .17 Hornet approaches 3,000 fps but double check that.
Last edited:
Dave DeLaurant
Member
I have three .22 Hornets at present: an H&R Handirifle, a T/C Encore with a MGM carbine barrel and a Ruger No.3. All shoot very tight groups, at least to the extent that I'm able to shoot.
Two of my Hornets of have improved Kilbourn chambers, while the Ruger is unaltered and waiting until I find a smith I can trust to remove the N.3 barrel to ream it for me. I don't have enough experience yet to say how much difference the improved chamber makes, but I've committed myself to the K Hornet with the other two and prefer them all to share the same brass.
One thing about the Hornet I discovered is that the decapping pin on my Lee universal decapper is too fat to work with my Hornet cases (mostly PPU.) That's only an issue if you decap with one of these -- my regular resize/decap dies don't have this problem. I have both a set of standard Lee Hornet dies plus another set of neck resize dies for the K Hornet.
As with other small-necked .22 cases, loading certain larger grain powders (4227 for example) requires more patience to get the charge loaded without crushing or breaking grains. Otherwise, the Hornet hasn't been any more difficult to load than .223 Rem. I haven't lost any cases to splits or damaged necks so far, but mine are only up to their second or third loadings. My understanding is that case longevity isn't great with the Hornet, and given their thin and comparatively fragile necks I can see how that would be true.
PPU ammo for .22 Hornet used to be relatively inexpensive, but I bought my supply about 5 years back and I have no ideas about current prices. A quick online check shows brass and loaded ammo in rather short supply right now anyway.
Even if you can't find ammo for it immediately, if you do find a good rifle in .22 Hornet buy it and be patient. Use the ammo shortage as a bargaining point on the price. It's easily one of the most fun centerfire rifle cartridges out there.
Two of my Hornets of have improved Kilbourn chambers, while the Ruger is unaltered and waiting until I find a smith I can trust to remove the N.3 barrel to ream it for me. I don't have enough experience yet to say how much difference the improved chamber makes, but I've committed myself to the K Hornet with the other two and prefer them all to share the same brass.
One thing about the Hornet I discovered is that the decapping pin on my Lee universal decapper is too fat to work with my Hornet cases (mostly PPU.) That's only an issue if you decap with one of these -- my regular resize/decap dies don't have this problem. I have both a set of standard Lee Hornet dies plus another set of neck resize dies for the K Hornet.
As with other small-necked .22 cases, loading certain larger grain powders (4227 for example) requires more patience to get the charge loaded without crushing or breaking grains. Otherwise, the Hornet hasn't been any more difficult to load than .223 Rem. I haven't lost any cases to splits or damaged necks so far, but mine are only up to their second or third loadings. My understanding is that case longevity isn't great with the Hornet, and given their thin and comparatively fragile necks I can see how that would be true.
PPU ammo for .22 Hornet used to be relatively inexpensive, but I bought my supply about 5 years back and I have no ideas about current prices. A quick online check shows brass and loaded ammo in rather short supply right now anyway.
Even if you can't find ammo for it immediately, if you do find a good rifle in .22 Hornet buy it and be patient. Use the ammo shortage as a bargaining point on the price. It's easily one of the most fun centerfire rifle cartridges out there.
I love the old rimmed cartridges. The .22 Hornet is easy to load for and the Hornady ammo easy to duplicte. I mostly use the Lil Gun powders and the Hornady 33 grains bullet with the plastic tip. Shoots good in my little Ruger. Accuracy on par with .17 HMR, give or take, and a little more range and a bit more thump. It is a fun cartridge. I wish I had a lever gun for Hornet.
Anchorite
Member
It’s like Lil Gun was invented for the Hornet.
Litetrigger
Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2023
- Messages
- 190
Anyone who owns six or more rifles one of them should be a .22 Hornet because it refuses to die and always makes a comeback. As mentioned above, the Hornets founding rifles were converted M22 Springfields, and beautiful rifles followed, compared here, such as this conversion done by Griffin & Howe, complete with working magazine. Winchester added Hornets to their catalogue with M-70 and SAKO once offered these exquisite little Hornets.
Last edited:
One of my great uncles had a Winchester M54 Hornet. Another family member got his guns when he passed. I got his hand loading gear, which started me on a lifelong adventure.
I would have loved to get that rifle, but I'm sure I came out better off in the end.
