.22 Hornet vs .22 Magnum: A Comprehensive Comparison

⚖️ 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

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 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 |

💥 Reloading: The Hornet’s Trump Card

Reloading transforms the .22 Hornet into multiple cartridges in one. You can load:

1. High-velocity varmint rounds (e.g., 35gr at 3,000+ fps)

2. Subsonic or suppressor-friendly loads using Trail Boss

3. Cast bullet small game loads for ultra-quiet shooting

4. 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 |

| 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. 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.

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 crucial question: "What do you want to use it for?"