22 Hornet on Coyotes

THERAVEN · January 29, 2014, 06:05 PM

Would a 22 Hornet be a good gun for coyotes

SHR970 · January 29, 2014, 06:56 PM

Within its range limitations 22 Hornet works just fine.

Catfish · January 29, 2014, 06:59 PM

In a word no. Will it kill a coyote? Yes with proper bullet placement. If a Hornet was the only gun I had, I would hunt coyote with it. I usually use an AR in 223, but if it did not have a bunch of back up shots ready at the squeeze of the trigger I would use a 22-250 or a 243.

huntinaz · January 29, 2014, 11:20 PM

Quote:

In a word no.

Don't let one of the old timers hear you saying the ole Hornet isn't "good" for song dogs. Might get slapped upside the head!

I wonder how many gazillions of coyotes have fallen to the 22 Hornet?

shooterbob · January 29, 2014, 11:56 PM

Coyotes are soft skinned animals requiring less penetration than deer or hogs. Ribs are much smaller and don't deflect or hinder bullets as much. I've shot many yotes with the hornet and with the vmax bullets they are very competent rounds for yotes. 200 yrds would be about my maximum if I wanted to ensure a clean kill, but I have shot them farther than that and killed in one shot. I have had about 25% at over 200 drop but not die clean requiring a followup. Most of this was wind drift and at night in West Tx, with the 35 grns.But it is a fantastic low recoil round and there are many platforms made for it. I shoot it in a contender in 14 in and 24 in barrels.

alex0535 · January 30, 2014, 12:15 AM

If I was planning on skinning them for their fur, the .22 hornet would be pretty ideal. If just trying to kill coyotes, I would go for something with a bit more umph and range, puts them down quicker but tends to leave a rather traumatic exit.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · January 30, 2014, 05:09 PM

22 Hornet was the preferred rifle cartridge for many varmint hunters years ago. Consider the 22 Hornet a enduring old school cartridge. Never really goes into obsolescence. Just somehow manages to hang on the edge of it.
As far as a yote getter. Absolutely. Easy little cartridge to reload too. If I didn't have a model 7 in 223 already. No doubt I'd have me 22 Hornet instead.

fdf · January 30, 2014, 06:08 PM

You did not define at what range you want to use one at, need to do so to get honest and accurate answers.

The 22 Hornet is not an inherently accurate cartridge, many are superior.

Most serious coyote hunters are using vastly superior cartridges.

In a short answer, no.

thallub · January 30, 2014, 08:19 PM

Been using .22 Hornets to kill coyotes since the late 70s. My favorite gun for called in coyotes is a Savage over-under in .22 Hornet and 3" 20 gauge shotgun. The Hornet is a fine coyote killer out to 225-250 yards. Virtually all my .22 Hornet reloads use 45 grain bullets

One ranch i hunt coyotes on belongs to long time friends. The lady of the house does not like to hear very loud unexpected noises. The .22 Hornet fits the bill well.

i have several other .22 caliber guns including a .220 Swift, a .220 Weatherby Rocket and a .22 Cheetah. Those guns mostly sit in the back of the big gun safe while my .22 Hornets and .223s do the coyote killing.

Panfisher · January 30, 2014, 08:56 PM

No coyote I have shot with my Hornet has ever said it didn't work! Hornets are easy to shoot, easy to reload and quite often very accurate. Don't expect it to duplicate the ballistics of a .223 let alone a .22-250 though. My Ruger .22 Hornet doesn't like to be max loaded, it will split the cases if loaded too hot, but a 45 grain HP with a moderate dose of H110 will pile the little bullets into neat little groups with a lot more oomph than a .22 WMR. Even though I love my Hornet I don't believe it is the perfect coyote rifle by any means but it will kill them easily.

jmr40 · January 30, 2014, 09:06 PM

That type of game is just what it is designed for.

