Diving into Ballistics
The .22 Hornet
The .22 Hornet is a centerfire rifle cartridge that has earned its place as a classic. Generally, this cartridge accepts bullets with a diameter of .224 inches. Typical bullet weights range from 30 to 55 grains, offering a good selection for various shooting applications.
The muzzle velocity of the .22 Hornet is a significant advantage, often ranging from 2,500 to 3,100 feet per second (fps), depending on the specific load and barrel length. This high velocity translates into a flatter trajectory, meaning the bullet drops less over a given distance. This flatter trajectory improves accuracy at longer ranges, making it easier to hit your target precisely.
Considering a bullet like a 45-grain .22 Hornet load, we can expect it to still be traveling fast enough to be effective even beyond 200 yards. The .22 Hornet offers a longer effective range compared to the .22 WMR, reaching perhaps 200-300 yards for ethical hunting, contingent on the projectile and its usage.
The .22 WMR
The .22 WMR, or .22 Magnum, is a rimfire cartridge widely known for its accessibility and affordability. Like the Hornet, it employs bullets with a .224-inch diameter. Bullet weights are typically from 30 to 50 grains, with various designs available to affect performance on target.
The .22 WMR generally has a muzzle velocity between 1,500 and 2,200 fps, again depending on the load. While still quite respectable, the .22 WMR offers lower velocities when compared to the .22 Hornet.
The ballistic trajectory of the .22 WMR is noticeably curved in comparison to the .22 Hornet, mainly due to the lower muzzle velocity and often a higher bullet drag profile. The .22 WMR is typically effective out to about 125-150 yards for hunting, with target shooting also well within that distance. Beyond this range, bullet drop becomes significant, making accurate shot placement more challenging.
Ballistic Performance Side by Side
Comparing the two directly highlights their key differences. The .22 Hornet clearly wins in muzzle velocity and energy. The flatter trajectory of the Hornet allows for longer, more precise shots. The WMR, on the other hand, trades a lower muzzle velocity with a much greater drop beyond the expected distance.
The .22 Hornet maintains more energy downrange, meaning it carries more punch at longer distances. This becomes particularly crucial for varmint hunting and when dealing with slightly larger targets.
In practical terms, the difference means that the .22 Hornet is superior for longer shots, providing more downrange energy and a flatter trajectory for a more reliable hit. The .22 WMR, with its steeper trajectory, requires more precise holdover adjustments at longer ranges and is more suited for targets that are closer in.
Understanding Cartridge Design
The design and construction of a cartridge have a direct impact on its performance, reliability, and the overall shooting experience. Let’s examine the construction of the .22 Hornet and the .22 WMR.
The .22 Hornet’s Blueprint
The .22 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge, meaning the firing pin strikes the center of the primer. This design is known for its reliability and the consistency it offers. The case design is also key; the Hornet uses a bottlenecked case, which means the body tapers down towards the bullet. This design aids in bullet seating and improves chambering.
The .22 Hornet uses a primer that must be struck in the middle of the primer. This central ignition is inherently more reliable than a rimfire setup and gives better assurance against misfires. Typically, reloaders can adapt powder selection to create ammunition best suited to their application of choice.
The .22 WMR’s Foundation
The .22 WMR is a rimfire cartridge. In a rimfire cartridge, the firing pin strikes the edge, or rim, of the case, igniting the priming compound contained within. This rimfire design is simpler and cheaper to manufacture. The .22 WMR is a straight-walled case with a relatively simple design.
The rimfire design offers ease of manufacturing and a low cost to produce. Due to the construction design, the rimfire cartridge is also generally easier to manufacture. However, the rimfire design is considered less reliable than the centerfire design.
Design Impact
The centerfire design of the .22 Hornet gives it a significant advantage in terms of reliability and reloading capabilities. Centerfire ammunition is known for being less prone to misfires compared to rimfire rounds. The .22 Hornet can be reloaded, giving shooters more control over bullet weight, powder, and overall load performance. This is also a great feature for budget-conscious shooters.
The .22 WMR’s rimfire design makes it more affordable and suitable for the less experienced shooter. However, reloading .22 WMR ammunition is not usually recommended, limiting options for shooters.
Costs and Availability
The financial aspect of shooting is a major consideration for many, so let’s look at the costs of each cartridge.
