As the .22 Hornet travels downrange, a lightweight 35-grain bullet sheds its speed very rapidly due to high air resistance, dropping to roughly 350 fps at 1,000 yards. At the muzzle, velocities measure roughly 3,100 fps for 35-grain polymer tipped loads and 2,690 fps for traditional 45-grain soft point projectiles. The charts below detail these velocity measurements across extreme distances and varying barrel lengths.
Table of Contents [Click to minimize]
.22 Hornet Velocity Chart at 100 to 1,000 Yards
Note: The .22 Hornet is a small centerfire varmint cartridge designed for high accuracy within 150 to 200 yards. Data beyond 250 yards represents mathematical model extrapolations. Firing a tiny 35-grain projectile at 1,000 yards requires extreme trajectory angles, and the bullet will destabilize and tumble well before reaching that distance.
| Distance (yards) | Distance (meters) | Ammunition / Bullet Weight | Barrel Length (inches) | Estimated Velocity (fps) | Velocity Loss from Muzzle (fps) |
| Muzzle (0) | 0.0 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 3,100 fps (Published) | 0 fps |
| 100 yards | 91.4 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 2,280 fps (G1 Calculation) | 820 fps |
| 200 yards | 182.9 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 1,610 fps (G1 Calculation) | 1,490 fps |
| 300 yards | 274.3 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 1,120 fps (Transonic) | 1,980 fps |
| 400 yards | 365.8 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 880 fps (Extrapolation) | 2,220 fps |
| 500 yards | 457.2 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 730 fps (Extrapolation) | 2,370 fps |
| 600 yards | 548.6 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 620 fps (Extrapolation) | 2,480 fps |
| 700 yards | 640.1 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 530 fps (Extrapolation) | 2,570 fps |
| 800 yards | 731.5 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 460 fps (Extrapolation) | 2,640 fps |
| 900 yards | 823.0 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 400 fps (Extrapolation) | 2,700 fps |
| 1,000 yards | 914.4 m | 35-gr Hornady V-Max (BC: ~0.109) | 24.0 | 350 fps (Terminal Free-Fall) | 2,750 fps |
.22 Hornet Muzzle Velocity Chart
| Ammunition Type | Bullet Weight (grains) | Barrel Length (inches) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
| 35-grain Polymer Tip Hornady V-Max [Manufacturer Spec] | 35 | 24.0 (Standard Rifle) | 3,100 (Advertised) | 747 |
| 35-grain Polymer Tip Hornady V-Max [Independent Estimate] | 35 | 20.0 (Compact Rifle) | 2,980 (Estimated) | 690 |
| 40-grain Jacketed Hollow Point Sellier & Bellot JHP [Manufacturer Spec] | 40 | 24.0 (Standard Rifle) | 2,950 (Advertised) | 773 |
| 45-grain Soft Point Winchester Super-X [Manufacturer Spec] | 45 | 24.0 (Standard Rifle) | 2,690 (Advertised) | 723 |
| 45-grain Soft Point Winchester Super-X [Independent Estimate] | 45 | 20.0 (Compact Rifle) | 2,580 (Estimated) | 665 |
Factors Affecting Velocity
- Low Ballistic Coefficient: The .22 Hornet fires very light, short bullets. A 35-grain bullet has a G1 Ballistic Coefficient of roughly 0.109. This blunt, lightweight profile causes the bullet to experience massive aerodynamic drag, shedding over 800 fps in just the first 100 yards of flight.
- Small Case Capacity: As one of the smallest centerfire rifle cartridges available, the .22 Hornet holds a very small powder charge. It generates high initial velocities by pushing extremely light bullets, but it lacks the sustained powder burn needed to drive heavier, more aerodynamic bullets at high speeds.
- Barrel Length: Because the small powder charge is consumed quickly, the .22 Hornet does not require exceptionally long barrels to achieve peak performance. A 24-inch barrel provides the maximum advertised velocity, but dropping to a 20-inch barrel only results in a modest loss of about 100 to 120 fps, making it excellent for lightweight walking rifles.
- Bullet Weight Selection: Shooters typically choose between 35-grain bullets for maximum velocity and explosive expansion on small pests, or traditional 45-grain soft points. The 45-grain bullets start about 400 fps slower but penetrate better, making them a historic choice for slightly larger game at close ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the .22 Hornet compare to the .22 WMR?
While they fire similarly sized bullets, the .22 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge that can be reloaded and operates at much higher pressures. The .22 Hornet pushes a 35-grain bullet over 3,000 fps, whereas the rimfire .22 WMR pushes a similar bullet at roughly 2,000 fps. The Hornet offers significantly more range and striking energy.
What is the effective hunting range of the .22 Hornet?
For reliable expansion and ethical kills on varmints like prairie dogs, woodchucks, or coyotes, the .22 Hornet is highly effective out to about 150 to 200 yards. Beyond 200 yards, wind drift becomes severe and the bullet loses the energy required for rapid expansion.
At what distance does a .22 Hornet go subsonic?
A standard 35-grain bullet fired at 3,100 fps sheds its speed very quickly and crosses back through the sound barrier (falling below roughly 1,125 fps) right around the 300 yard mark depending on altitude and temperature.
Is the .22 Hornet still popular today?
While modern cartridges like the .204 Ruger and .223 Remington have largely overshadowed it for long range varmint hunting, the .22 Hornet remains beloved. It offers very low recoil, a quiet report, and extended barrel life, making it a favorite for hunting in semi-populated agricultural areas where a loud muzzle blast is undesirable.