.22 Hornet
The .22 Hornet is the original centerfire varmint cartridge — introduced in the 1930s and still produced for its unique combination of low noise, minimal recoil, and effective killing power on varmints and predators at ranges to 200 yards. Pushing a 35–45 grain bullet at 2,650–3,100 fps, the .22 Hornet is louder than a .22 WMR rimfire magnum but quieter than larger varmint rounds like the .223 Remington or .204 Ruger, making it popular for pest control near livestock and on rural properties where noise is a concern.
Read our full .22 Hornet Ammo Buying Guide ↓
Why .22 Hornet in 2026?
The .22 Hornet has survived nearly a century of newer, faster varmint cartridges because it does something the others don’t: deliver centerfire varmint-killing performance with rimfire-level noise and recoil. For farmers and ranchers shooting ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and coyotes around livestock, buildings, and neighbors, the Hornet’s modest report is a genuine practical advantage. It’s also one of the most handloader-friendly cartridges — low powder charges extend brass life and make components economical.
Factory Ammunition
Factory .22 Hornet ammunition is available from Hornady (35-grain V-MAX), Winchester (45-grain Super-X and 46-grain Varmint-X), and Federal. Hornady’s 35-grain V-MAX at 3,100 fps is the most popular varmint load — explosive fragmentation on prairie dogs and ground squirrels with virtually no exit wound on coyotes (minimizing pelt damage for fur hunters). Winchester’s 46-grain hollowpoint at 2,690 fps is the heavier option for predator hunting where penetration matters.
.22 Hornet vs. .223 Remington
The .223 Remington is faster, flatter-shooting, and available in a much wider variety of rifles and ammunition. The .22 Hornet is quieter, gentler on barrels (virtually unlimited barrel life), and produces less recoil. If noise, recoil, and barrel life don’t matter, .223 is the better varmint cartridge. If you’re shooting near livestock or neighbors and want the quietest centerfire option, .22 Hornet fills the gap between rimfire magnums and full-power centerfire.
.22 Hornet vs. .17 HMR and .22 WMR
The .17 HMR and .22 WMR are rimfire magnums that approach the .22 Hornet’s velocity but can’t match its energy at range due to lighter bullets and lower ballistic coefficients. The .22 Hornet also has the advantage of being reloadable — rimfire cases are not. For shooters who handload and want to tune their varmint loads, the .22 Hornet is the most economical centerfire option to run.
Rifles Chambered in .22 Hornet
Current-production .22 Hornet rifles are limited compared to mainstream varmint calibers, but Ruger (No. 1 single-shot), CZ 457, and some specialty manufacturers offer them. The CZ 457 in .22 Hornet is the most popular current-production option — a bolt-action rimfire-sized rifle that handles the Hornet’s modest pressures and dimensions perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .22 Hornet good for coyotes?
Yes — the 35-grain V-MAX at 3,100 fps is lethal on coyotes inside 200 yards. For fur hunting, the minimal exit wound preserves pelts.
Is .22 Hornet ammo hard to find?
Less common than .223 at local retailers but readily available online from Hornady, Winchester, and Federal.
Can I reload .22 Hornet?
Yes — it’s one of the most handloader-friendly cartridges, with low powder charges that extend brass life and reduce component cost.
.22 Hornet vs. .22-250 for varmints?
The .22-250 is dramatically faster and flatter-shooting for long-range varmint work. The .22 Hornet is quieter, gentler, and better suited to close-to-moderate range pest control.
See Also: .223/5.56 Ammo • .204 Ruger Ammo • .17 HMR Ammo • .22 WMR Ammo • Bolt-Action Rifles • Hunting Rifles