Author Topic: 22 Hornet & Squirrels (Read 1120 times)

Straight Shooter · « **on:** August 20, 2003, 06:53:58 AM »

I know it is a little over kill, but was wondering if anyone has experience with the Hornet on squirrels.

I have been playing around with the idea of taking my 10" T/C Hornet out squirrel hunting. I thought if I came up with a load that duplicates a 22 mag out of a rifle I would be o.k.

41MAG · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2003, 09:44:14 AM »

I used my hornet on 1 squirrel did a head shot NOT a pretty site. Also if you reload hornet that one shot costabout 50 cents. If it was me I'd leave the hornet at home & take a 22 or 22 mag.both have plenty of power for clean kills.

cooper · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2003, 08:28:58 AM »

I use my Ruger 22 Hornet on squirrles a lot. I love it!

I use a reduced load with the Speer jacketed 46 gr flat-nose bullet. I can't remember my exact loads (my notes are at home), but I have used Winchester 231, Unique, and Accurate Arms #5 in low amounts. They all seem to perform about the same - I like #5 the best because it flows through a powder measure so well.

MV is in the 1700-1800 fps range, but I think this is a bit too fast. I go for head shots as much as I can, and it messes the head up pretty good. One of these days I will try a lighter charge, to get the velocity down to the 1500 fps range and see how that works out. I think the flat nose on that bullet increases the killing power a lot.

Luckily, when sighted-in with these loads to be on at about 50 yd, and slightly high at 25, my hi-power loads are about 2" high at 100. Perfect! The hi-power loads are the Hornady 35 gr. V-max, with a maximum charge of Win. 296.

Chuck from arkansaw · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2003, 12:12:09 PM »

Just got a 25-20 Marlin lever action. I hope to hunt squirrels and coyotes with it. Load .22 mag. type loads with 60 gr. cast bullets.

Ladobe · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2003, 04:17:21 PM »

Squirrels + 17HMR! Made for each other.

Ladobe :bye: