Choosing the right cartridge for your firearm is crucial, impacting accuracy, power, and overall shooting experience. This in-depth comparison of the .17 Hornet and the .22 Hornet will help you determine which caliber best suits your needs, whether for hunting small game, pest control, or target shooting.
Understanding the Ballistics: Key Differences
Both the .17 Hornet and the .22 Hornet are popular rimfire cartridges known for their relatively low recoil and accuracy, but they differ significantly in bullet diameter and resulting performance.
.17 Hornet: The Smaller, Faster Round
The .17 Hornet fires a smaller, lighter bullet (.172 caliber or 4.37mm) at significantly higher velocities compared to its .22 Hornet counterpart. This translates to flatter trajectory and better long-range performance, making it ideal for longer shots on small game. However, its smaller diameter means less stopping power.
- Advantages: Higher velocity, flatter trajectory, less recoil, better for longer-range shots.
- Disadvantages: Less stopping power, smaller bullet diameter limits versatility.
.22 Hornet: The Larger, More Powerful Choice
The .22 Hornet, with its larger .224 caliber (5.6mm) bullet, delivers more energy and stopping power. This makes it a suitable choice for hunting slightly larger game than the .17 Hornet. Although velocity is lower, its heavier bullet offers superior knockdown power at closer ranges.
- Advantages: Greater stopping power, more readily available ammunition, suitable for a wider range of game.
- Disadvantages: Lower velocity, less flat trajectory compared to the .17 Hornet.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
Ammunition availability is a crucial factor to consider. While both cartridges are relatively common, the .22 Hornet generally enjoys wider availability and a potentially broader selection of bullet weights and types. This translates to potentially lower costs, especially when buying in bulk. However, specialized .17 Hornet ammunition can be found from reputable manufacturers.
Hunting Applications: What Game are they Suitable For?
Both cartridges are excellent choices for small game hunting, but their capabilities differ:
.17 Hornet Hunting Applications:
- Rabbits: The .17 Hornet's velocity provides excellent accuracy at longer ranges.
- Squirrels: Its high speed ensures clean kills.
- Prairie Dogs: Effective for controlling prairie dog populations.
- Ground Squirrels: A good choice for these smaller targets.
.22 Hornet Hunting Applications:
- Rabbits: A reliable round for rabbit hunting, offering more stopping power at closer ranges.
- Squirrels: An excellent choice for squirrels, especially if shots are at closer range.
- Coyotes (with limitations): While not ideal for larger coyotes, it can be effective at close range with proper shot placement.
Target Shooting and Accuracy
Both cartridges are known for their accuracy, but their respective ballistics impact performance:
The .17 Hornet's higher velocity allows for flatter trajectory and better accuracy at longer ranges in target shooting. The .22 Hornet, with its heavier bullet, might offer slightly better accuracy at closer ranges but might be impacted by wind more significantly than the .17 Hornet at longer distances.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The best cartridge ultimately depends on your specific needs and hunting style. The .17 Hornet excels in longer-range shooting where accuracy and high velocity are paramount. The .22 Hornet provides more stopping power and is more versatile, better suited for closer-range hunting and scenarios requiring a larger impact. Consider the type of game you plan to hunt, the typical shot distances, and ammunition availability before making your decision. Both are excellent choices for those seeking a low-recoil, accurate cartridge for small game hunting and target shooting.
