The world of small-bore, high-velocity cartridges offers a unique blend of precision, flat trajectories, and satisfying performance, particularly for varmint hunting and target shooting. Among the many options, the 17 Hornet and the 22 Hornet have carved out their own niches, attracting dedicated shooters and hunters alike. But which of these “Hornets” deserves a place in your gun safe? This article delves into a detailed comparison, exploring the capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages of each cartridge to help you make an informed decision. Let’s unravel the intricacies of the **17 Hornet vs. 22 Hornet** debate.
A Legacy of Small Calibers
Before we dive into a direct comparison, it’s important to understand the historical context. Both the 17 and 22 Hornet, in a sense, are built on a legacy of high-velocity, small-caliber cartridges. The original 22 Hornet, introduced in the early 20th century, was a significant development, representing a shift towards increased speed and flatter trajectories compared to older, slower rounds. The 17 Hornet, developed much later, took this concept further, capitalizing on the advantages of a smaller-diameter bullet for enhanced velocity and reduced wind drift. These cartridges are more than just rounds; they represent a design philosophy focused on efficient performance, making them popular choices for specific applications.
Unpacking the Cartridge Specifications
To fully understand the differences between the 17 and 22 Hornet, we must examine the physical attributes and ballistic performance of each.
The Buzz of the 17 Hornet
The 17 Hornet utilizes a bullet with a diameter of just .172 inches. While specific bullet weights can vary based on the manufacturer and type, they typically range from 17 to 25 grains. This narrow profile is key to its high-velocity potential. Expect muzzle velocities exceeding 3,600 feet per second (fps), leading to a remarkably flat trajectory. This flat trajectory is one of the **17 Hornet’s** most significant advantages, making it easier to hit targets at varying distances without needing to compensate for bullet drop significantly. Furthermore, the design contributes to the cartridge’s efficiency, and the smaller bullet creates less wind resistance, providing the **17 Hornet** with improved long-range accuracy.
The Heritage of the 22 Hornet
The 22 Hornet, on the other hand, uses a .224-inch diameter bullet, similar to many other popular .22-caliber cartridges. Bullet weights for the **22 Hornet** typically fall between 35 and 55 grains. Although not as fast as the **17 Hornet**, the **22 Hornet** still delivers impressive muzzle velocities, often ranging from 2,700 to 3,100 fps, depending on the load. It offers a more modest trajectory compared to its smaller sibling, meaning the shooter will have to account for bullet drop at longer ranges. The increased bullet weight of the **22 Hornet** helps it retain more energy downrange, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
Ballistic Showdown: A Comparative Look
To appreciate the practical differences, consider these factors:
The **17 Hornet**, due to its high velocity and lighter bullet, exhibits a notably flatter trajectory, meaning a target’s point of impact remains relatively unchanged over distance. This trait makes it easier to estimate shots at varying ranges, especially for varmint hunting. The **22 Hornet** trajectory is less flat, requiring more significant holdover adjustments as the distance increases. For many shooters, this will take a bit more practice.
Energy on target is another key consideration. While the **17 Hornet** boasts impressive speed, its lighter bullet generally carries less energy downrange compared to the **22 Hornet**, especially at distances beyond a couple of hundred yards. The heavier bullet of the **22 Hornet** delivers a more substantial impact, which is useful for hunting larger varmints, like coyotes.
Wind drift also influences accuracy. The **17 Hornet**, with its lighter and faster bullet, is less affected by wind, which can be a major advantage in windy conditions. The heavier bullet of the **22 Hornet** tends to drift more in crosswinds, requiring more precise windage adjustments.
Performance Across Different Applications
The choice between the **17 Hornet vs. 22 Hornet** often hinges on the intended use. Both cartridges offer impressive capabilities, but their strengths lie in different areas.
