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22 HORNET AMMO

22 Hornet Ammunition For Sale

At Target Sports USA, we take pride in offering a comprehensive selection of .22 Hornet ammunition, ideal for everything from precise target shooting to efficient varmint hunting. The .22 Hornet, with its rich history and unique capabilities, remains a favorite among shooters who appreciate its flat trajectory, low recoil, and impressive accuracy.

In our collection, you'll find trusted brands like Hornady, Winchester, and Remington, each offering quality options tailored to various shooting needs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a target shooting enthusiast, the .22 Hornet provides a versatile and enjoyable shooting experience.

Read Our 22 HORNET AMMO Guide (Bottom of Page)

A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 22 HORNET AMMO

The .22 Hornet is a classic small-caliber cartridge that dates back to the 1920s, developed from early experiments with the .22 WCF. By transitioning to smokeless powder, the 22 Hornet round quickly gained popularity for its flat trajectory, mild report, and effective varmint-stopping power. As one of the first high-velocity centerfire cartridges in commercial use, it set the standard for small-game and pest control calibers still relied on today.

Most factory-loaded 22 Hornet ammunition uses 35 to 45-grain bullets. Lighter 35-grain projectiles offer higher velocities and faster expansion, ideal for short- to mid-range varmint hunting. Heavier 45-grain bullets provide better downrange energy and stability, particularly useful when conditions are variable or when engaging slightly larger targets. With its excellent accuracy potential, the 22 Hornet is also well-suited for honing precision marksmanship skills with minimal fatigue.

One of the defining advantages of 22 Hornet ammo is its balance of performance, minimal recoil, and low noise. It offers significantly more velocity and energy than rimfire options like the .22 WMR, while producing less recoil and report than larger centerfire rounds. This makes it an outstanding choice for new shooters, range sessions, or long days afield where comfort and control are key.

Popular options include Hornady's Varmint Express line featuring the 35-grain V-MAX bullet, engineered for rapid fragmentation on impact, perfect for prairie dogs, groundhogs, and other pests. Winchester’s Super-X 45-grain soft point is another trusted choice, offering reliable expansion and penetration for versatile field use. For reloaders, 22 Hornet brass and bullets are widely available, making it a favorite among handloaders seeking customized performance from this efficient and versatile cartridge.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 22 HORNET AMMO

Choosing the right .22 Hornet ammo depends on your intended use, whether you're zeroing in at the range, dispatching varmints in the field, or handloading for optimal performance. Here are several factors to guide your purchase

Purpose: Determine your shooting goal before selecting a load. For target practice and plinking, go with full metal jacket (FMJ) or soft point (SP) bullets. These offer dependable performance and are typically more affordable. For varmint hunting, choose polymer-tipped (V-MAX) or hollow point (HP) rounds. These designs expand rapidly on impact, ensuring maximum terminal effect on pests and small game.

Bullet Weight: Bullet weight significantly influences your shooting dynamics. Lighter 35-grain bullets provide higher muzzle velocities and flatter trajectories, making them ideal for short- to mid-range shooting of smaller pests. In contrast, heavier 45-grain bullets carry better downrange energy and are more stable in windy conditions or at extended distances, useful for coyotes or larger varmints.

Choosing a Manufacturer: Rely on brands with proven track records. Hornady’s Varmint Express is a go-to option, featuring the 35-grain V-MAX bullet that delivers explosive expansion. Winchester Super-X and Remington High Performance Rifle loads are time-tested choices for shooters who value reliability and field-proven performance. For affordable range time, Sellier & Bellot offers .22 Hornet ammunition with consistent accuracy at a lower cost per round.

Firearm Compatibility: Always confirm that your rifle is chambered specifically for .22 Hornet. This cartridge is not interchangeable with similar-sounding rounds like .22 K-Hornet or other centerfire .22 calibers. Using the wrong ammunition could result in poor accuracy or, worse, unsafe pressures. When in doubt, consult your rifle's markings or contact a qualified gunsmith.

