would you change a .223 for a .22 hornet?
- Thread starter Liveonce
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sometimes the want is more than the need sir-lamp-alot
Well-Known Member
Had .22 hornet a few years ago and found it a very odd little calibre which totally split my feelings on it. Theres nothing wrong with a .22 hornet as a calibre I used mine on foxes out to 175 yards with good effect but it was always out shined by the .222 as a foxing gun, it was great as a truck gun shooting vermin but the cheapness and avalability of the .17hmr ammo soon got you thinking if the extra range of the .22 hornet was worth all that reloading. Many also use it as a rabbiting gun but again the deadly quite and super cheap .22lr had it beat here to and also wouldnt blow them to bits. It is a great caliber it does do a lot of stuff I dont think you will ever regret getting one but I also dont think it will change your life
The Hornet will kill foxes very well to 150 yards you mention no trouble at all if you play your part correctly . Avoid 35 v max as they have such a bad BC the tiny extra muzzle velocity is gone in a flash . 40 + 45 grain like the seirra are way better by a large amount after you pass about 140 yards . Its real advantage though is its easier to moderate over a 223 rem and if you buy a CZ the gun itself is a lot lighter than the 223 rem but be carefull there is none of that if the only difference if its built on a 223 based rifle
I also have a 223 which can fire longer range and help stiffer winds with a 50-60 grain bullet and about twice the powder and more heft to carry and that gets worse if your 223 is built in the likes of a tikka that don't get calibre specific ( might as well get a 243 or 22-250 than do that IMHO.
Now "copper " forget the .22 hornet with very slow twist rates - it aint going to be pretty but don't fret because the CZ and other hornet specific rifles are never going to fit in your mag and the extractors wont work etc etc .
Half the powder of a 223 remember , no real chance of copper in the CZ and slow-slow twists . Redeemed by using it on rabbits near and far , if you have the skill 300 yard head shots on rabbits is very doable in skilled hands.
If you don't get a 22 hornet now you likely never will if the copper bullet becomes the only choice
Finnwolf VL63
Well-Known Member
Down load the 223 ?
Finnwolf VL63
Well-Known Member
Very Expensive Full Stop.
i like the idea of saving weight, not as fit or young as i used to be.
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
Don't do it.
I use both calibres for foxes. Like someone said, the .22 Hornet is an old nostalgic classic. My ideal range for foxing with it is 80 - 120 yards. I've pushed it to 200 a couple of times.
The .223 only uses a pinch more powder for a reload, will thump out 60 grain Vmax and flatten foxes at 200 yards. With the .22 Hornet you have to be so careful with shot placement, and your limited with ammo choice.
I use both calibres for foxes. Like someone said, the .22 Hornet is an old nostalgic classic. My ideal range for foxing with it is 80 - 120 yards. I've pushed it to 200 a couple of times.
The .223 only uses a pinch more powder for a reload, will thump out 60 grain Vmax and flatten foxes at 200 yards. With the .22 Hornet you have to be so careful with shot placement, and your limited with ammo choice.
A very nostalgic calibre for me. My first deer rifle borrowed from farmer, then bought. This when calibre didn't matter. A lot of success on Munties and Fallow in the late 50's. Sold my last one but keep getting a terrible itch. What stops me is that I sold my reloader with it. Stick with 223 unless you reload and have the gear.
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the prowler
Well-Known Member
I've used hornet before. 22 not a 17. And for fox I would without thinking about it, keep the 223. I've got two 223 sako rifles. Excellent.
Well, best the Op don't fooook about with 'pretenders', but rather gets himself a 220 Swift.
Job done!
K
Job done!
K
Having had both, I liked the hornet, it was accurate cheap to shoot with mild recoil and quiet (with a mod) in comparison to .223. However if I had to choose between the two it would be no contest, .223 every time. Put in a variation and have both would be my solution!
The comment on saving costs was quite amusing though, try loading for .338 and .50bmg
The comment on saving costs was quite amusing though, try loading for .338 and .50bmg
My last observation in this debate is as follows:
I've yet to see a wider smile than that of a first-time shooter of the 22 Hornet.
OK, this is oft' from a bench at the Club range and after they've subjected themselves to some 30-minutes of 'punishment' while attempting to zero a 30-06 or, more recently, some incomprehensible chambering of the Creedmoor variety.
K
I've yet to see a wider smile than that of a first-time shooter of the 22 Hornet.
OK, this is oft' from a bench at the Club range and after they've subjected themselves to some 30-minutes of 'punishment' while attempting to zero a 30-06 or, more recently, some incomprehensible chambering of the Creedmoor variety.
K
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
Go for it then and scratch the itch. 40 grain Sierra SP over a case full of Lil'gun should get you going nicely.I reload and have that same itch
Had both, still have the .223.
22H is a great little calibre & offers a lot out to 150yds with being light, cheap to reload & with very little noise, however, for my permissions 223 is more suited so the Hornet was moved on. I still have some dies & bullets I’d accept an offer on if you take the plunge.
22H is a great little calibre & offers a lot out to 150yds with being light, cheap to reload & with very little noise, however, for my permissions 223 is more suited so the Hornet was moved on. I still have some dies & bullets I’d accept an offer on if you take the plunge.
harrygrey382
Well-Known Member
Seeing as 22 hornet is pretty much a cartridge for reloaders, and you can download a 223 to hornet levels - I struggle to see the advantage of a hornet. What am I missing?
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