.22 Mag or .22 Hornet?

MrPike

MrPike

New member
I posted recently here with a question about which .22 mag people would suggest for $450 or under. I got a lot of great replies, and it has helped a lot. Thanks to all of you!

While doing some checking around online to follow up on some of the suggestions from the earlier post, I started seeing some info on better performance (in terms of power)from .22 hornets. That made me wonder- should I be looking at one of those instead? The downside that I came across a few times was hornet accuracy, but many of the articles were older and I don't know if some of those issues have been either improved or corrected since the articles were written. What I did see, that still appears to be true, is that there are less choices in factory ammo and the cost is noticeably higher for the hornet (I don't reload).

So, my final question- which way to go? I had originally said I wanted to spend $450 or less, but I would go higher if it was "worth" it. I really don't want to have to mess around with an aftermarket trigger job, unless there is a gun that stands out enough from the rest to justify it. If there is a .22 hornet out there that has good accuracy, and I mean that most of them out of the box shoot reasonably well compared to the average gun in the class, then I think I am leaning toward that.

Anyone have any suggestions on a hornet that will perform well with the factory trigger/out of the box, or should I just stick to a .22 mag and take my chances with the same issues, but at least have cheaper ammo? Again, the use would be part time for fox/coyote.
 
Savage has a hornet but it's only a single shot. CZ also makes a nice hornet but it's more than the 450 your looking at. Not by a whole lot though. I own a savage hornet and it shots really well with winny 45 grainers.
 
I recently picked up a Browning A Bolt Micro Hunter in .22 Hornet and will say that rarely have I been more pleased with a gun straight out of the box.
The fit and finish is very nice, function is flawless and accuracy is perfectly acceptable for varmint and predator hunting. It certainly isn't a tack driver by any means but will throw 3/4in - 1in 5 shot groups consistantly at 100 yards and that is with the first and only ammo I tried. The trigger is crisp and breaks cleanly. Trigger weight can be easily lowered without taking the action out of the stock.
Ammo is sold 50 to a box and in my area costs right at $30.00. It is pricier than the .22 mag but within reason provided you don't plan on plinking with it.
I have only had the opportunity to take 2 good sized Raccoons with mine and they both dropped deader than a rock with shoulder shots. No kicking, no twitching just dead. The Remington HP loads made a .22 caliber sized entrance wound with no exit which was nice since I like to save the pelts.
I have taken Raccoon with .22 rimfires and they always require a follow up shot to put the animal down humanely. Not saying the first shot wasn't lethal but they would tend to flop around before expiring which I didn't particularly enjoy seeing.
Hope this little review helps and if I didn't cover anything feel free to ask.
 
I own a Ruger 77/22 in the Hornet and have shot a sub MOA group with handloads. From what I've read, this is rare for the Ruger without some work. My buddy has a CZ 527 that's looking like a shooter, sweet little gun. I think my vote would be the CZ. The Hornet is a cool little cartridge and a blast to shoot. BTW, I think my bud paid $485 for his CZ.
 
luvthemtorts, I also own a Browning Micro Hunter A Bolt in the 22 Hornet. They are superior to most right out of the box because their actions are glass bedded and their barrels are free floated from the factory. Can't think of anyone else that does that in a Hornet.

Also, if you go to Cabelas or somewhere and order some of those Hornady 35 gr V-Max in the Hornet, your groups that you mentioned will be reduced by at least a 1/3rd, easily. I can get under 1/2" with much consistency with that particular factory ammo. I have two friends that saw my Browning Hornet shoot and they went and bought the same rifle. One of them reloads and with Lil Gun and a crimp he is shooting ragged one hole five shots. But both of their guns shoot excellently.

Pete Hauer of the FoxPro Field Staff convinced me to try the Browning some years back and I have never regretted it, not once. But he did warn me not to discuss their accuracy, because it will make people question my credibility /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I will shoot for them anytime they want for a demonstration, for money! If you buy one, clean it extensively before ever shooting it the first time, really-really clean the barrel.

The price range is different than buying a CZ or a Ruger. But like I said, I have never regretted it, not once.

"There is accuracy, then there is Browning accuracy"
 
Not to say hornets are not accurate, but many are very picky. It is not the gun but rather the case design. I like hornets (when I can get them to shoot like I want), but I LOVE the .221 fireball. The 5 fireballs I have worked with personaly have all been easy to handlaod for and liked many loads. If you are not going to hand load you will have more choices of ammo in the hornet, that ammo will not be cheap. I have met a few fireballs that did not like the remington factory load. Which may be the only factory load, unless Hornady makes one. Factory fireball ammo is not cheap either.
 
The Hornet is a great rifle for calling. $500 give or take will get you a CZ 527 American in .22Hornet. You wont find a finer rifle out of the box for that price.
 
It wouldn't be my choice if I was considering a centerfire. I'd go with the 204 Ruger, 221 fireball, 222 Remington or the 223 Remington over the hornet.

Keep in mind you can always load down to hornet velocities, but there's no where to go up from a hornet and the rifle and optics is going to cost the same.

204 Ruger in a CZ Varmit, 25.5 inch bore, half in groups, flat shooting as a 22-250, fur friendly.

CZ527-204-2.jpg
 
To address your original question I would go for the hornet over the 22mag.The hornet has more power than the 22 mag which translates into more range and more killing power,which would be better suited for coyote.You shouldn't rule out the single shot rifle some of them can be had rather inexpensivly and are very capable shooters.
 
