Reliable .22 Hornet load data can be found directly from major powder manufacturers and bullet makers, including Hodgdon, Alliant, Speer, Lyman, Sierra, and Hornady. Published load data normally includes the tested bullet weight, bullet profile, powder type, starting powder charge, maximum powder charge, expected muzzle velocity, and measured chamber pressure. The most common bullet weights represented in published .22 Hornet reloading data range from lightweight 30 grain varmint projectiles up to 55 grain soft point bullets. Powder manufacturers publish this data specifically for the standard .22 Hornet chamber, and using these precise component combinations is critical because the cartridge uses exceptionally thin brass cases that are highly sensitive to pressure variations and seating depths.
.22 Hornet Load Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity (Max) | Pressure (Max) | Test Barrel / Firearm | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady V-MAX | 35 gr | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | 12.0 gr | 13.0 gr | 3,060 fps | 31,600 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Hodgdon |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip | 40 gr | Hodgdon H110 | 9.0 gr | 10.3 gr | 2,809 fps | 42,000 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Hodgdon |
| Sierra SP | 40 gr | Winchester 296 | 9.0 gr | 10.3 gr | 2,809 fps | 42,000 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Hodgdon / Winchester |
| Speer SP | 45 gr | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | 12.0 gr | 13.0 gr | 2,787 fps | 26,000 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Hodgdon |
| Hornady SP | 45 gr | IMR 4227 | 10.0 gr | 10.8 gr | 2,465 fps | 41,500 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Hodgdon / IMR |
| Sierra SMP | 50 gr | Accurate 1680 | 10.3 gr | 11.5 gr | 2,548 fps | 41,300 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Accurate Powders |
| Speer SP | 55 gr | Hodgdon Lil’Gun | 9.0 gr | 10.0 gr | 2,392 fps | 35,000 CUP | 24″ Barrel | Hodgdon |
Understanding The .22 Hornet Load Data
Reloading manuals provide data that has been strictly pressure tested in controlled laboratory environments.
- Starting load: The safest baseline powder charge recommended by the publisher. It generates enough pressure for consistent ignition while maintaining a wide margin of safety during load development.
- Maximum published load: The highest powder charge tested that remains within the SAAMI maximum pressure limit of 43,000 CUP for the .22 Hornet.
- Velocity: The expected speed of the projectile as recorded by laboratory chronographs during testing.
- Pressure: The internal chamber pressure measured in CUP (Copper Units of Pressure) or PSI.
- Bullet weight: The physical mass of the projectile in grains.
- Powder: The specific brand and burn rate of the propellant used.
- Barrel length: The length of the test barrel used by the laboratory. Standard test barrels for the .22 Hornet are commonly 24 inches.
- Test conditions: Laboratories use specifically sized testing equipment, specific brass cases, and specific primers to gather their data.
Reputable sources publish varying numerical figures because they utilize different brass brands, distinct primer batches, and testing barrels with slightly different internal tolerances.
.22 Hornet Bullet Weight Load Data
The .22 Hornet was designed for short to medium range varmint control. Reloaders can find published load data for several lightweight .224 caliber bullet weights.
- 30 grain to 35 grain: These lightweight bullets achieve the highest velocities in the caliber. Bullets like the 35 grain Hornady V-MAX can exceed 3,000 fps with specific powders, offering explosive performance on small varmints.
- 40 grain: This is arguably the most popular bullet weight for the .22 Hornet. Published .22 Hornet load data for 40 grain bullets is abundant, balancing flat trajectories with excellent terminal ballistics.
- 45 grain: An excellent mid weight option favored by classic reloading manuals. It provides better wind resistance than the lighter projectiles while still maintaining velocities around 2,700 fps.
- 50 grain to 55 grain: The heaviest projectiles practically supported by published .22 Hornet reloading data. These bullets take up significant powder space in the small brass case, requiring reduced powder charges and resulting in much lower velocities. They also require careful checking to ensure they will stabilize in older rifles with slow twist rates.
