Light bullets in .22 Hornet

M14 · July 8, 2006, 02:12 PM

Let me start by saying I'd classify myself as an "old fudd" reloader. I recently started loading for a Rugerr .22 Hornet I purchased. I'm loading 45 grain Hornady bullets over a charge of 2400. I've noticed there are available 33 & 35 grain bullets that can break the 3000 fps barrier in the Hornet. My main targets are woodchucks, crows, & an occassional coyote.

Do these light bullets offer me anything or are they mainly for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, etc?

Tom Matiska · July 8, 2006, 05:44 PM

The 33's look like a better way to get to 100yards, but loose it all back and then some by 150. Comparison of drift numbers on Federal's site make the 33's look like a challenge to use past 100yards on a windy day. I think Noslers 40gr BT's are the best way to stretch the Hornet's legs in terms of bullet drop and x-wind.

http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...0&bulletwgt=45

http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...0&bulletwgt=33

Scorch · July 10, 2006, 12:52 PM

I'll agree. 33s or 35s are too light. They may get you to 3000, but you lose energy and velocity too fast to be a viable varmintiong bullet. I used to load 45 gr exclusively in my Hormet because the weight gave better trajectory and energy retention out to 200 yds.

castnblast · July 10, 2006, 01:52 PM

I agree...40 gr. will drop a coyote just fine.

July 8, 2006, 02:12 PM	#1
M14 Member Join Date: March 22, 2006 Location: Southwest Michigan Posts: 96	Light bullets in .22 Hornet Let me start by saying I'd classify myself as an "old fudd" reloader. I recently started loading for a Rugerr .22 Hornet I purchased. I'm loading 45 grain Hornady bullets over a charge of 2400. I've noticed there are available 33 & 35 grain bullets that can break the 3000 fps barrier in the Hornet. My main targets are woodchucks, crows, & an occassional coyote. Do these light bullets offer me anything or are they mainly for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, etc? __________________ Strangers in the night exchanging tracers.

July 10, 2006, 12:52 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 11,044	I'll agree. 33s or 35s are too light. They may get you to 3000, but you lose energy and velocity too fast to be a viable varmintiong bullet. I used to load 45 gr exclusively in my Hormet because the weight gave better trajectory and energy retention out to 200 yds. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Taylor Machine

July 10, 2006, 01:52 PM	#4
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,143	I agree...40 gr. will drop a coyote just fine. __________________ VEGETARIAN...old indian word for bad hunter

July 8, 2006, 05:44 PM	#2
Tom Matiska Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pa Posts: 928	The 33's look like a better way to get to 100yards, but loose it all back and then some by 150. Comparison of drift numbers on Federal's site make the 33's look like a challenge to use past 100yards on a windy day. I think Noslers 40gr BT's are the best way to stretch the Hornet's legs in terms of bullet drop and x-wind. http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...0&bulletwgt=45 http://www.federalcartridge.com/ball...0&bulletwgt=33