Precision on the Range
For target shooting, both cartridges offer excellent potential. The **17 Hornet’s** flatter trajectory and reduced recoil can make it easier to achieve consistent accuracy at longer ranges. The **22 Hornet**, with its slightly heavier bullet and greater energy, might be favored at longer ranges and in windy conditions, where the bullet’s increased mass can help it resist wind drift. The choice here might depend on personal preference, the target range, and the prevailing weather conditions.
The Varmint Hunter’s Perspective
The decision is perhaps most crucial for varmint hunting. The **17 Hornet** excels when hunting smaller varmints, like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other similar-sized pests. The extremely flat trajectory, combined with its relatively low recoil and significant velocity, creates a lethal combination for these targets, often minimizing the need for excessive holdover at medium distances. It is crucial, however, that hunters select the appropriate bullet type that is optimized for the specific varmint species.
The **22 Hornet** steps into its own for larger varmints and in situations where slightly more range is desired. With more kinetic energy on target, the **22 Hornet** offers better terminal performance on critters like foxes, and at slightly longer distances. Hunters should carefully select bullets, as the **22 Hornet** can also create a significant wound channel, depending on the ammunition.
A Comparative Glance: Strengths and Weaknesses
Let’s summarize the key advantages:
The **17 Hornet** offers a flatter trajectory, meaning less adjustment needed. It produces reduced recoil and is less affected by wind. Its smaller diameter promotes minimal damage to smaller varmints.
The **22 Hornet** brings to the table a wider range of bullet selections. It provides greater energy on target and its larger bullet is ideal for hunting larger varmint/predator types. The **22 Hornet** may be easier to find reloading components for.
Selecting Rifles and Ammunition
Availability plays a critical role in any cartridge choice. You will need to consider both the rifle options and available ammunition.
Rifle Landscape
Rifles chambered in **17 Hornet** are readily available from a variety of manufacturers, often in bolt-action configurations. The **22 Hornet** enjoys a similar availability, with both bolt-action and, in certain models, single-shot rifles on the market. The price of rifles varies depending on the manufacturer, materials used, and features. A basic rifle chambered in either caliber can be quite affordable, while more advanced models can be pricier.
Ammunition Insights
Both the **17 Hornet** and the **22 Hornet** have their own ammunition options. The price for ammunition will depend on the manufacturer, the brand name, and the specific type of bullet used. If you plan on reloading, finding components for the **17 Hornet** and the **22 Hornet** is relatively straightforward, although the availability of certain components might fluctuate depending on market trends and component demands.
Recoil, Noise, and Practical Considerations
Beyond ballistics and intended use, factors like recoil, noise, and overall shooting comfort can influence the choice.
A Gentle Push
The **17 Hornet** is renowned for its very low recoil, which can be a significant benefit for shooters, particularly those new to rifles or who plan to shoot frequently. The **22 Hornet** produces slightly more recoil than the **17 Hornet**, but it remains a very manageable cartridge. The amount of recoil will be a small, negligible difference for the majority of shooters.
Sound and Fury
The **17 Hornet** typically generates less noise and muzzle blast than the **22 Hornet**. This may be a factor for some shooters, especially in areas where noise restrictions are in place. The use of a suppressor or other muzzle devices can help mitigate noise levels for both cartridges, providing additional comfort and enhancing the shooting experience.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Deciding between the **17 Hornet vs. 22 Hornet** depends heavily on your priorities and intended use. The **17 Hornet** shines when you require a flat-shooting, low-recoil, and incredibly accurate cartridge for smaller varmints at reasonable ranges. The **22 Hornet** excels when you need a slightly heavier bullet and greater downrange energy, potentially suitable for larger varmints or longer shots, and providing a wider selection of bullet weights and styles.
Consider the types of varmints you plan to hunt, the ranges you intend to shoot, and the prevailing weather conditions in your hunting areas. If you prefer minimal recoil and a laser-like trajectory for smaller targets, the **17 Hornet** might be the ideal choice. If you need a bit more power and versatility for bigger game at a bit further ranges, the **22 Hornet** is a strong contender. The best approach is to research both cartridges, understand the pros and cons, and then make your choice based on what best suits your individual shooting needs.
