.22 K-Hornet (rifle loads) (Handloader #343)

.22 K-Hornet (Rifle Loads)

The .22 K-Hornet, a refined version of the .22 Hornet, was developed to enhance the performance of this compact varmint cartridge through a sharper shoulder angle and reduced body taper. According to data provided by Sierra Bullets, the improved case offers roughly a 9% increase in capacity over the standard Hornet case, translating into velocity gains of approximately 3-5% when other variables are equal.

Example loads documented for the 22 K-Hornet in rifle configuration used bullets in the 40- to 45-grain range and modern powders such as H110, AAC-1680, and Vihtavuori N110. For instance, one accuracy load with a 45-grain bullet and AAC-1680 achieved 2,900 fps with 14.1 grains, while another using Vihtavuori N110 produced 2,850 fps at 10.9 grains.

The improved case geometry also brings higher sensitivity to tuning parameters. Several handloaders report that seating depth changes of just 0.005" produce noticeable shifts in group size and point-of-impact. Moreover, the fire-forming process (using standard Hornet brass in a K-Hornet chamber) must be accompanied by careful brass inspection, annealing, and trimming to maintain consistency and prevent case deformation.

For varmint use, the softly recoiling, efficiently burning K-Hornet delivers excellent accuracy and moderate recoil, enabling tight groups in rifles with proper bedding and match barrels. The cartridge remains best suited for ranges up to around 200-250 yards, where its flat trajectory and accuracy advantage shine—especially when load development is meticulous.

Source: Wolfe Publishing – Handloader Issue #343 (April 2023)