Good luck in your quest. I've thought about a similar rifle for pest control since things are getting more built up around these parts. In my case, a 22Mag might be a good option.
I would have loved to get that rifle, but I'm sure I came out better off in the end.
Good luck in your quest. I've thought about a similar rifle for pest control since things are getting more built up around these parts. In my case, a 22Mag might be a good option.
tominboise
Member
I have a CZ527 Hornet. It shoots pretty well with factory ammo and some handloads. I also have a .221 fireball and a few 223s. The 221 is the most fun and the last one I'd get rid of. The Hornet is OK, but reloading with the thin delicate neck as a PITA.
luv2safari
Member
It's No Fun at All to reload! I have brass, proper powders, and correct bullets. They'll get used when I have no other choice, but not before. Once you have the brass, loading for it is pretty cheap, but you Will damage some brass.
I had several drillings with full length Hornet inserts, but they went down the road to make room for others I wanted to try out. I also had an H&R two barrel set in 20ga and Hornet, but it was sold to a dad for a starter gun set for his son.
My only Hornet now and one that will stay until my estate is sold off is my old Savage 219. I love that scruffy little pill-shooter!
I have a Ruger #1 B in .22 Hornet.
Got it off a buddy, said it shoots good.
Was reamed to K Hornet by Penrod Precision.
Dunno who did the trigger work, has a speed hammer and forend bedded.
No .22 K Hornet ammo.
Can reload if I want.
Shot it for first time today. Half inch gun at 100 w factory Hornady V max stuff.
Don't lose image in recoil (9X maximum magnication) and the report rather polite.
Kinda neat.
Cartridge is small enough you can't slide it in using the receiver trough. Kind of a pain.
Proly kill a couple chucks with it and sell.
Rifle is kinda heavy for the power factor LOL
Got it off a buddy, said it shoots good.
Was reamed to K Hornet by Penrod Precision.
Dunno who did the trigger work, has a speed hammer and forend bedded.
No .22 K Hornet ammo.
Can reload if I want.
Shot it for first time today. Half inch gun at 100 w factory Hornady V max stuff.
Don't lose image in recoil (9X maximum magnication) and the report rather polite.
Kinda neat.
Cartridge is small enough you can't slide it in using the receiver trough. Kind of a pain.
Proly kill a couple chucks with it and sell.
Rifle is kinda heavy for the power factor LOL
jmorris
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2005
- Messages
- 24,211
Brass isn't as robust as others, pretty delicate. A case with just the part of the neck that holds the bullet, sized and full of lilgun makes the most accurate rounds for me. I'll be honest though, I really don't use the round much because I have a number of suppressed .223's that cover more ground for me with lots less noise.
I have a T/C Contender carbine chambered in 22 Hornet. The barrel is 21”. It has T/C synthetic furniture.
Mine likes 40 grain Speer spire points over W296.
Neck sizing extends case life but not by much. At least in the Contender chamber, case stretching under firing is severe. A K-Hornet chamber may have better case life with a bit more performance.
I’d prefer my 22 Hornet over a 22 WMR but do not expect much better. I have. 221 Rem Fireball Contender carbine that reaches out a bit farther than my 22 Hornet with heavier bullets.
Report of the 22 Hornet is mild, better for populated areas. As compared to 22 WMR, at least 22 Hornet is reloadable.
If you keep your “ham fisted” reloading in check, 22 Hornet is no more difficult to reload than any other cartridge. But remember, the case is thin and any mis-alignment in the dies will end in disappointment. 22 Hornet cases are fragile, treat them with respect.
Mine likes 40 grain Speer spire points over W296.
Neck sizing extends case life but not by much. At least in the Contender chamber, case stretching under firing is severe. A K-Hornet chamber may have better case life with a bit more performance.
I’d prefer my 22 Hornet over a 22 WMR but do not expect much better. I have. 221 Rem Fireball Contender carbine that reaches out a bit farther than my 22 Hornet with heavier bullets.
Report of the 22 Hornet is mild, better for populated areas. As compared to 22 WMR, at least 22 Hornet is reloadable.
If you keep your “ham fisted” reloading in check, 22 Hornet is no more difficult to reload than any other cartridge. But remember, the case is thin and any mis-alignment in the dies will end in disappointment. 22 Hornet cases are fragile, treat them with respect.
To add, while my 22 Hornet Contender is accurate, my 221 Rem Fireball Contender with a Bullberry barrel is about the most accurate rifle that I have. 221 Rem FB has a bit farther range than 22 Hornet and with heavier bullets.