SHR970 · January 30, 2014, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Most serious coyote hunters are using vastly ~~superior~~ more powerful cartridges.

Fixed it for you.

Quote:

I usually use an AR in 223, but if it did not have a bunch of back up shots ready at the squeeze of the trigger I would use a 22-250 or a 243.

Just my opinion based on 30+ years of hunting but you need to learn to pick your shots better and stay within your limitations and your guns limitations. Too many people try to make up for poor shot placement with more power or more fire power. I have dropped several yodel dogs with a 10/22. With a pre 64 Win 70 in 22 Hornet I have nailed quite a few more.

Be honest about your shooting skills, know your gun, know your ammo and how it performs, and know your ranges (use a bloody range finder if you must) and know your platforms range limitations.

colbad · January 30, 2014, 09:11 PM

Used to have one specifically for yotes. Worked ok within limited range. However, cost of ammo and limited range were what convinced me to trade up to .223 Ruger 77. Better and cheaper ammo and more range/power.

603Country · January 30, 2014, 10:26 PM

I started out with a Hornet in mind, but finally decided to go with a 223 due to the wide range of bullets I could shoot. Many more options. Of course if you already have a hornet, the 40 gr bullet at 2700 fps will do a fine job on a coyote.

fdf · January 31, 2014, 02:18 PM

Be honest about your shooting skills, know your gun, know your ammo and how it performs, and know your ranges (use a bloody range finder if you must) and know your platforms range limitations.

After hunting coyotes since 1968, I have a feeling for what I am doing, having hunted in Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and New Mexico and I an a full time ranch a owner who hunts coyotes when the truck engine starts.

Hell, a .22 Hornet will kill an elk if you know what you are doing, it's not a coyote killer of choice by those with knowledge and experience.

I shoot at the National level in competition and know what ranges are. Don't need a range finder, thanks to your government and training.

huntinaz · January 31, 2014, 04:33 PM

You ever use a Hornet for coyotes, fdf?

"Not inherently" accurate cartridge Lot's of folks still shoot them MOA or better. But it'll shoot minute of coyote out to 200 yards all day, all long.

Quote:

it's not a coyote killer of choice by those with knowledge and experience.

Pretty popular fur saver for a long time by a lot of fur hunters.

I'm not gonna argue it's the BEST choice in the world for coyotes unless fur saving is a big issue, then it's right up there. And of course, shooting them at extended distances from your truck is a different situation than calling them in and killing them. To say it's not a good coyote cartridge as a blanket statement is CRAZY TALK!!!

thallub · January 31, 2014, 06:28 PM

Quote:

it's not a coyote killer of choice by those with knowledge and experience.

Sez you.

i've killed at least a few hundred coyotes using the .22 Hornet. Can't remember the last time one got away wounded.

treg · February 1, 2014, 10:55 AM

Quote:

huntinaz
I wonder how many gazillions of coyotes have fallen to the 22 Hornet?

Almost as many as the .22 LR?

Hunter Customs · February 2, 2014, 05:10 PM

I recall watching a documentary on TV about Alaskan Eskimos, they were hunting Polar Bear.
They were hunting them with 22 Hornets, I thought to myself them fella's have some brass.
I bet I know what their answer would be about hunting coyotes with a 22 Hornet.

Sierra makes a 45 grain bullet that I believe is intended to be used in the Hornet or at Hornet velocity, it should be just the ticket out to a couple of hundred yards on coyotes.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

Deja vu · February 2, 2014, 07:54 PM

I think if you can hit the Coyote it will be just fine. I know a few people around here who use a 22 magnum rimfires and 17 HMRs for coyotes

thallub · February 3, 2014, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Sierra makes a 45 grain bullet that I believe is intended to be used in the Hornet or at Hornet velocity,

Sierra calls it the "45 grain Hornet". Hornady also has a 45 grain bullet called the "Hornet". Either one does a fine job on coyotes.

