The .22 Hornet and .223 Remington are both popular cartridges among hunters and sport shooters alike. Both offer excellent accuracy and performance, but the differences between the two make them suitable for different types of hunting.
In this article, we take a look at how these two cartridges compare so you can decide which option is best for your needs in a similar way to our article about the 30-30 vs .308. We’ll dive into the 22 hornet vs 223. We will discuss the pros and cons of each cartridge and the type of game they are best suited for. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have a good understanding of which cartridge you should choose for your hunting style.
Table of Contents
What is a 22 Hornet
The .22 Hornet is a rimless, centerfire rifle cartridge developed by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in the early 1930s. It was the first widely-produced centerfire cartridge with a velocity of over 3000 feet per second, which made it suitable for small game hunting and target shooting. The .22 Hornet is a popular choice among handgun and rifle owners because of its performance and versatility.
The .22 Hornet is a great choice for beginning shooters because of its relative affordability, low recoil, and mild report. It is also considered a good varmint cartridge, being capable of taking out small game such as marmots, foxes, and coyotes. It has a flat trajectory and is capable of taking out targets out to several hundred yards. Its accuracy and performance makes it a good choice for target shooting, as well. It is also capable of shooting heavier loads, allowing shooters to use it for large game such as deer, if desired.
The .22 Hornet is a great choice for those looking for a versatile, accurate cartridge that won’t break the bank. Its mild report and low recoil makes it great for introducing new shooters to the sport of shooting. Its flat trajectory and accuracy makes it great for shooting small game, as well as for target shooting. Its ability to handle heavier loads makes it suitable for larger game, if desired. All these features make the .22 Hornet a great choice for the shooter looking for a reliable, accurate, and versatile cartridge.
What is a 223 Remington?
The .223 Remington is a rifle caliber that has been in production since 1964, making it one of the oldest and most well known of all rifle calibers. It is a rimless, bottle-necked cartridge that is most commonly used in the AR-15 style of rifles. It is capable of firing a wide variety of projectiles, ranging from bullets to frangible rounds, and is popular for both sport shooting and hunting.
The .223 Remington is considered to be an intermediate cartridge due to its size and power level. Its light recoil makes it easy to handle and less intimidating to new shooters, making it an ideal choice for people just getting into the sport. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive to purchase and shoot, making it a great option for those on a budget. Its low noise level also makes it popular for use in densely populated areas where firearm noise may be an issue.
The .223 Remington has a long and storied history, and is still a popular choice among shooters today. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from recreational shooting to home defense. Its light recoil and low noise make it an excellent choice for those just getting into the sport, while its performance and affordability make it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and budget-friendly caliber.
Pros and Cons
The .223 Remington and .22 Hornet calibers are two of the most popular choices for those looking for a rifle round. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the decision of which one to choose comes down to the individual’s needs and preferences. We will explore the pros and cons of each cartridge to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of .22 hornet
- Low recoil and report due to the small size of the .22 Hornet cartridge make it an ideal choice for small game hunting, target shooting, and varmint control.
- The smaller size of the .22 Hornet round also makes it easier to store and transport ammunition than its larger counterparts.
- The .22 Hornet is easy to reload, making it an attractive choice for people looking to custom-make their rounds.
- Affordable ammunition and readily available reloading components make the .22 Hornet an economical choice.
Cons of .22 Hornet
- It is not recommended for hunting large game, as its relatively small size and light weight do not generate enough energy to take down larger animals humanely.
- The small size of the .22 Hornet round can cause accuracy issues due to its short barrel length, making it more difficult to hit targets at long range.
- The .22 Hornet is not as popular as some other centerfire cartridges, making it difficult to find ammunition or components in some areas.
Pros of .223 Remington
- Light recoil and easy-to-control muzzle rise make the .223 Remington a great option for novice shooters.
- The cartridge is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including target shooting, small game hunting, and home defense.
- High velocities of the .223 Remington mean flat trajectories and increased accuracy at extended ranges.
- Incredibly cost-effective ammunition is widely available.
Cons of .223 Remington
- Relatively low terminal ballistics make the .223 Remington less than ideal for large game hunting.
- This cartridge is not as powerful as some other rifle cartridges, such as the .30-06.
- The .223 Remington has relatively low energy and is limited in power beyond 300 yards.
- Difficult to reload, due to the small case size.
Which Round is Better for Hunting?
When it comes to hunting, the .22 Hornet is a great choice. It is a versatile, low-recoiling, medium-power rimfire cartridge that is suitable for small game such as squirrels, rabbits and foxes. It can also be used for medium game such as deer and wild boar.