But, it depends on what you are looking for. 22 Hornet report is a bit quieter than 221 Rem FB. With appropriate bullets and shooting at appropriate ranges, 22 Hornet will perfoirm excellently.
But, it depends on what you are looking for. 22 Hornet report is a bit quieter than 221 Rem FB. With appropriate bullets and shooting at appropriate ranges, 22 Hornet will perfoirm excellently.
doubleh
Member
My hornet experience is strictly from watching a friend shoot his at our gunclub range. I don't even remember the make of his rifle but it's a very nice traditional bolt action sporter. A beautiful rifle and it shoots tiny little groups at 100 yards with his handloads. He says after you learn how to reload the messed up brass count goes way down. It's a midrange varmit round and while loud it doesn't equal the 223 for noise or effective distance. I have had a slight hankering for one over the years but never pulled the trigger and now it's gone. My Contender in 223 could be loaded down but it shoots tiny little groups at 100 yards with a handload I developed for it so why bother.
Armorer 101
Member
The little CF 22 rifles are quite fun to shoot. Have a few. The game changer in them is the 35 grain Berger spire point, sub 1/2" groups at 100 yards, with a bullet that detonates on a soda can full of water. You can or could reload the little 22s cheaper than shooting the 22 LR cartridge, much less the mag or 17s.
I shoot the 22H, 218 Bee, 221, 222, 222R, of course various 223s. Mine are in #3s, #1s and Martini Cadets
This is a 222R English Walnut stock. The 218 is next to it. The Sako is next
I shoot the 22H, 218 Bee, 221, 222, 222R, of course various 223s. Mine are in #3s, #1s and Martini Cadets
This is a 222R English Walnut stock. The 218 is next to it. The Sako is next
I like my .22 mag CZ bolt rig.
Have a .22 250 and .243 for varmints.
Thought a .22 Hornet to fill a slot.
And it does, but I'll proly just stick to .22 mag and .243 win.
I have reloading gear, but don't shoot enough to really justify it at this point.
Used to.
Not really into reloading as a hobby, just did it for performance.
So for me, less dies, powder and bullets to stock the better.
Have a .22 250 and .243 for varmints.
Thought a .22 Hornet to fill a slot.
And it does, but I'll proly just stick to .22 mag and .243 win.
I have reloading gear, but don't shoot enough to really justify it at this point.
Used to.
Not really into reloading as a hobby, just did it for performance.
So for me, less dies, powder and bullets to stock the better.
Crosshair
Member
Pretty much. It's all I use.
As others have said, Lee neck sizing helps the brass last a long time.
Be slow and methodical and you'll suffer a minimum of case casualties. Most of mine are when I'm FL sizing once fired brass. Once that's done I don't have much issue.
An added bonus is that many 22 rimfire suppressors are also rated to handle 5.7x28 and 22 Hornet. Makes for a much lighter suppressed platform. I have a Silencerco Switchback. I personally find the adjustable lengths handy. Even the longest configuration is much lighter than a 223 can.
luv2safari
Member
tark
Member
I have two hornets. Both are Savage model 23Ds. Inexpensive guns in their day but fine shooters. They are full sized guns (OK, MAN sized! Now the feminists will hate me! ) with 25 inch barrels. I got the one with the cheap Tasco scope for $100 at a gun show. Guy warned me that the scope kept coming loose. Guess he never heard of lock-tite, because that fixed the problem. The left gun is a 99%, pristine gun, with a period correct Weaver model 33 scope. And it's a horrible scope...measured by today's standards. Despite my aversion to shooting 99% collectables, I do shoot it now and then. Its not exactly a high end collectable, anyway.
I don't reload for either gun, I was gifted 500 rounds of factory PPU ammo for a favor rendered. I won't shoot that much before I die.
I don't reload for either gun, I was gifted 500 rounds of factory PPU ammo for a favor rendered. I won't shoot that much before I die.
Attachments
![IMG_7942[1].JPG](/data/attachments/1143/1143125-967922568c7e38db9821dde0f0f4b174.jpg)
tark
Member
post deleted
I was pretty raw (no expert for certain even now) years ago when I began reloading for the Hornet. I just have Lee dies and press, nothing out of the ordinary. I have yet to crush a case. Knock on wood. I think I do get better accuracy if I neck size only for my Ruger.
