.22 Hornet vs .22 Magnum: A Comprehensive Comparison

Red Leg Guns
Jun 27, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 18, 2025

⚖️ 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	✅ Tunable for subsonic	⚠️ Limited (no reloads)
Ammo Cost	~$1.00 factory / ~$0.30–$0.60 reloads	~$0.30–$0.50 factory
Twist Rate Options	1:14 std (1:12+ for 50+ gr)	Fixed limited ammo choices

🎯 Real-World Performance

Trajectory & Accuracy

The .22 Hornet boasts a flatter trajectory, retaining more velocity and energy over distances. A handloaded Hornet with a 40gr V-Max can stay supersonic and flat even past 200 yards. In contrast, the .22 Magnum is effective to 100 yards but shows a noticeable drop beyond that. While accuracy from quality rifles is good, it is limited by ammo consistency.

Wind Drift

When it comes to wind drift, the Hornet wins hands down. Heavier bullets at higher velocities resist wind better, making it much more predictable in open fields. On the other hand, Magnum bullets lose velocity rapidly and are more easily pushed by wind beyond 75 to 100 yards.

Killing Power

The Hornet delivers clean kills on coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and even feral cats or bobcats with proper bullet placement. It is ideal for small predators. The Magnum, while sufficient for rabbits, squirrels, and skunks, can struggle to anchor larger varmints at a distance.

🛠️ Rifle & Platform Options

Factor	.22 Hornet	.22 Magnum
Rifle Variety	Limited but premium (CZ 527, Ruger 77/22, Tikka custom)	Wide: bolt, lever, semi-auto, revolver
Barrel Customization	Fully customizable: twist, length, threading	Factory-only
Suppressor Compatibility	Excellent Trail Boss or subsonic loads possible	Limited rare subsonic rimfire loads
Accuracy Potential	Sub-MOA with tuned loads	~1.5 MOA average 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 shooting
Match-grade custom rounds with optimized seating depth and powder charge

Example Loads

🔫 Varmint Load

Bullet: 40gr V-Max
Powder: 13.0gr Lil’ Gun
Velocity: ~2,950 fps
Use: Ideal for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, jackrabbits at 150–250 yards

🦊 Predator Load

Bullet: 45gr Soft Point
Powder: 11.5gr IMR 4227
Velocity: ~2,600 fps
Use: Effective for foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and feral dogs

🧯 Suppressed/Subsonic

Bullet: 45gr cast GC
Powder: 4.5gr Trail Boss
Velocity: ~1,050 fps
Use: Good for plinking, pest dispatch, and discreet shooting

With the right twist (1:12 or faster), you can also load heavier bullets (50–55gr) for improved wind performance and knockdown power.

🧠 Use Case Breakdown: Which One for Which Job?

Use Case	Best Cartridge
Backyard plinking	.22 Magnum
Suppressed pest control	.22 Hornet (reloaded subsonic)
Long-range varmint hunting	.22 Hornet
Reloading & experimentation	.22 Hornet
Budget ranch rifle	.22 Magnum
Lightweight predator rifle	.22 Hornet (custom build)
Lever-action or revolver compatibility	.22 Magnum
Custom precision rifle builds	.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. It pairs exceptionally well 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.

Want to learn about the .218 Bee and the .22 Hornet? Check It Out!

🔗 Continue Exploring Precision with Redleg

Whether you’re chasing prairie dogs across Minnesota fields or tuning your next competition rifle, Redleg Precision is your trusted partner in custom rifles, gunsmithing, and advanced reloading education.

Learn more about our Custom Rifle Builds, explore our Gunsmithing Services, or download our Reloading Sheets.