.22 Hornet Load Data – .22 Hornet Reloading Data

Tracking down reliable .22 Hornet load data is the key to maximizing the efficiency and accuracy of this classic, low-recoil varmint cartridge.

This guide compiles carefully vetted .22 Hornet reloading data to help you safely develop the ideal load for your vintage bolt-action or modern single-shot rifle.

Whether you are loading traditional 45-grain soft points or modern 35-grain polymer-tipped bullets, always cross-reference these published figures before charging your cases.

.22 Hornet Load Data

Bullet	Bullet Weight	Powder	Published Starting Load	Published Maximum Load	Published Velocity	Barrel Length / Firearm	Source
Hornady V-MAX	35 gr	Lil’Gun	10.0 gr	13.0 gr (43,000 CUP)	2,800 – 3,060 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon
Sierra Hornet	40 gr	H110	10.5 gr	11.8 gr (43,000 CUP)	2,750 – 2,850 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon
Hornady SP	45 gr	W296	9.5 gr	10.8 gr (41,500 CUP)	2,500 – 2,700 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon
Sierra Blitz	50 gr	IMR 4227	9.0 gr	10.5 gr (42,000 CUP)	2,300 – 2,500 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon
Hornady V-MAX	35 gr	Accurate 1680	11.5 gr	13.0 gr	2,650 – 2,850 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Western Powders

.22 Hornet Reloading Data

Bullet	Bullet Weight	Powder	Published Starting Load	Published Maximum Load	Published Velocity	Barrel Length / Firearm	Source
Nosler Varmageddon	40 gr	Lil’Gun	11.0 gr	12.5 gr (42,500 CUP)	2,700 – 2,900 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon
Barnes TSX	45 gr	Enforcer	9.0 gr	10.2 gr	2,400 – 2,600 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Western Powders
Hornady V-MAX	35 gr	H110	10.0 gr	11.5 gr (41,000 CUP)	2,700 – 2,950 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon
Hornady V-MAX	40 gr	Accurate 1680	11.0 gr	12.5 gr	2,550 – 2,750 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Western Powders
Sierra Hornet	45 gr	IMR 4227	9.5 gr	10.8C gr (42,500 CUP)	2,450 – 2,600 fps	24″ / Universal Receiver	Hodgdon

Understanding the .22 Hornet Reloading Data

Reading .22 Hornet reloading data requires a careful understanding of the cartridge’s unique physical limitations, particularly its incredibly thin brass case walls. The tables above provide a safe baseline for load development using tested combinations of lightweight bullets and fast-burning powders. Pay close attention to your brass during the resizing and bullet seating processes, as the fragile necks of the .22 Hornet are notoriously easy to crush or buckle if dies are improperly adjusted.

.22 Hornet Bullet Weight Reloading Data

The .22 Hornet is optimized for exceptionally light projectiles, generally spanning from 30-grain up to 45-grain bullet weights. Older rifles often feature a slower 1:16 twist rate, which restricts them to 45-grain or lighter bullets to ensure proper stabilization. While modern rifles may stabilize 50-grain projectiles, the cartridge lacks the powder capacity to drive heavier bullets at the velocities required for effective terminal expansion, making 35-grain and 40-grain bullets the universal favorites.

.22 Hornet Powder Reloading Data

Powder selection for the .22 Hornet bridges the gap between magnum pistol propellants and the fastest-burning rifle powders. Powders like H110, W296, Accurate 1680, and IMR 4227 have been traditional staples for decades. However, Hodgdon’s Lil’Gun is widely considered the gold standard for the .22 Hornet, as it consistently delivers the highest velocities with significantly lower chamber pressures than competing propellants.

.22 Hornet Bullet and Powder Combinations

Pairing the right bullet with the appropriate powder is critical for .22 Hornet accuracy and safety. A 35-grain polymer-tipped bullet backed by Lil’Gun is frequently cited as the most efficient and velocity-rich combination available for the cartridge. When loading slightly heavier 45-grain soft points for deeper penetration on tough varmints, powders like IMR 4227 or Accurate 1680 offer excellent accuracy and highly consistent metering.

.22 Hornet Velocity From Published Data

Published velocity figures for the .22 Hornet highlight its role as a quiet, hyper-efficient short-range varmint round. Using lightweight 35-grain bullets, reloaders can comfortably push the cartridge past the 3,000 fps mark from a standard test barrel. With traditional 45-grain bullets, velocities settle into the 2,500 to 2,700 fps range, providing a massive ballistic improvement over rimfire magnums like the .22 WMR while keeping muzzle report relatively low.

