.22 Hornet (Hodgdon Pistol Data)

.22 Hornet (Hodgdon Pistol Data)

Although the .22 Hornet is primarily a rifle cartridge, Hodgdon’s Pistol Data section includes published loads for it under “small centerfire / metallic” categories. These entries are intended for shorter barrel or pistol/platform experiments and provide conservative, safe starting and maximum loads for bullets commonly used in Hornet rifles.

From the Hodgdon Pistol Data list on Loaddata, here are some example loads (15" test barrel, Winchester case, 1:16" twist, trim length 1.393") using .224-inch bullets:

• 35 gr Hornady V-MAX: H-4227 — starting load, 2,579 fps (˜ 35,600 CUP)
• 35 gr Hornady V-MAX: H-4227 — max load, 2,770 fps (˜ 42,500 CUP)
• 35 gr Hornady V-MAX: H-110 — starting 2,616 fps, max 2,861 fps (˜ 32,700 to 41,400 CUP)
• 40 gr Speer SP: H-110 — starting 2,484 fps, max 2,652 fps (˜ 32,400 to 41,800 CUP)
• 45 gr Hornady SP: Lil’Gun — starting 2,532 fps, max 2,637 fps (˜ 26,500 to 31,600 CUP)

Because these loads are from the “Pistol Data” section, they tend to be conservative, and are well suited for handguns, short barrels, or for use in rifles where safety margins are preferred. Always work up loads in small increments, monitor for pressure signs, and verify performance in the specific barrel and chamber you're using.

Source: Hodgdon Pistol Data via Loaddata “.22 Hornet (Hodgdon Pistol Data)”