22mag or 22 Hornet??

gd1656

New member
I've about decided on a Ruger K77/?VMBZ but cant decide on cal.--I dont need it for any one reason ,just want something between 22lr and 243--- which would you guys choose and why? Thanks Paul
 
Depends on what you're using it for: if you target small varmints like woodchucks, coons, foxes and turkeys I would go with the Hornet. Ample reloading options and easily obtainable ammo. I have two Rugers in 22 Hornet and I'm very happy.
 
the hornet will give you at least another 75 yards of practical range and you'll be able to fine tune your own loads
 
Tough call?
They're both fun little rounds.

I'd get the Hornet simply because it's reloadable/a little more versatile. Still a hard call though, because I have a real soft spot for the WMR.

I'd also take a long hard look at the CZ 527 American.
The 527 and Browning Micro's are without question the most accurate Hornets made right now, with the edge going to CZ simply because of the trigger.

Luck
 
If you don't reload and don't plan on starting I would go with the 22mag. Factory Hornet ammo is very high. Where I live it is hard to find. If you do reload the Hornets are a lot of fun. I have several, I just picked up a new Micro Hunter over the weekend.( long time coming ) I can't wait for my scope to come in.
 
the hornet wins hans down i have two hornets and 3 22 mags and 2 17hmr the hornets are alot more fun to shoot and easy to reload i love them
 
Originally Posted By: Jo Jo guns I just picked up a new Micro Hunter over the weekend.( long time coming ) I can't wait for my scope to come in.

You're gonna love that Micro!
I have one in 243 and bought my grandson one in 22Hornet for his first center-fire a couple years ago.
I didn't mess with the trigger on his, but did put the Timney spring in mine.
It was better, but not great, and certainly not worth the twenty bucks I spent.
I had a smith stone it, and it's fine now.

Here's a link to some springs that are alot less. Wish someone would have told me about em before I bought the Timney's, but learning things the hard way comes natural to me.
frown.gif

http://erniethegunsmith.com/catalog/c1_p1.html

Back on topic,,, get the Hornet and enjoy it.
Just remember that it is what it is, and don't try to make it into something else.

Luck

BTW,,, HSM's ammo loaded with Calhoons Double HP's shoot great in my GS's Micro.
 
The hornet is better if you reload. If you don't want to reload its not even a question get the 22mag.

You should check out .221 fireball. Its about as powerful as a hornet but tends to be more accurate. Also only good if you reload.

you can get a 527 in .221FB

Or .222

You can reload down to approximately 22mag power with these same with the hornet.
 
I have a xp100 221fb that my dad bought back in the 70's--we loaded some for it but never used it much.It is a neat gun but not much use here in Fl.---is the Hornet hotter than the Fireball?
 
I love my Hornet and love to reload for it, but I love the old 22 magnum if I had to choose and keep only one of my rifles it would be my Ruger 77/22 magnum. In my part of the world the 22 magnum is the most useful round I could ever have.
 
+1 for the hornet , I love the round . If you dont reload then the mag would be your best choice but if not then by all means get the hornet , pound of powder will last a long time here is a load that shoots great out of both of mine 12 gr Litlgun and a 40 gr V-max small rifle primer. Most will say use the small pistol mag but the round shot so well I didnt bother to mess with it
 
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Your choice should be based upon what game you hunt and any restrictions the DNR may place on your hunting.In the state in which I live a centerfire is not allowed for predators in certain counties.In these counties your natural choice would be the .22 magnum.If there are no such restrictions then the .22 Hornet would be the better choice.

Although I have a soft spot for the .22 magnum, because it was the first gun I purchased when I came of age,I'm a sucker for a good Hornet.From the available production models I believe the CZ is the best buy,although you can't go wrong with the Browning, if you can find one,or the Ruger.If you want to spend more money and desire German craftsmanship the Anschutz model 54 will provide years of service as well as pride of ownership.You could also choose a Thompson Encore or Contender single shot.

From the out-of-production models,your choice would include a Winchester model 70,a Walther KKJ or a Kimber of Oregon model 82.I have all three and they are the best of the best.Also don't forget the Ruger Number 1.

Good luck with your decision.
 
Originally Posted By: gd1656is the Hornet hotter than the Fireball?

No,,, the 221's hotter, and wayyyy more versatile than the Hornet, but you DEFINATLY need to reload for it.

Hate to sound like a broken record, but CZ also makes a VERY accurate 221.

Luck
 
Originally Posted By: marcoI love my Hornet and love to reload for it, but I love the old 22 magnum if I had to choose and keep only one of my rifles it would be my Ruger 77/22 magnum. In my part of the world the 22 magnum is the most useful round I could ever have.

Same here and at 9.95 for a box of 50 , you can't go wrong .


I love my 77/22 WMR .

shootingtable2.jpg
 
Amen!!!!! The .221 FB is an unsung jewel, it is an absolute great cartridge. I have over a dozen rifles in this caliber. I'm having one made in AR this December

Originally Posted By: TripleDeuce660The hornet is better if you reload. If you don't want to reload its not even a question get the 22mag.

You should check out .221 fireball. Its about as powerful as a hornet but tends to be more accurate. Also only good if you reload.

you can get a 527 in .221FB

Or .222

You can reload down to approximately 22mag power with these same with the hornet.
 
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