22 HORNET AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the effective range of the .22 Hornet?
The .22 Hornet is highly effective out to 150–200 yards for small game and varmint hunting. Its flat trajectory and light recoil make it excellent for precise shots at moderate distances. Beyond 200 yards, bullet drop becomes more significant, and terminal energy begins to decline, limiting its effectiveness on larger targets.
Can I use .22 Hornet ammo for deer hunting?
While 22 Hornet ammo has taken deer historically in some regions, it is generally not recommended for ethical deer hunting by today’s standards. Its energy levels are marginal for medium-sized game. It's far better suited for foxes, groundhogs, coyotes, rabbits, and other varmints or small game.
Is the .22 Hornet louder than a .22 LR?
Yes, the .22 Hornet round is louder than a .22 Long Rifle due to its higher powder charge and velocity. However, it’s quieter than most centerfire hunting cartridges, making it a solid option for hunters seeking moderate report and minimal disturbance in the field.
What are the advantages of the .22 Hornet over rimfire cartridges?
The .22 Hornet provides higher velocity, greater energy, and superior performance at extended ranges compared to rimfire rounds like .22 WMR or .17 HMR. As a centerfire cartridge, it also offers the benefit of reloading, giving handloaders the flexibility to tailor loads for accuracy, cost savings, or specific game.
Is reloading .22 Hornet ammunition common?
Yes, reloading 22 Hornet ammo is a popular practice among precision shooters and varmint hunters. The cartridge uses small powder charges and lightweight bullets, making it cost-efficient to reload. Handloaders can experiment with bullet types and powders to optimize accuracy and performance for their specific firearm.
What rifles are chambered for .22 Hornet?
Many popular bolt-action and single-shot rifles are chambered for .22 Hornet, including models from CZ-USA, Ruger (Model 77/22), Savage, and Henry Repeating Arms. These rifles are designed to maximize the accuracy and mild recoil that the 22 Hornet round is known for. Older classics from Winchester and Remington are also still in use by collectors and hunters.
Can I buy 22 Hornet ammo in bulk?
Yes. Bulk 22 Hornet ammo is often available online from trusted retailers like Target Sports USA. Buying in bulk is a smart choice for frequent shooters, offering cost savings per round and ensuring you have a consistent supply for range days or extended hunting trips.
Is .22 Hornet ammunition reloadable?
Absolutely. Since 22 Hornet ammo is centerfire, the brass can be reloaded multiple times. This makes it popular among handloaders who want to fine-tune loads for accuracy, velocity, or specific varmint applications. Be sure to use quality 22 Hornet brass and appropriate powder charges for safe reloading.
How does .22 Hornet compare to .223 Remington?
While both are small-caliber centerfire cartridges, the .223 Remington is more powerful, offering greater velocity, energy, and long-range potential. However, the .22 Hornet has less recoil, a quieter report, and is more economical to reload, making it better suited for shorter-range varmint hunting and casual shooting.
Is 22 Hornet good for youth or beginner shooters?
Yes. With its light recoil, low muzzle blast, and accurate performance, the 22 Hornet is an excellent centerfire option for young shooters or beginners transitioning from rimfire cartridges. It builds confidence while offering enough power for practical small-game applications.

22 HORNET AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Use Cases for 22 Hornet Ammunition

    • Varmint Hunting
    • Small Game Hunting
    • Target Shooting
    • Pest Control
    • Reloading Practice

  • Popular 22 Hornet Ammo Brands

  • Common 22 Hornet Ammo Caliber Name Variations

    • .22 Hornet
    • 22 Hornet
    • .22 Hornet Centerfire
    • 5.6x35mmR
    • 5.6x35mm Rimmed

THE 22 HORNET AMMO "ROUND UP

Whether you're preparing for a productive day of varmint hunting or dialing in your optics at the range, our inventory of 22 Hornet ammo is built to deliver reliable accuracy, manageable recoil, and consistent performance. The .22 Hornet remains a standout among small-caliber centerfire rounds thanks to its flat trajectory, low muzzle blast, and versatility in the field. At Target Sports USA, we offer .22 Hornet ammunition from trusted manufacturers like Hornady, Winchester, Remington, and more, ensuring you get rounds that perform with precision shot after shot. Whether you're looking for 22 Hornet for sale in bulk or just need a few boxes for the next hunt, our quality-focused selection has you covered. Count on us to provide the ammo you need to shoot smarter, hunt better, and enjoy every pull of the trigger.

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