If you handload go with a 223 and reduced loads. I just can't believe the .22 Hornet is still made. It was dead for sure when the 222 came out but now for some bizare reason some people still mention it.
 
If your calling in brushy areas with close in shots a 22 mag would work fine. I've killed quite a few coyotes & fox with the 22 mag CCI 40 gr maxi mag HPs. With the 22 mag you are very limited and should refrain shooting at the yotes of fox beyond 50 yards or so. Nice thing about the 22 mag is you can also take it cottontail, squirrel or can hunting and have a lot of fun.

22 hornet is a fun little cartridge but I think for the cost I would go ahead and jump to the 223 and have a little power in reserve for those longer shots or for follow ups.
 
Pruson,
I am concerned that loads using the VMax bullets will blow out the backside which is why I have pretty much stuck to the HP loads. I haven't tried anything other than the Remington offering so may see what the Winchester will do but not real concerned about it at the moment. Like I said the Remingtons deliver 1in groups at 100 yards all day long which is plenty accurate for predators.
I noticed you are located in Va.. How is your predator hunting going this year? Seems our Fox population has crashed and have only seen two Grays all year.
 
The Hornet is much better than a .22 mag as far as power wise. However, if you don't reload you may have trouble finding a rifle that shoots factory loads pretty well. It is a crap-shoot on this. CZ would be my bet as they shoot pretty well out of the box. I have heard lots of good things on the Browning Hornets but have never seen one. Browning said they only import them everyonce in a while. I have all the Hornet versions except the Browning.
 
I also own a Ruger 77/22 Hornet and it is a real joy to shoot. More often than not I find myself reaching for the Hornet over my .223 when I know my shots are going to be no more than 150 yards or so. It is quieter, lighter and just fun to shoot. To qualify things though, if I didn't reload my own I don't think I would be willing to spend the money for the over the counter ammo. And, as one poster has already pointed out, if you are going to get a centerfire then the .223 would be a more logical choice in my opinion, especially if you don't reload. Accuracy has never been a issue with my gun unless I push a reload more than I should. One inch to one and a quarter inch groups at 100 yards is the norm for my Ruger which is just fine for it's intended use.
 
Hi

I have a hornet 77/22 ruger. I had some accuracy problems with factory ammo usually between 1 and 1.5 inch groups at 100
yrds. I handload.. and was able to get it down to sub MOA most of the time and could safely brag about consistantly 1 inch groups. I ended up using calhoons 37 gr hp and hodgdons LIL GUN powder So It's not my 204 but it is a wonderful rifle to carry all day and it's not an ear blaster like most other 22 rimfires. If I were you I would try the abolt or cz
as i think you would be better off with accuracy than
the 77/22. If you are not going to handload I would be glad to
take your spent brass off your hands. I of course would reimburse you for the shipping.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Quote:
Not to say hornets are not accurate, but many are very picky. It is not the gun but rather the case design. I like hornets (when I can get them to shoot like I want), but I LOVE the .221 fireball. The 5 fireballs I have worked with personaly have all been easy to handlaod for and liked many loads. If you are not going to hand load you will have more choices of ammo in the hornet, that ammo will not be cheap. I have met a few fireballs that did not like the remington factory load. Which may be the only factory load, unless Hornady makes one. Factory fireball ammo is not cheap either.



Matt is right on about Hornets being tempremental. I have two Hornets now, and owned two others in the past. They can be difficult to get shooting well, from my experience.
I also have a Ruger 77/22 Mag that is exceptionally accurate with the right ammo.
Can't advise you about which to buy, just trying to give you some food for thought.

Martyn
 
I have a 22mag ,Hornet, and a 223 . The big down side of a Hornet is the cost of the ammo and gun . The Hornet and 223 guns will cost about the same but the 223 ammo is about a third the cost .There is a quick payback here and you can get 223's anywhere . The CZ527 comes in hornet and 223 ; is about $500 and comes with a set trigger . I would go with one of these .Hornets are not for the new reloader as they are very tempremental .This being said I shoot my TC Continder Carbine in 22 Hornet more than any gun I have, with my 527 Carbine in 223 in second place . I have an auto and bolt 22mag and love both .
 
I have a browning micro hunter 22 hornet it shoots 1 inch groups at 150 yards with remington loads they cost about $25.00 a box of 50 its a great gun ive shot a few deer with it during deer season shoot them in the ear and they fall like a sack of rocks i also have a rem 597 auto 22 mag its ok 4 close shots up to 50 yards but u need to hit them in the shoulder or head to stop them iam looking at buying a 223 new englander single shot because the ammo is cheap but u get good shots out to 200 yards with good knock down power. a box of 50 is anywhere from $7.00 to $25.00 the gun cost $210.00 new at any mc sports
 
The hornet probably would have died if it was not for handgun hunting which if it had would have been a shame because it fills a need like no other comercial round (maybe the 221 fireball) A varmint round that carries some punch where long range is not required and low noise is.

And just how accurate does a hunting rig need to be to be useful when max useful range is anywhere from 125-175 (maybe further on small stuff but not much) depending on what is being hunted.

Yes there are higher performance options out there but if you were thinking a 22 mag would have done it for you the hornet would do it better. Ammo is expensive expecially compared to bulk 223, not so much the regular and priemium stuff.

And does the rifle need to be expensive? No Savage Mod 40 or a handi rifle (I have the superlight version in 22 hornet that shoots good enough to get the job done) neither of those will break the bank.
 


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