.22 Hornet Reloading Data by Barrel Length

Most published load data for the .22 Hornet is derived using a 24-inch laboratory test barrel. If you are shooting a carbine-length rifle with an 18-inch or 20-inch barrel, you can expect a modest velocity loss of approximately 20 to 30 fps per inch of reduced barrel length. Because the cartridge relies on very fast-burning powders, it achieves complete powder burn much faster than larger centerfire cartridges, making it highly efficient in shorter barrels.

.22 Hornet Energy and Ballistics

The .22 Hornet was designed for surgical precision at close to medium ranges rather than sheer downrange kinetic energy. The cartridge boasts a remarkably flat trajectory out to 150 yards, making it an outstanding point-and-shoot option for small targets. Beyond 200 yards, the lightweight, low-BC bullets shed velocity and energy rapidly, making wind drift a significant challenge for the shooter.

.22 Hornet Hunting Applications

The .22 Hornet is a legendary cartridge for small game, predator, and varmint hunting within 150 to 200 yards. It is highly prized by turkey hunters (where legal), squirrel hunters, and trappers because it causes minimal pelt or meat damage compared to high-velocity rounds like the .223 Remington. The cartridge does not generate sufficient energy for medium game and should strictly be used on varmints, foxes, groundhogs, and coyotes at close range.

Manufacturer Data vs. Independent Testing

Manufacturer data is gathered using universally calibrated pressure barrels, which is critical when dealing with a cartridge that features such thin case walls and low case capacities. Independent testing found on forums often discusses pushing the Hornet beyond its limits, but this drastically reduces brass life and risks primer pocket expansion. Always use official manufacturer load data as your primary source for safe powder charges.

.22 Hornet Pressure and Safety

The SAAMI Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) for the .22 Hornet is relatively low, set at 43,000 CUP (or 49,000 PSI). Because the internal case capacity is so small, a powder charge variation of just a few tenths of a grain can cause dangerous pressure spikes. You must be exceptionally precise with your powder measurements, visually inspect every case for split necks, and always begin at the published starting load.

Best Sources for .22 Hornet Reloading Data

The most reliable sources for load data are the annual manuals and online databases provided by legacy bullet and powder manufacturers. Companies like Hodgdon, Hornady, and Sierra publish rigorously tested data tailored specifically to the .22 Hornet’s unique constraints. Utilizing the free online reloading centers hosted by these powder distributors guarantees you are referencing the most thoroughly vetted load recipes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find .22 Hornet reloading data?

You can find accurate reloading data in printed manuals from Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra, or digitally on the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center website.

What powders are listed in published .22 Hornet data?

Commonly listed powders include Hodgdon Lil’Gun, H110, Winchester 296, IMR 4227, and Accurate 1680.

What bullet weights are covered in these tables?

These tables primarily cover the most efficient bullet weights for the cartridge, specifically 35-grain, 40-grain, 45-grain, and 50-grain projectiles.

Does barrel length affect .22 Hornet velocity?

Yes, shorter barrels will produce lower velocities, typically losing between 20 and 30 feet per second for every inch of barrel removed compared to a 24-inch standard.

Can I use standard rifle primers for .22 Hornet?

While manufacturer manuals typically list standard small rifle primers, many experienced reloaders substitute small pistol primers to prevent the aggressive primer ignition from unseating the bullet before the powder burns.

What is the difference between .22 Hornet load data and reloading data?

There is no practical difference; both terms refer to the recipes of powder charges, bullet weights, and primers used to safely assemble a cartridge.

Why do published velocity figures differ between sources?

Velocity figures differ because testing laboratories use different specific test barrels, environmental conditions, internal case capacities, and primer types during their processes.

Should I use the maximum published load?

You should never start with the maximum published load; always begin with the starting charge and slowly work up while monitoring your brass for signs of overpressure.

Can I use data from one bullet manufacturer for another bullet?

You should only use data meant for the exact bullet you are loading, as differences in bullet bearing surface and profile can alter chamber pressures significantly in small cases.

Where should I verify .22 Hornet load data before reloading?

You should strictly verify all load data directly against an official, recently published manufacturer manual or a powder company’s official online reloading database before loading any rounds.