A Glimpse into History and Development
The 22 Long Rifle
The 22 Long Rifle, a cartridge that has stood the test of time, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the evolution of firearms technology. Its roots lie in the 19th century, with its lineage tracing back to the 22 Short and 22 Long. The 22LR, introduced in the late 1800s, quickly gained traction due to its low cost, minimal recoil, and remarkable versatility. It became a staple in target shooting, small game hunting, and recreational plinking, and continues to be a go-to choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Its longevity is a testament to its effective design and consistent performance. The 22LR offers a relatively quiet experience and is often associated with a more relaxed shooting atmosphere, making it a favorite for introducing new shooters to the sport.
The 22 Hornet
The 22 Hornet, on the other hand, represents a step up in both power and performance. Developed in the 1930s, it was a collaborative effort aimed at creating a cartridge capable of efficiently dispatching varmints, primarily small predators such as groundhogs, prairie dogs, and other pests. It was designed to fill a gap between the .22 rimfire cartridges and the larger centerfire rounds, offering increased range and effectiveness while maintaining manageable recoil. The 22 Hornet’s development was influenced by the need for a high-velocity, accurate cartridge suitable for long-range varmint hunting. The introduction of the 22 Hornet marked a significant advancement in small-bore cartridges, providing hunters and target shooters with an option that offered greater reach and terminal performance.
Delving into Ballistic Performance
Velocity and Trajectory
One of the most significant distinctions between the 22LR and 22 Hornet lies in their ballistic characteristics. These differences are fundamental to understanding their capabilities and limitations.
Velocity and trajectory are key factors that set these cartridges apart. Typical 22LR ammunition leaves the muzzle at velocities that generally hover below 1,300 feet per second (FPS). This lower velocity results in a trajectory that arcs significantly over longer distances. Bullet drop becomes a significant concern at ranges beyond 100 yards. Consequently, precise holdover adjustments are required to compensate for gravity’s pull.
The 22 Hornet, however, boasts a much higher muzzle velocity, often exceeding 2,600 FPS. This increased speed delivers a flatter trajectory. This means that the bullet experiences less drop over the same distance, making it easier to hit targets at extended ranges. The flatter trajectory is a significant advantage for varmint hunting, where shots are often taken at varying distances.
Effective Range
Effective range is another important consideration. The 22LR excels at short to medium ranges. Its effective range for target shooting typically falls within 50 to 100 yards. Beyond this, the trajectory becomes too curved, and wind drift becomes increasingly problematic. The 22 Hornet, with its flatter trajectory and higher velocity, offers a significantly extended effective range. It can effectively engage targets out to 200 yards or more, with some shooters achieving success at even further distances. The 22 Hornet’s ability to reach out and touch targets at longer ranges makes it a preferred choice for hunters targeting prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints that often maintain a safe distance.
Energy and Penetration
Energy and penetration also differ markedly between the two cartridges. The 22LR, due to its lower velocity and bullet weight, carries less kinetic energy. This translates to lower penetration and a reduced impact on targets. While perfectly adequate for small game at close range, the 22LR might struggle to reliably dispatch larger targets or penetrate heavy cover. The 22 Hornet, with its higher velocity and often heavier bullets, delivers substantially more energy. This increased energy results in greater penetration and a more pronounced impact on the target. This enhanced terminal performance makes the 22 Hornet a more suitable choice for varmint hunting and for those who need to consistently deliver a more significant punch.
The Real Cost: Ammunition and Availability
The cost and availability of ammunition play a significant role in the overall appeal of any cartridge. The 22LR reigns supreme in this area. Its popularity has driven mass production, resulting in exceptionally low ammunition prices. Bulk packs of 22LR ammunition are readily available at most sporting goods stores, often at a fraction of the cost per round compared to centerfire cartridges. This affordability makes the 22LR a popular choice for budget-conscious shooters and those who enjoy frequent practice.
The 22 Hornet ammunition is, by comparison, more expensive. Its production volume is considerably lower than that of the 22LR, leading to higher prices per round. While still relatively affordable compared to many other centerfire cartridges, the 22 Hornet represents a more significant investment. However, you can also consider the use of reloading for the 22 Hornet and that can alleviate the costs over time.
