.22 Hornet vs .22 Mag - Which is Better for Varmint Control?

Hunting with Firearms
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I’ve been doing some research lately on two popular cartridges: the .22 Hornet and the .22 Magnum (.22 WMR). Both seem to have their own advantages when it comes to varmint hunting, but I’m hoping to get some insights from those of you who have experience with either or both calibers.

Power and Performance

First off, how do they stack up in terms of power? I understand that the .22 Hornet is known for its accuracy and effective range, but some folks swear by the .22 Mag for its higher velocity and energy. Can anyone share their real-world experiences with these cartridges?

Ammunition Availability

Another point I’m curious about is ammunition availability. In my area, which cartridge is easier to find? I’ve heard that the .22 Mag is more commonly stocked in sporting goods stores, but I’m not sure if that’s the case everywhere.

Suitability for Hunting

I’m mainly interested in using these for hunting small game. How well does each caliber perform in the field? Are there specific scenarios where one would outshine the other? For example, what about accuracy at varying distances? I’d love to hear about your experiences, particularly if you’ve compared the two directly.

Personal Recommendations

If you had to choose one for a beginner looking to get into varmint hunting, which would it be? Do you have a favorite or any specific rifle recommendations for these calibers?

I appreciate any insights you can share! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

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.22 Hornet has excellent ballistic performance, especially at longer ranges compared to .22 Mag, making it great for precision varmint control.

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True, but .22 Mag is a little more versatile for closer shots, plus the ammo is easier to find!

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.22 Hornet definitely offers better accuracy over distances. I’ve taken coyotes at 200 yards with mine. It really shines for hunting.

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That’s impressive! Does anyone find the recoil on the Hornet hard to manage?

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The recoil is manageable if you’re used to shooting. The real issue is finding a good rifle to use it in. What do you recommend?

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.22 Mag tends to have a bit more oomph at short ranges, making it great for quick varmint shots. Glad to see both options being discussed!

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Exactly! Plus, .22 Mag is often cheaper, which is a bonus for target practice.

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.22 Hornet is regarded for its flat trajectory too. For some, that’s crucial when shooting at longer distances. Anyone else have solid experiences?

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I’ve had success with it too, but the wind can affect it significantly at longer ranges.

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That’s a good point! Wind drift is something to consider. How does the .22 Mag fare in windy conditions?

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.22 Mag does tend to drift more due to its lighter projectile. But, for quick engagements, it’s hard to beat!

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If you want fun at the range, you can’t go wrong with .22 Mag. Just make sure to bring extra ammo for those endless plinking sessions!

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Haha, true! I’ve spent whole afternoons just shooting .22 Mag. I’d say it offers the best balance between fun and performance for beginners.

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That’s so relatable! But for serious varmint control, I stick with .22 Hornet for its stopping power.

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.22 Hornet has that serious accuracy on small game too. I respect the .22 Mag, but the precision makes Hornet my go-to.

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Both have their merits. It really comes down to your specific needs for varmint control.

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.22 Hornet rifles are often bolt-action and known for their accuracy. They pack a punch for their size, great for varmint control. Anyone have experience with specific models?

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I’ve had great luck with my CZ 527 in .22 Hornet. It’s light and super accurate! What about the .22 Mag crowd, what’s your go-to rifle?

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.22 Mag has some nice rifle options too, like the Ruger 10/22 Magnum. It’s pretty popular for small game hunting and good for varmints as well!