The .223 Remington is a good choice for larger game such as deer and wild boar. It has more power and a flatter trajectory than the .22 Hornet, so it is better suited for longer-range shots. It also has a higher velocity, which can help improve accuracy. Both cartridges have their advantages, so it really comes down to the type of game you plan to hunt and the range you plan to shoot.
Which Round is More Cost Effective?
When comparing the cost of ammunition for the .22 Hornet and the .223 Remington, it is important to consider several factors. The first factor to consider is the type of hunting you plan to do. The .22 Hornet is designed for small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and other vermin, and it is well suited for this purpose. In contrast, the .223 Remington is designed for larger game, such as deer and coyotes, and is better suited for those applications.
The second factor to consider is ammunition cost. The .22 Hornet is much less expensive than the .223 Remington, especially in bulk. A box of 50 rounds of .22 Hornet will typically cost between $12 and $15, while a box of 20 rounds of .223 Remington will cost between $15 and $20. This makes the .22 Hornet much more cost effective than the .223 Remington.
The third factor to consider is the range of the round. The .22 Hornet has a maximum effective range of about 200 yards and is better suited for hunting small game at close range. The .223 Remington has a much longer range, and is better suited for hunting larger game at longer distances.
Finally, it is important to consider the accuracy of the round. The .22 Hornet is known for its excellent accuracy and is widely used for target shooting and plinking. The .223 Remington is also known for its accuracy, but it is more of a “spray and pray” type of round, meaning it is better suited for shooting larger game at greater distances.
Overall, when considering cost-effectiveness, the .22 Hornet is more cost effective than the .223 Remington. It is less expensive to purchase, has a shorter range, and is more accurate. This makes it a great choice for small game hunting and target shooting.
Which Round is Better for Self Defense?
The .22 Hornet and the .223 Remington are two popular choices for self defense. Both cartridges have their advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, the best choice for self defense will depend on the user’s individual needs and preferences.
The .22 Hornet is a smaller, lighter round than the .223 Remington, and it is more suitable for use in smaller firearms such as revolvers and lever-action rifles. It is also less expensive to purchase than the .223 Remington. The Hornet is a low-recoil round, making it easier to shoot accurately and quickly, and it is also very accurate at short to medium ranges. However, it is not as powerful as the .223 Remington and is not suitable for long-range shooting.
The .223 Remington is a larger round than the .22 Hornet and is best suited for use with semi-automatic rifles and carbines. It is more powerful than the Hornet and is capable of longer-range shooting. The .223 Remington is also a higher-recoil round than the Hornet and may be more difficult to shoot accurately, especially for inexperienced shooters. However, it is still manageable and can be a great self-defense tool with the right training.
When it comes to self defense, both the .22 Hornet and the .223 Remington can be effective. Ultimately, the best round for self defense will depend on the user’s needs, preferences, and experience level. For shooters who are looking for a low-recoil, easily manageable round, the .22 Hornet may be the best choice. For shooters who require more power and are comfortable with higher-recoil rounds, the .223 Remington may be the better choice.
Which Round has the Best Rifle Options
When it comes to rifle rounds, there are many options to choose from. Two of the most popular rounds are the .223 Remington and the .22 Hornet. Both of these rounds offer a variety of advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you depends on what you plan to use it for.
The .223 Remington is a good choice for hunting small game, as it is lightweight, easy to handle and has a relatively high accuracy range. This round is also popular for target shooting, as it is relatively inexpensive and can be found in many types of firearms. The .223 Remington is a bit louder than the .22 Hornet and has more muzzle energy, which may be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the situation.
The .22 Hornet is a great round for hunting larger game such as coyotes, foxes, and even deer. It has a higher velocity than the .223 Remington and is much quieter, making it an ideal choice for hunting in more populated areas. The .22 Hornet is also more accurate than the .223 Remington, and can reach targets at a much greater distance. However, the .22 Hornet is more expensive and harder to find, making it less popular than the .223 Remington.
In conclusion, both the .223 Remington and the .22 Hornet are great options for a rifle round. The .223 Remington is great for hunting small game and target shooting, while the .22 Hornet is great for hunting larger game and is more accurate. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on the type of shooting you plan to do and your budget.
Conclusion – 22 Hornet vs 223 Remington
The 22 Hornet and 223 Remington are both great choices for hunters and target shooters alike. The 22 Hornet is capable of providing excellent accuracy and performance out to 200 yards, while the 223 Remington offers greater bullet velocity and energy at longer distances. Both cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on the intended use.
If you are looking for a general-purpose cartridge, the 223 Remington would be the better choice. For hunting small to medium-sized game, the 22 Hornet will prove to be a great option. It all boils down to what you need, and whether the 22 Hornet or 223 Remington will best suit your needs.