Furthermore, the 22LR offers a remarkable range of bullet types and weights. From the standard round-nose bullets to hollow points, solid points, and specialized subsonic rounds, the 22LR caters to various shooting needs. This wide selection allows shooters to fine-tune their ammunition selection based on their specific targets and shooting environment. The 22 Hornet, while not offering the same breadth of options as the 22LR, still provides a selection of bullet weights and types, including varmint-specific bullets designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation.
Platforms and the World of Firearms
The platforms, or firearms, available for each cartridge vary significantly. The 22LR enjoys widespread availability across numerous firearm types. This includes bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, lever-action rifles, revolvers, and pistols. The versatility of the 22LR platform allows shooters to choose a firearm that best suits their preferences and intended use. The sheer abundance of 22LR firearms ensures a wide range of prices, features, and levels of quality, making it easy for any shooter to find a suitable option.
The 22 Hornet is typically chambered in bolt-action rifles. While fewer firearm models are available compared to the 22LR, the rifles chambered for the 22 Hornet often prioritize accuracy and range. Many of these rifles feature high-quality barrels and adjustable triggers, designed to maximize the cartridge’s long-range potential. You might also find single-shot rifles chambered in the 22 Hornet. The more limited platform options for the 22 Hornet reflect its niche purpose as a varmint hunting cartridge.
Real-World Applications and Use Cases
The practical applications of the 22LR and 22 Hornet are as diverse as the shooters who wield them. The 22LR is a versatile cartridge, making it suitable for a range of activities. It’s a favorite for recreational target shooting, providing a fun and affordable way to practice marksmanship. Its low recoil and manageable noise make it ideal for beginners and youth shooters, fostering a positive introduction to the sport. The 22LR is also a capable small game hunting cartridge, effective for dispatching squirrels, rabbits, and other small critters at close to moderate ranges. Its ease of use and low impact make it a suitable choice for pest control in controlled environments.
The 22 Hornet, on the other hand, shines in situations where greater range and power are required. It’s a popular choice for varmint hunting, providing the necessary reach and terminal performance to effectively eliminate pests such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes. The 22 Hornet’s flatter trajectory and higher velocity make it ideal for shooting across open fields and challenging terrain. In addition to varmint hunting, the 22 Hornet has also been used for small deer and predator hunting, especially when using heavier bullets.
The Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Each cartridge brings its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The 22LR boasts affordability, with its low cost of ammunition, making it a budget-friendly choice for frequent shooting and training. The low recoil and relatively quiet report of the 22LR provide a comfortable shooting experience, making it suitable for shooters of all ages and experience levels. Its wide availability and ease of use make the 22LR a go-to choice for many. The disadvantages include its limited effective range, making it less suitable for longer-range shooting or windy conditions. Its lower energy also limits its effectiveness on larger game.
The 22 Hornet offers several advantages, including its extended effective range, enabling accurate shots at greater distances. Its higher energy provides more effective performance on varmints, leading to cleaner kills. Its flatter trajectory minimizes the need for holdover adjustments, simplifying long-range shooting. However, the 22 Hornet has disadvantages, including the higher cost of ammunition, potentially limiting the frequency of practice. It is also louder and has more recoil, which can be a factor for some shooters.
In Conclusion
The 22LR and 22 Hornet offer shooters distinct advantages. The 22LR excels as an affordable and versatile cartridge for recreational shooting, training, and small game hunting. Its affordability and low recoil make it an excellent choice for beginners. The 22 Hornet, in contrast, provides enhanced performance for varmint hunting and target shooting at longer ranges. Its flatter trajectory and higher energy deliver greater effectiveness at extended distances.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you seek an inexpensive and versatile cartridge for general plinking, target practice, or small game hunting at close range, the 22LR is an excellent option. If you require a cartridge with greater range and power for varmint hunting or target shooting at longer distances, the 22 Hornet is the more appropriate choice. Carefully consider the intended use case, the expected shooting distances, and your budget when making your decision. Both cartridges have carved out their own successful niches in the world of shooting, and choosing the right one can enhance your experience. Choose wisely, and enjoy the sport!
Sharing and Your Thoughts
What are your experiences with the 22LR and 22 Hornet? Share your thoughts, preferences, and any tips you have in the comments below. We’d love to hear your perspectives and experiences. Do you have any questions about these cartridges? Feel free to ask! And if you found this article helpful, please take a moment to share it with fellow shooters. Your feedback is appreciated!
