22 Hornet Ammo For Sale Online At Smoky Mountains Guns and Ammo

The first time I carried a .22 Hornet, I felt why it still has fans. It is light, quick, and easy on the shoulder. It also hits harder than rimfire rounds. That mix builds confidence when you hunt small game. It also keeps practice fun. If you are searching for 22 Hornet Ammo for sale, I recommend buying in bulk. It helps you stay consistent with one load. You can also save per round at Smokymountainsgunsandammo.com when you buy larger quantities.

The .22 Hornet sits between rimfire and .223-style centerfire options. It is known for low recoil and a mild report. Yet it still brings real centerfire speed. Many factory loads push 35–55 grain bullets around 2,500–3,100 fps.

What is 22 Hornet Ammo?

22 Hornet ammo is a small, fast centerfire rifle cartridge. It fires a .22-caliber bullet and uses a rimmed, bottleneck brass case.

Because it is centerfire, it is also reloadable. That matters if you like tuning loads for accuracy. It is popular for varmints and small-game hunting. It can also work for predator calling inside practical ranges.

History 

The modern .22 Hornet grew out of early small-bore experiments in the 1920s. People wanted a high-velocity .22 that stayed mild and accurate. Springfield Armory experimenters helped shape the idea. Then Winchester brought it to the market in 1930.

It later earned a practical reputation in survival roles. During World War II, the U.S. military used the .22 Hornet in aircrew survival rifles. The goal was simple. Put food in the pot when things went wrong.

That history is why the Hornet feels “classic.” It was built to do a real job. It still does.

Types of 22 Hornet ammunition

When shoppers say “22 hornet ammunition,” they often mean one of these common load styles:

• Polymer tip (varmint bullets)

This is the fast, explosive style. It is designed for rapid expansion on impact. Many hunters pick it for prairie dogs and similar targets. Hornady’s V-MAX is a well-known example.

• Soft point (controlled expansion)

Soft points aim for steadier penetration. They are a strong choice for small predators at sensible ranges. Remington’s 45 gr PSP is a classic “hunt-ready” option.

• Hollow point (rapid upset)

Hollow points often expand quickly at Hornet speeds. Many shooters like them for pest control.

• FMJ (range and training)

FMJ loads are often used for practice. They can also be used where you want less expansion. Sellier & Bellot lists a 45 gr FMJ with published velocity and energy data.

• Lead-free/non-toxic

Some lines focus on lead-free bullets for areas that require them. Federal’s varmint line is an example category to watch.

Specifications of 22 Hornet Ammo

Here are the “shopper specs” that help you match ammo to your rifle:

• Bullet diameter: typically .224″ (some older rifles may differ)

• Case type: rimmed, bottleneck

• Case length: about 1.403″

• Overall length: about 1.723.”

• Primer: small rifle

• Max pressure standards: CIP lists Pmax 3000 bar (standards vary by system)

Practical performance often lands around 2,650 fps with a 45-grain bullet in many factory loads.

Design of the ammunition 

The .22 Hornet case is small and efficient. It uses a modest powder charge compared with .223-class rounds. That helps keep recoil low. It also keeps muzzle blast more manageable.

In recoil terms, one comparison source estimates about 1.6 ft-lbs of free recoil for the Hornet versus 4 ft-lbs for .223 in a similar rifle weight. That lines up with what you feel on the bench.

This design is also why many shooters call it “pleasant.” You can shoot longer without getting beat up.

What is 22 Hornet Ammo used for?

I think of the .22 Hornet as a “close-to-mid range working round.”

Common uses include:

• Varmints: groundhogs, prairie dogs, and similar targets

• Small game: where centerfire is legal and appropriate

• Predator control: coyotes and bobcats at sensible distances, with proper bullets

• Survival/utility: historically used in aircrew survival rifles,

• Competition: it appears in metallic silhouette contexts

PPU 22 Hornet ammo 

PPU (Prvi Partizan) 22 Hornet ammo is often chosen for value and steady performance. Their published ballistics for a 45 gr soft point show a 740 m/s muzzle velocity (about 2,427 fps) and listed energy values by distance.

For bulk buyers, PPU can be a smart “practice plus hunt” option. It also tends to be reloadable brass, which many Hornet owners like.

