.22 Hornet vs .22 Magnum: Small Caliber, Big Decisions
- info1447150
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
In the world of small-caliber rifles, two cartridges rise to the top for serious varmint work and small game hunting: the .22 Hornet and the .22 Magnum (WMR). Both bring unique strengths to the table, but their differences in power, reloadability, range, and platforms make them suitable for very different shooters.
At Redleg Guns, we’ve built, tuned, and field-tested both in a variety of environments—from Minnesota winter coyote hunts to prairie dog shoots in wide-open country. This guide gives you a real-world comparison, ballistics breakdown, and a deeper look at why reloading the Hornet unlocks an entirely different performance tier.
⚖️ Side-by-Side Caliber Comparison
Feature | .22 Hornet | .22 Magnum (WMR) |
Type | Centerfire | Rimfire |
Bullet Diameter | .224" | .224" |
Typical Bullet Weights | 35–55 gr | 30–50 gr |
Muzzle Velocity | 2,400–3,100 fps | 1,750–2,200 fps |
Muzzle Energy | 450–700 ft-lbs | 250–325 ft-lbs |
Effective Range | 200–250 yards | 100–125 yards |
Reloadable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Firearm Types | Bolt-action, single-shot, custom builds | Bolt, lever, semi-auto, revolver |
Suppressor-Ready Loads | ✅ Tunable for subsonic | ⚠️ Limited (rimfire = no reload options) |
Ammo Cost | ~$1.00 (factory), ~$0.30–$0.60 (reloads) | ~$0.30–$0.50 (factory only) |
Twist Rate Limitations | 1:14 std (1:12+ better for 50+ gr) | Fixed — limited factory ammo choices |
🎯 Real-World Performance
Trajectory & Accuracy
.22 Hornet: Flatter trajectory, retains more velocity and energy over distance. A handloaded Hornet with a 40gr V-Max can stay supersonic and flat out past 200 yards.
.22 Magnum: Effective to 100 yards, with noticeable drop beyond that. Accuracy from quality rifles is good but limited by ammo consistency.
Wind Drift
Hornet wins hands down. Heavier bullets at higher velocities resist wind better, making it far more predictable in open fields.
Magnum bullets lose velocity fast and are more easily pushed by wind beyond 75–100 yards.
Killing Power
Hornet: Clean kills on coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and even feral cats or bobcats with proper bullet placement. Ideal for small predators.
Magnum: Sufficient for rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and skunks—but can struggle to anchor larger varmints at distance.
🛠️ Rifle & Platform Options
Factor | .22 Hornet | .22 Magnum |
Rifle Variety | Limited but high quality (CZ 527, Ruger 77/22, Tikka T1x custom conversions) | Broad: bolt, lever, semi-auto, revolver |
Barrel Customization | Easily customized – barrel length, twist, threading, etc. | Factory specs only |
Suppressor Compatibility | Excellent – subsonic reloads or Trail Boss loads are whisper quiet | Limited – subsonic rimfire ammo is rare in WMR |
Accuracy Potential | Excellent – sub-MOA with tailored loads | Good – often ~1.5 MOA with factory ammo |
Redleg Pro Tip: The Hornet is perfect for a custom precision field rifle, whereas the Magnum excels in utility rifles for grab-and-go use.
💥 Reloading: The Hornet’s Trump Card
Reloading transforms the .22 Hornet into multiple cartridges in one. You can load:
High-velocity varmint rounds (e.g. 35gr at 3,000+ fps)
Subsonic or suppressor-friendly loads using Trail Boss
Cast bullet small game loads for ultra-quiet plinking
Match-grade custom rounds with tuned seating depth and powder charge
Example Loads
🔫 Varmint Load
Bullet: 40gr V-Max
Powder: 13.0gr Lil’ Gun
Velocity: ~2,950 fps
Use: Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, jackrabbits at 150–250 yds
🦊 Predator Load
Bullet: 45gr Soft Point
Powder: 11.5gr IMR 4227
Velocity: ~2,600 fps
Use: Fox, coyote, raccoon, feral dog
🧯 Suppressed/Subsonic
Bullet: 45gr cast GC
Powder: 4.5gr Trail Boss
Velocity: ~1,050 fps
Use: Plinking, pest dispatch, discreet shooting
With the right twist (1:12 or faster), you can load heavier bullets (50–55gr) for better wind performance and knockdown power.
🧠 Use Case Breakdown: Which One for Which Job?
Use Case | Best Cartridge |
Backyard plinking | .22 Magnum |
Suppressor/silent pest control | .22 Hornet (reloaded subsonic) |
Long-range varmint hunting | .22 Hornet |
Reloading & load development | .22 Hornet |
Budget ranch rifle | .22 Magnum |
Lightweight coyote rifle | .22 Hornet (custom build) |
Lever-action revolver compatibility | .22 Magnum |
Custom precision rifle | .22 Hornet |
🔧 Redleg Guns Perspective
If you're:
A reloader or want to become one
Someone who values precision over convenience
Interested in suppressor-ready, tunable platforms
Planning to build a custom rifle that grows with your skills
Then the .22 Hornet is hands-down the better long-term investment. Especially when paired with a Redleg custom barrel twist, optimized stock, and load development support.
But if you're:
A casual shooter
Looking for store-bought ammo and simple field use
Want a gun that works in both a rifle and revolver
The .22 Magnum is a rugged, reliable, no-hassle solution.
Redleg can help you:
📞 Call us at (507) 677-6007📧 Email: info@redlegguns.com🌐 www.redlegguns.com
👉 Book a consultation and let us ask the most important question:"What do you want to use it for?"
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