Old Stony · February 3, 2014, 10:40 AM

It's a great little coyote cartridge. If you are hunting them out to 200 yds, the Hornet will do a good job, and it's a joy to shoot.....very little muzzle blast, no recoil. Sort of like shooting an oversized .22 LR.

chewie146 · February 3, 2014, 04:56 PM

I won't speak to the hornet, but I will speak to ranges. In my territory, coyotes usually sneak well within 200 yards before you see them. At least, before i see them.

I don't doubt at that range, just about any centerfire rifle cartridge will do the trick. I have a .270, and use a .270, but that's because it's currently my only centerfire rifle. The bigger the gun, the less you have to worry about whacking them in the perfect spot. However, the exit holes are not something that can be stitched.

idnative1948 · February 3, 2014, 05:28 PM

We grew up shooting them with .218, .222 and they were just as dead as when we moved up to the 22-250.

Panfisher · February 3, 2014, 07:56 PM

A coyote shot correctly with a .22 Hornet is a LOT easier to find than one poorly hit with a .30-06, done both.

January 29, 2014, 06:05 PM	#1
THERAVEN Member Join Date: February 24, 2009 Posts: 31	22 Hornet on Coyotes Would a 22 Hornet be a good gun for coyotes

February 2, 2014, 07:54 PM	#20
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	I think if you can hit the Coyote it will be just fine. I know a few people around here who use a 22 magnum rimfires and 17 HMRs for coyotes __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

February 3, 2014, 05:28 PM	#24
idnative1948 Member Join Date: March 5, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 50	We grew up shooting them with .218, .222 and they were just as dead as when we moved up to the 22-250. __________________ A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user. Theodore Roosevelt

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January 29, 2014, 06:56 PM	#2
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	Within its range limitations 22 Hornet works just fine.

January 29, 2014, 06:59 PM	#3
Catfish Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 171	In a word no. Will it kill a coyote? Yes with proper bullet placement. If a Hornet was the only gun I had, I would hunt coyote with it. I usually use an AR in 223, but if it did not have a bunch of back up shots ready at the squeeze of the trigger I would use a 22-250 or a 243.

January 29, 2014, 11:56 PM	#5
shooterbob Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2013 Posts: 109	Coyotes are soft skinned animals requiring less penetration than deer or hogs. Ribs are much smaller and don't deflect or hinder bullets as much. I've shot many yotes with the hornet and with the vmax bullets they are very competent rounds for yotes. 200 yrds would be about my maximum if I wanted to ensure a clean kill, but I have shot them farther than that and killed in one shot. I have had about 25% at over 200 drop but not die clean requiring a followup. Most of this was wind drift and at night in West Tx, with the 35 grns.But it is a fantastic low recoil round and there are many platforms made for it. I shoot it in a contender in 14 in and 24 in barrels.

January 30, 2014, 12:15 AM	#6
alex0535 Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 908	If I was planning on skinning them for their fur, the .22 hornet would be pretty ideal. If just trying to kill coyotes, I would go for something with a bit more umph and range, puts them down quicker but tends to leave a rather traumatic exit.

January 30, 2014, 05:09 PM	#7
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	22 Hornet was the preferred rifle cartridge for many varmint hunters years ago. Consider the 22 Hornet a enduring old school cartridge. Never really goes into obsolescence. Just somehow manages to hang on the edge of it. As far as a yote getter. Absolutely. Easy little cartridge to reload too. If I didn't have a model 7 in 223 already. No doubt I'd have me 22 Hornet instead.

January 30, 2014, 06:08 PM	#8
fdf Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2013 Posts: 117	You did not define at what range you want to use one at, need to do so to get honest and accurate answers. The 22 Hornet is not an inherently accurate cartridge, many are superior. Most serious coyote hunters are using vastly superior cartridges. In a short answer, no.