.22 Hornet Powder Load Data
Because of its extremely small case capacity, the .22 Hornet performs best with very fast burning rifle powders and slow burning magnum pistol powders.
| Powder | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Hornady V-MAX | 35 gr | 12.0 gr | 13.0 gr | 3,060 fps | Hodgdon Data |
| Hodgdon H110 | Nosler BT | 40 gr | 9.0 gr | 10.3 gr | 2,809 fps | Hodgdon Data |
| IMR 4227 | Hornady SP | 45 gr | 10.0 gr | 10.8 gr | 2,465 fps | Hodgdon Data |
| Accurate 1680 | Sierra SMP | 50 gr | 10.3 gr | 11.5 gr | 2,548 fps | Accurate Powders |
Load data published for a specific 40 grain bullet profile cannot automatically be used for a different 40 grain bullet. Bearing surface differences create distinct friction levels inside the barrel.
.22 Hornet Bullet And Powder Combinations
The exact component combination strictly dictates safe pressures.
Bullet construction matters heavily. A blunt round nose bullet seats differently than a modern polymer tipped bullet. Seating a bullet even a fraction of an inch deeper in the diminutive .22 Hornet case severely reduces internal volume and will cause a dangerous pressure spike.
Furthermore, primer choice is critical. While it is a rifle cartridge, many precision reloaders and some manuals recommend using small pistol primers instead of small rifle primers. Small pistol primers offer a milder ignition, which can improve accuracy and prevent the primer blast from unseating the bullet before the powder fully ignites. However, reloaders must match the exact primer specified in the published load data to ensure safety.
.22 Hornet Velocity From Published Data
Velocities provided in published manuals serve as a laboratory baseline rather than a universal guarantee.
- Manufacturer published velocity: Generated in heavily controlled test environments using precise universal receivers with 24 inch barrels.
- Independent chronograph testing: Measured by reloaders using production varmint rifles. It is common for a load rated at 3,000 fps in a manual to yield slightly different numbers out of a standard hunting rifle due to bore wear or chamber dimensions.
- Ballistic calculator estimates: Software predictions based on bullet weight and powder charge. These are strictly mathematical estimates and do not replace physical chronograph data.
Do not present a software calculated velocity as a verified or measured velocity.
.22 Hornet Load Data By Barrel Length
Barrel characteristics radically affect .22 Hornet velocity.
- 24 inch barrels: Often used in laboratory testing and traditional varmint rifles. These barrels extract the maximum possible velocity from powders like Lil’Gun or H110.
- 20 inch barrels: Frequently found on compact carbines. A 20 inch barrel will cost the shooter some velocity, sometimes dropping a 2,800 fps load down to roughly 2,700 fps.
- 10 to 14 inch barrels: The .22 Hornet is very popular in single shot specialty pistols like the Thompson/Center Contender. When fired from these shorter barrels, shooters can expect a significant velocity drop of 300 to 400 fps compared to published 24 inch rifle data.
Always identify the test firearm or barrel length associated with any published velocity figure.
.22 Hornet Energy And Ballistics
When loaded to its potential, the .22 Hornet delivers excellent short range kinetic energy on small game with virtually zero recoil.
Using published data for a 40 grain bullet leaving a 24 inch barrel at 2,800 fps, the cartridge produces roughly 696 foot pounds of muzzle energy. Due to the lightweight bullets and moderate velocities compared to modern cartridges, the projectile loses energy quickly past 150 yards. It is highly effective within 200 yards, where the trajectory remains flat enough for precise shot placement on small targets. Clearly identify the exact bullet and load associated with every ballistic figure.
Standard .22 Hornet vs +P Data
It is vital to understand the pressure categories of rifle cartridges. There is no official SAAMI specification for .22 Hornet +P load data.
- Standard pressure data: The .22 Hornet is rated for a maximum pressure limit of 43,000 CUP. All published .22 Hornet load data operates within this limit to protect the notoriously thin brass cases.
- The .22 K-Hornet: Shooters looking for more velocity often ream their chambers to the .22 K-Hornet wildcat. This is a physically different chamber shape that holds more powder. Standard .22 Hornet data and .22 K-Hornet data are not interchangeable.
- Safety warning: Reloaders must never attempt to create +P data for the standard .22 Hornet by exceeding published maximum charges. Doing so will immediately rupture the thin brass cases and risk destroying the firearm action. Standard pressure load data must always be adhered to.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
When researching .22 Hornet reloading data, you must prioritize official manufacturer data over user submitted load reports.
