22 Hornet ammo

.22 Hornet ammo is the quiet, classic varmint cartridge that has been dropping foxes, coyotes, and predators since the 1930s with a fraction of the noise and recoil of modern centerfire rounds. A small, efficient .22-caliber cartridge, the Hornet bridges the gap between rimfire and the high-velocity .223 — offering more reach and power than a .22 WMR while staying mild, economical to shoot, and easy on the ears and shoulder. For pest control, fur-friendly varmint hunting, and low-key plinking, the Hornet has a devoted following. This page covers what it does and how it compares. It’s part of our full ammunition selection at Tatted Tacticals.

Tatted Tacticals stocks .22 Hornet from Hornady, Winchester, Prvi Partizan, and others — varmint hollow points and polymer-tip loads in the 35- to 45-grain bullets it favors, by the box.

What the .22 Hornet Does

The .22 Hornet fires a small .224-inch bullet, typically 35 to 45 grains, at roughly 2,700 to 3,000 fps — enough for accurate, effective work on small predators and varmints out to about 200 yards. Its appeal is the package: low recoil, modest report, minimal pelt damage with the right bullet, and economical, efficient performance. It’s a deliberate, precise cartridge rather than a high-volume blaster, ideal for the hunter who values quiet efficiency over raw velocity. Our .22 Hornet ballistic guide covers the numbers.

.22 Hornet vs. .223 and Rimfire

The Hornet sits between rimfire and the .223 Remington. It hits harder and reaches farther than a .22 WMR or .17 HMR rimfire, but is milder, quieter, and shorter-ranged than the .223. For varminters who want more than rimfire without the noise and barrel wear of a fast .22 centerfire, the Hornet is the classic middle ground. Those wanting more reach step up to the .22-250. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying .22 Hornet

Choose polymer-tip or hollow-point varmint loads for the cleanest performance. Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; some states and cities add restrictions, so per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

.22 Hornet Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ammo for a .22 Hornet?

For varmints and predators, polymer-tip and hollow-point loads in 35- to 45-grain weights from Hornady, Winchester, and others offer the best accuracy and terminal performance. The 35-grain V-MAX and similar loads are popular for flat trajectory and dramatic expansion. The best load is whichever your specific rifle shoots most accurately, so try a couple, since the Hornet can be particular about its preferred ammo.

Is a .22 Hornet better than a .223 Remington?

They serve different roles. The .223 is more powerful, flatter-shooting, and longer-ranged, while the .22 Hornet is quieter, milder-recoiling, more economical to shoot, and easier on pelts at shorter range. For close-to-moderate varmint work where noise and pelt damage matter, the Hornet excels; for maximum reach and versatility, the .223 wins. Neither is simply “better” — it depends on the use.

How far is a .22 Hornet accurate?

The .22 Hornet is effective and accurate on varmints out to roughly 200 yards, with some shooters stretching it a bit further under good conditions. Beyond that, its light bullet sheds velocity and drifts in wind. It’s a short-to-moderate range cartridge by design — precise and effective within its window, but not a long-range varmint round like the .22-250.

Is a .22 Hornet good for coyotes?

Yes, within its range. The .22 Hornet is an effective coyote cartridge at shorter ranges — out to about 150-200 yards — with the bonus of low noise and minimal pelt damage for fur hunters. Beyond that range, a more powerful cartridge is a better choice. For close-in calling and quiet predator control, the Hornet is a classic, capable coyote round.

Can you buy .22 Hornet ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .22 Hornet online and have it shipped to your door — often the best source for this niche varmint caliber. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.