Ammo Costs
The .22 WMR is typically more affordable in terms of ammunition costs. The lower cost of manufacturing translates to a lower price per round. A box of .22 WMR cartridges is usually cheaper than a comparable box of .22 Hornet ammunition.
The .22 Hornet ammunition is generally more expensive. The centerfire design, higher velocities, and the specialized nature of this cartridge contribute to its higher price tag.
The availability of ammunition is also a factor. .22 WMR is widely available at most sporting goods stores. .22 Hornet can also be found, but might be less consistently stocked in some locations.
Firearm Expenses
In general, rifles chambered in .22 WMR are more affordable than those chambered in .22 Hornet. This can be another large consideration, especially for shooters on a budget. More economical firearm options often lead to cheaper accessories.
The .22 Hornet rifles can be more expensive, particularly those from reputable brands and featuring high-quality components.
Applications and Best Uses
The intended application of a cartridge significantly influences its suitability.
The .22 Hornet’s Best Use
The .22 Hornet excels in varmint hunting and small game hunting at moderate ranges. Its flat trajectory and higher velocity enable greater precision, making it highly effective at distances out to 200+ yards, making it a superior option for shooting further targets. It has more knock-down power than the .22 WMR.
Ethical hunting considerations are essential. The .22 Hornet is powerful enough to effectively harvest animals like groundhogs, coyotes, and even small predators at ranges where shot placement can be precisely executed.
The .22 WMR’s Ideal Settings
The .22 WMR shines in small game hunting, plinking, and pest control where ranges are shorter. It is effective against rabbits, squirrels, and similar-sized animals.
The .22 WMR is perfect for recreational shooting at ranges under 100 yards. Its affordability and low recoil make it an ideal choice for introducing new shooters.
Application Comparison
The .22 Hornet is superior for varmint control over extended distances, which often defines their hunting ranges. The .22 WMR is ideal for situations where longer distances are not necessary, and the lower cost per round is advantageous.
Accuracy and Recoil
Accuracy and recoil are two crucial factors in determining shooting pleasure.
Accuracy Potential
Both the .22 Hornet and .22 WMR have the potential for good accuracy. However, accuracy depends on several factors, including rifle quality, ammunition consistency, scope, and the shooter’s skill.
The .22 Hornet, with its flatter trajectory and potential for precision reloading, often exhibits superior accuracy at longer distances. The .22 WMR is still very accurate, particularly at the closer ranges for which it is usually employed.
Recoil Experience
Both cartridges have low recoil, making them easy to shoot for extended periods. The .22 Hornet generally has a slightly more noticeable recoil due to its higher velocity and heavier bullets, but it is still mild and manageable.
The .22 WMR has very low recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all experience levels.
Reloading Considerations (If Applicable)
Reloading is a great way to tailor your cartridges.
The .22 Hornet’s Reloading Opportunity
The .22 Hornet is a popular choice for reloaders. Reloading allows you to control bullet weight, powder type, and overall load performance. A good reloading setup allows for greater savings.
Reloading .22 WMR
The .22 WMR presents challenges for reloaders. Reloading components can be harder to source, and the rimfire design makes this a task not often attempted.
Pros and Cons
To help consolidate the information, let’s review the pros and cons.
The .22 Hornet’s Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros: The Hornet offers higher velocity, a flatter trajectory, and better long-range performance. It is also designed for reloading.
Cons: The .22 Hornet can be more expensive and may feature more recoil.
The .22 WMR’s Positive and Negative Aspects
Pros: The .22 WMR is more affordable and available. It has low recoil.
Cons: The trajectory is more curved, and the cartridge has a shorter effective range.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the .22 Hornet and the .22 WMR depends entirely on your specific shooting needs. The .22 Hornet is the better choice if you want to hunt varmints at longer ranges, desire the advantages of a flatter trajectory, and enjoy reloading. The .22 WMR is the superior option for those looking for an affordable cartridge that works well at shorter ranges, making it an ideal choice for plinking or small game hunting. Considering the price difference, it is easy to see how the .22 WMR also is an ideal starter round for introducing new shooters to the experience.
Deciding which cartridge is right for you requires careful consideration of your desired applications and the characteristics you value most in a firearm.
Remember to always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Practice proper handling techniques and follow all local and federal laws. Enjoy your shooting!