January 30, 2014, 08:19 PM	#9
thallub Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Location: South Western OK Posts: 3,112	Been using .22 Hornets to kill coyotes since the late 70s. My favorite gun for called in coyotes is a Savage over-under in .22 Hornet and 3" 20 gauge shotgun. The Hornet is a fine coyote killer out to 225-250 yards. Virtually all my .22 Hornet reloads use 45 grain bullets One ranch i hunt coyotes on belongs to long time friends. The lady of the house does not like to hear very loud unexpected noises. The .22 Hornet fits the bill well. i have several other .22 caliber guns including a .220 Swift, a .220 Weatherby Rocket and a .22 Cheetah. Those guns mostly sit in the back of the big gun safe while my .22 Hornets and .223s do the coyote killing.

January 30, 2014, 08:56 PM	#10
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	No coyote I have shot with my Hornet has ever said it didn't work! Hornets are easy to shoot, easy to reload and quite often very accurate. Don't expect it to duplicate the ballistics of a .223 let alone a .22-250 though. My Ruger .22 Hornet doesn't like to be max loaded, it will split the cases if loaded too hot, but a 45 grain HP with a moderate dose of H110 will pile the little bullets into neat little groups with a lot more oomph than a .22 WMR. Even though I love my Hornet I don't believe it is the perfect coyote rifle by any means but it will kill them easily.

January 30, 2014, 09:06 PM	#11
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,803	That type of game is just what it is designed for.

January 30, 2014, 09:11 PM	#13
colbad Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2012 Posts: 506	Used to have one specifically for yotes. Worked ok within limited range. However, cost of ammo and limited range were what convinced me to trade up to .223 Ruger 77. Better and cheaper ammo and more range/power.

January 30, 2014, 10:26 PM	#14
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,996	I started out with a Hornet in mind, but finally decided to go with a 223 due to the wide range of bullets I could shoot. Many more options. Of course if you already have a hornet, the 40 gr bullet at 2700 fps will do a fine job on a coyote.

January 31, 2014, 02:18 PM	#15
fdf Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2013 Posts: 117	Be honest about your shooting skills, know your gun, know your ammo and how it performs, and know your ranges (use a bloody range finder if you must) and know your platforms range limitations. After hunting coyotes since 1968, I have a feeling for what I am doing, having hunted in Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming and New Mexico and I an a full time ranch a owner who hunts coyotes when the truck engine starts. Hell, a .22 Hornet will kill an elk if you know what you are doing, it's not a coyote killer of choice by those with knowledge and experience. I shoot at the National level in competition and know what ranges are. Don't need a range finder, thanks to your government and training.

February 2, 2014, 05:10 PM	#19
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I recall watching a documentary on TV about Alaskan Eskimos, they were hunting Polar Bear. They were hunting them with 22 Hornets, I thought to myself them fella's have some brass. I bet I know what their answer would be about hunting coyotes with a 22 Hornet. Sierra makes a 45 grain bullet that I believe is intended to be used in the Hornet or at Hornet velocity, it should be just the ticket out to a couple of hundred yards on coyotes. Best Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com

February 3, 2014, 10:40 AM	#22
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	It's a great little coyote cartridge. If you are hunting them out to 200 yds, the Hornet will do a good job, and it's a joy to shoot.....very little muzzle blast, no recoil. Sort of like shooting an oversized .22 LR.

February 3, 2014, 04:56 PM	#23
chewie146 Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2010 Location: New Mexico Posts: 853	I won't speak to the hornet, but I will speak to ranges. In my territory, coyotes usually sneak well within 200 yards before you see them. At least, before i see them. I don't doubt at that range, just about any centerfire rifle cartridge will do the trick. I have a .270, and use a .270, but that's because it's currently my only centerfire rifle. The bigger the gun, the less you have to worry about whacking them in the perfect spot. However, the exit holes are not something that can be stitched.

February 3, 2014, 07:56 PM	#25
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	A coyote shot correctly with a .22 Hornet is a LOT easier to find than one poorly hit with a .30-06, done both.