.22 Hornet Ammo
Welcome to KIR Ammo’s .22 Hornet Ammunition category, where performance and quality collide. As proud purveyors of high-caliber products, we understand the unique allure of the .22 Hornet. This page is dedicated to the rich legacy, popular brands, and extensive applications of this distinguished ammunition. The .22 Hornet has even made its way into pop culture, appearing in novels and films, showcasing its iconic status in the firearms community. Its references in various hunting and outdoor lifestyle magazines have solidified its reputation as a top-tier choice among enthusiasts.
History of .22 Hornet
The .22 Hornet cartridge has a history that traces back to the 1890s, with a similar but incompatible cartridge called the “.22 Harwood Hornet” invented by Reuben Harwood. The modern .22 Hornet was developed through experiments in the 1920s using the black-powder .22 WCF at Springfield Armory. Winchester began producing ammunition for it in 1930, and guns were commercially available starting in 1932. There are wildcat variants like the .22 K-Hornet and .22 Ackley Improved Hornet, which can increase performance, but still fall short of the legal requirements for deer hunting in some countries and regions.
Performance of the .22 Hornet:
Factory-made .22 Hornet ammunition is widely accessible and typically features bullets weighing between 34 to 46 grains (2.2 to 3.0 g), either hollow point or soft point. The muzzle velocity usually ranges from 2,500 to 3,100 ft/s (760 to 940 m/s), with muzzle energy slightly over 700 ft·lbs (950 J) from a rifle. Firing from short-barreled firearms results in reduced velocities and energies. Additionally, handload data from companies like Hodgdon Powder Company reveals the cartridge’s versatility, with heavier bullets favoring Lil’Gun smokeless powder, allowing for higher velocities in this small case.
Popular Brands
Some of the most popular brands in this ammo line are:
- Winchester: Renowned for its quality and consistency.
- Remington: Trusted by sportsmen for decades.
- Federal: Precision-engineered ammunition for an exceptional shooting experience.
- Hornady: Setting the standard for ballistic innovation.
Associated Arms
This versatile round can be paired with an array of firearms, including but not limited to:
- Ruger 77/22: A popular bolt-action rifle.
- Savage Model 40: Known for its accuracy and reliability.
- CZ 527: A classic European style firearm, perfect for varmint hunting.
As of 2007, rifles chambered in .22 Hornet are being manufactured by Ruger, New England Firearms, CZ, and other mass-market companies. The majority of these rifles are either bolt-action or single-shot, with a few exceptions like “survival” rifle/shotgun combinations and European-made break-action designs. Older guns tend to have a slower 1-16″ twist rate suitable for lighter .223 caliber bullets, while newer guns feature a faster 1-14″ twist for the .224 bore diameter. Revolvers in .22 Hornet have been made by companies like Taurus and Magnum Research, and Thompson Center Arms has produced single-shot pistols. Muzzle velocities for this cartridge are generally lower in short-barreled handguns compared to rifles.
Beyond its rich history and association with renowned brands, the .22 Hornet stands out for its low recoil and flat trajectory. It’s a beloved choice for hunters seeking a small to medium-game cartridge and those passionate about target shooting.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a Second Amendment enthusiast, .22 Hornet Ammunition offers something for everyone. Explore our carefully curated selection and discover why KIR Ammo is the go-to retailer for high-quality ammunition. Our commitment to excellence, coupled with our admiration for the Second Amendment, makes us the perfect choice for your ammunition needs.
Experience the legacy. Choose KIR Ammo for your .22 Hornet Ammunition today.
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