Manufacturer data is rigorously pressure tested using advanced copper crushers or piezoelectric transducers to measure exactly what is happening inside the chamber. Independent testing done by consumers generally only measures velocity via a chronograph. A chronograph cannot detect a dangerous pressure spike. An independent tester might achieve extreme velocities and claim a load recipe is safe simply because their specific rifle did not blow up, but that does not make it a verified or safe standard.
.22 Hornet Pressure And Safety
The .22 Hornet requires extreme care and attention to detail during the reloading process due to the physical dimensions of the brass.
The brass case features incredibly thin walls and a very fragile neck. Reloaders must chamfer the inside of the case mouths and seat bullets very carefully to avoid crushing the neck. Because the case volume is so small, variations of just one or two tenths of a grain of powder will drastically alter chamber pressure. Reloaders must follow published starting and maximum loads exactly, use precise powder scales, and never substitute components unless explicitly instructed by the manual.
Best Sources For .22 Hornet Load Data
The most reliable sources for verified reloading data include:
- Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: Excellent for online, pressure tested data for Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders like Lil’Gun and H110.
- Hornady Handbook: Provides highly detailed load data specifically for their V-MAX and traditional Soft Point bullets.
- Speer Reloading Manual: Offers excellent data sets and important technical notes regarding primer selection for this specific cartridge.
- Lyman Reloading Manual: A fantastic resource for traditional jacketed bullets as well as data for cast lead projectiles.
Common .22 Hornet Load Data Questions
Where can I find .22 Hornet load data?
Authoritative data is available in the Hornady Handbook, the Speer manual, and the online Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.
What powders are used in published .22 Hornet data?
Fast burning rifle powders and slow magnum pistol powders are standard, including Hodgdon Lil’Gun, H110, Winchester 296, IMR 4227, and Accurate 1680.
What bullet weights have .22 Hornet load data?
Published data exists primarily for 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 grain bullets.
What is the best source for .22 Hornet reloading data?
The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center provides the most comprehensive and up to date data for the most efficient powders like Lil’Gun.
Why does .22 Hornet load data vary between sources?
Laboratories use different test barrel lengths, varying brass capacities, distinct primer types, and distinct bullet bearing surfaces.
What is the difference between standard and .22 Hornet +P load data?
There is no officially recognized .22 Hornet +P load data. The standard cartridge is limited to 43,000 CUP, and attempting to load past this will destroy the fragile brass cases.
Does barrel length affect .22 Hornet velocity?
Yes. A 24 inch test barrel will yield significantly higher velocities than a 14 inch single shot pistol barrel.
Can the same powder charge be used with a different bullet?
No. Different bullets of the exact same weight have different lengths and seating depths, requiring specific standard pressure load data.
What is the difference between starting and maximum published load data?
The starting load is a safe baseline for load development, while the maximum load is the absolute highest charge tested that remains within safe SAAMI pressure limits.
Does Hodgdon publish .22 Hornet load data?
Yes, the online Hodgdon Reloading Data Center provides extensive pressure tested data utilizing Lil’Gun, H110, and IMR 4227.
Does Hornady publish .22 Hornet load data?
Yes, Hornady includes this cartridge in their current reloading handbooks for their V-MAX and SP bullet lines.
Does Nosler publish .22 Hornet load data?
Yes, Nosler provides specific load data for their lightweight Varmageddon and Ballistic Tip projectiles.
Does Lyman publish .22 Hornet load data?
Yes, the Lyman reloading manual includes comprehensive data sets for both jacketed and cast lead projectiles.
Final Verdict
For accurate and safe .22 Hornet load data, reloaders must pull recipes directly from authoritative sources like Hodgdon, Hornady, Speer, and Lyman. It is imperative to compare the exact bullet weight, bullet profile, powder type, and component list before beginning load development. Because the .22 Hornet utilizes fragile brass cases and is highly sensitive to minor seating depth changes, reloaders must completely avoid undocumented recipes and adhere strictly to published maximum charges. By utilizing verified, laboratory tested load data, reloaders can safely maximize the accuracy and classic varmint hunting performance of the .22 Hornet cartridge.