22 Hornet History:
The 22 Hornet was designed as one of the first high velocity centerfire 22’s to use smokeless powder. While this cartridge can be attributed to the efforts of several individuals it was Winchester that put it all together in 1930 and introduced the 22 hornet with a bullet diameter of .223″. Today’s 22 Hornets are .224″.
The 22 Hornet is a very small cartridge, but when loaded with 45 grain bullets at a velocity of 2,700 feet per second they mean certain disaster to small critters and varmints that wind up in the crosshairs out to about 200 yards.
It is by no means a super long range 22 centerfire but it does very well out to about 200 yards. The 22 hornet offers low noise and very little recoil for the shooter which makes it a favorite for pest control in areas where noise may be a concern, as well as newer shooters who are working up to a larger caliber.
22 Hornet Ballistics:
This 22 Hornet ballistics chart shows Hornady 35 grain V-MAX with a ballistic coefficient of .109.
| Muzzle | 100 YDS | 200 YDS | 300 YDS | |
| Velocity (FPS) | 3,100 | 2,271 | 1,590 | 1,126 |
| Energy (FT/LB) | 747 | 401 | 197 | 99 |
| Drop (Inches) | -1.5 | 2.8 | 0 | -17.1 |
This next 22 Hornet ballistics table shows 35 grain Federal American Eagle Varmint and Predator with a ballistic coefficient of .109.
| Muzzle | 100 YDS | 200 YDS | 300 YDS | |
| Velocity (FPS) | 3,000 | 2,188 | 1,526 | 1,094 |
| Energy (FT/LB) | 699 | 372 | 181 | 93 |
| Drop (Inches) | 1.4 | 3.1 | 0 | -19.1 |
22 Hornet Barrel Specifications.
Common Barrel Twist Rate – 1/16
Bore Groove Diameter – .223″ – .224″
22 Hornet Reloading Specifications.
Bullet Diameter – .223″ – .224″
Maximum Case Length – 1.403″
Trimmed Case Length – 1.393″
Primer Size – Small Rifle
22 Hornet Loading Data Hints.
It is very accurate when loads are worked up with imr 4227 powder of which highest velocity will also be realized.
22 Hornet Ballistics:
Check out our rifle ballistics chart, next.
Or, check out our handgun ballistics chart.
