The 22 Hornet is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 49,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 22 Hornet with the 223 Remington on the same basis.
22 Hornet ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 30 gr | 3,150 fps | 661 ft-lb |
| 33 gr | 3,040 fps | 677 ft-lb |
| 34 gr | 2,985 fps | 673 ft-lb |
| 35 gr | 3,040 fps | 718 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 4 reference bullet weights for the 22 Hornet, from 30 to 35 grains. The lightest, 30 grains, is listed at 3,150 fps, which computes to 661 ft-lb. The heaviest, 35 grains, is listed at 3,040 fps, or 718 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 22 Hornet ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 22 Hornet is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in, with a .222 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 49,000 psi. Fire 22 Hornet ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
22 Hornet vs 223: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 22 Hornet | 223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 49,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 16.00 in | 1 turn in 12.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .222 in | .224 in |
| Lightest reference load | 30 gr — 3,150 fps / 661 ft-lb | 35 gr — 3,800–4,000 fps / 1,122–1,243 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 35 gr — 3,040 fps / 718 ft-lb | 35 gr — 3,800–4,000 fps / 1,122–1,243 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 35 gr — 3,040 fps / 718 ft-lb | 77 gr — 2,670–2,785 fps / 1,219–1,326 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 22 Hornet at 49,000 psi and the 223 Remington at 55,000 psi, so the 22 Hornet runs 6,000 psi lower. At 35 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 22 Hornet reference load is 3,040 fps and 718 ft-lb computed, against 4,000 fps and 1,243 ft-lb for the 223 Remington. On that row the 223 Remington carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (24.000 in, 1 turn in 16.00 in for the 22 Hornet; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 12.00 in for the 223 Remington), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 223 ammo.
22 Hornet ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 22 Hornet?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 22 Hornet at 49,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 22 Hornet?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 22 Hornet is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in. Your own rifle may differ, and a twist slower than a long, heavy bullet needs will not stabilise it.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 22 Hornet?
SAAMI lists 4 reference weights, from 30 to 35 grains: 30, 33, 34 and 35.
Is the 22 Hornet more powerful than the 223 Remington?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 35 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 22 Hornet reference load is 3,040 fps and 718 ft-lb computed, against 4,000 fps and 1,243 ft-lb for the 223 Remington.
How much does the 22 Hornet drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
What is the effective range of the 22 Hornet?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 22 Hornet ammunition from Winchester, Nosler, Remington, Sellier And Bellot, Federal and Hornady. Browse the full 22 Hornet ammo range.