Most sources describe it as strongest inside roughly 150–200 yards for many field tasks, depending on target and load.

Hornady 22 Hornet ammo

Hornady 22 Hornet ammo shines in varmint loads. The 35 gr V-MAX line is built around accuracy and quick fragmentation at practical varmint speeds.

That load is commonly listed at 3100 fps and about 747 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.

If you want a “point-and-shoot” feel inside your ranges, this is often the direction shooters go.

Remington 22 Hornet ammo 

Remington 22 Hornet ammo has a long-standing option in the 45 gr Pointed Soft Point load. Remington lists it at 2690 fps.

22 Hornet ammo in stock at Smoky Mountains Guns and Ammo

However, you can shop smarter on Smokymountainsgunsandammo.com with a simple approach:

• Filter for 22 Hornet ammo in stock and sort by cost per round.

• Choose your bullet style first (V-MAX, soft point, FMJ).

• Then buy enough of the same lot for sight-in and season use.

Bulk buying reduces last-minute scrambling. It also keeps your zero stable.

Retail listings also show 723 ft-lbs of muzzle energy for that same 45 gr PSP load.

If you prefer controlled expansion and a traditional hunting bullet style, this is a practical pick.

22 Hornet Ammo Ballistics 

Below is a practical, shopper-friendly ballistics snapshot for common factory loads. Published numbers vary by barrel length and lot.

Trajectory reality check: one ballistics summary notes that a 35 gr V-MAX load, zeroed at 200 yards, can drop about -62.7 inches at 400 yards and about -149.2 inches at 500 yards.

That is why most hunters keep the Hornet in closer. It performs best when you stay disciplined.

Is 22 Hornet ammo hard to find?

Sometimes, yes. It is a “niche” cartridge compared with .223 and .22 LR. Many shooters report they do not see it on local shelves often.

That said, major online retailers still list .22 Hornet options, including “in stock” views at times.

So the best answer is this: it can be seasonal. When you see your preferred load, buy enough. That is why bulk orders make sense.

Where to buy 22 Hornet Ammo online?

If you want 22 Hornet ammo for sale in stockwith a bulk-friendly mindset, here is the buying playbook I use:

1. Pick your job first. Varmints, small game, or mixed use.

2. Match bullet type to the job. V-MAX for varmints. Soft point for broader use.

3. Buy enough for consistency. One load. One zero. Less guessing.

4. Shop Smokymountainsgunsandammo.com and prioritize listings that show clear specs and lot consistency.

Also, keep basic safety and legal checks in mind. Follow all local rules. Store ammo securely. Use the correct caliber for your rifle.

FAQ 

• Is .22 Hornet the same as .22 LR?

No. The Hornet is a centerfire rifle cartridge. It runs much faster than .22 LR.

• What is the effective range of 22 Hornet rounds?

Many hunters treat it as a practical inside-200-yard cartridge. Range depends on the target and the load.

• Is 22 Hornet ammunition good for coyotes?

It can be, inside realistic distances, with the right bullet choice. Many sources discuss it as adequate for coyotes when used correctly.

• Why does 22 Hornet ammunition seem scarce sometimes?

Demand is smaller than .223 or .22 LR. Local stores stock fast movers first. Many shooters report shelf gaps.

• Is .22 Hornet quieter than .223?

Often, yes, especially from similar rifles. It also uses less powder capacity than .223.

• What bullet types are common in .22 Hornet cartridges?

You will often see polymer tip, soft point, hollow point, and FMJ.

• Can I reload .22 Hornet?

Yes. It is a centerfire cartridge and is commonly reloaded by owners.

• What is a popular Hornady load for the Hornet?

Hornady’s 35-grain V-MAX is widely listed and used for varmints.

Conclusion

The .22 Hornet keeps its place because it feels right in the field. It is light, accurate, and easy to shoot well. It also brings true centerfire performance without the bark of larger .22 centerfires. Its numbers back that up, too. Loads can reach about 3100 fps, and recoil can stay very low.

If you want stability for hunting and practice, bulk buying is the smart move. Start with your use case. Pick the bullet type that fits. Then look for 22 Hornet ammo for sale in stock at Smokymountainsgunsandammo.com and buy enough to carry you through the season.