16 Best 22 Hornet Rifles of 2026 For Varmint Hunting

1

Lee Precision 91031: Fl Size Die 22 Hornet

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  9.2
• Brand
  Lee Precision

Key specs2

Die Function

Full-length sizing

Cartridge Support

Resizes thin-walled .22 Hornet brass along the entire case body to maintain reliable chambering across factory rifle chambers.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Dedicated full-length sizing restores fired .22 Hornet brass to factory chamber dimensions
• Shapes fragile case necks while decapping spent primers in one pass
• Works with standard 7/8-inch-14 threaded reloading presses
• Helps prevent chambering resistance in bolt-action and single-shot .22 Hornet rifles

Cons

• Requires a separate bullet seating die to complete handloaded cartridges
• Does not include a shell holder in the package

2

RCBS Full-Length Die Set .22 Hornet, Reloading Die Set for

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  8.9
• Brand
  RCBS

Key specs2

Die Setup

Two-die full-length set

Loading Operation

Pairs a dedicated sizing die with a bullet seating die to complete reloaded .22 Hornet rounds on standard reloading presses.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Provides both a full-length sizer die and a bullet seater die in one package
• Constructed with polished steel dies to help minimize friction on delicate case walls
• Designed specifically for .22 Hornet rifle cartridge reloading

Cons

• Requires case lubrication before sizing to prevent stuck thin-gauge brass
• Shell holder is not included and must be purchased separately

3

MTM Case-Gard RS-S-50-24 Rifle Ammo Box, 50 Round, 22-250 6.5

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  8.7
• Brand
  MTM

Key specs2

Box Capacity

50 rounds

Cartridge Fit

Listed for 22-250, 6.5 Grendel, 22 ARC, 6mm PPC, and 7.62x39 cases; verify fitment before storing narrow-rimmed .22 Hornet cartridges.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Holds up to 50 rifle cartridges in individual drop-in slots
• Translucent clear blue polymer allows quick visual inventory of remaining rounds
• Made in the USA with an integrated mechanical hinge and snap-latch lid

Cons

• Designed for larger cases like 22-250 and 6.5 Grendel, so slim .22 Hornet rounds will fit loosely
• Requires checking internal height clearance to prevent shorter cartridges from rattling excessively

4

Hornady 546212 DIESET 2 22 HORNET Custom Grade Reloading DIEs(Series

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  8.9
• Brand
  Hornady

Key specs3

Die Series

Custom Grade Series I

Bullet Diameter Fit

.224 diameter

Handloading Focus

Provides aligned bullet seating and full-length sizing for handloaders using .224-inch varmint projectiles.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Custom Grade Series I two-die set tailored for .224 diameter bullets
• Includes a full-length sizer and in-line bullet seater die
• Helps guide thin .22 Hornet brass smoothly to minimize crushed shoulders
• Standard thread pitch mounts securely in conventional reloading benches

Cons

• Does not include a compatible .22 Hornet shell holder
• Requires precise lock-ring adjustment to avoid over-crimping thin cartridge necks

5

Redding Competition 22 Hornet Bullet Seating Die

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  8.6
• Brand
  Redding

Key specs2

Die Mechanism

Competition seating die

Seating Precision

Uses a calibrated micrometer top and guided sleeve to align .22 Hornet bullets straight into fragile case necks.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Micrometer-adjustable seating head allows exact adjustments to bullet seating depth
• Internal floating sleeve aligns the .22 Hornet case and bullet before seating begins
• Helps eliminate runout and tilted bullets in thin-neck Hornet brass
• Built with precision-machined steel components for long-term consistency

Cons

• Dedicated exclusively to bullet seating and does not resize brass or decap primers
• Specialized design serves bullet seating only and requires separate brass preparation dies

6

Redding Size Button #39223

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  9.6
• Brand
  Redding

Key specs2

Part Number

#39223

Component Function

Installs onto a Redding sizer stem to expand neck interiors smoothly without stretching soft brass shoulders.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Direct replacement expander button for compatible Redding sizing dies
• Expands neck brass from the inside during the sizer extraction stroke
• Constructed from durable steel for smooth brass transit

Cons

• Specific to model #39223 and requires checking compatibility with your Redding die stem
• Does not function as a standalone die or expander without a host die body

7

TAMINSTY 50 Rounds 22 Cartridge Belt, Rifle Ammo Belt, Adjustable

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  8.1
• Brand
  TAMINSTY

Key specs3

Belt Capacity

50 rounds

Color Finish

Black

Field Carry Method

Holds up to 50 small-caliber rounds in individual elastic slots on an adjustable waist belt for hands-free transport.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Features 50 individual elastic loops to organize ammunition securely around the waist
• Designed for quick access to .22 caliber rimfire and small centerfire rounds in the field
• Adjustable nylon belt strap fits a wide range of waist sizes
• Durable black webbing keeps extra rounds readily accessible during varmint hunts

Cons

• Elastic loops designed primarily for .22LR, .17 HMR, and .22WMR, so check tension on rimmed .22 Hornet brass
• Exposes cartridge primers and case mouths to dust and weather during wet outdoor hunts

8

TAMINSTY 50 Rounds 22 Cartridge Belt, Rifle Ammo Belt, Adjustable

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  7.7
• Brand
  TAMINSTY

Key specs2

Carrier Color

Khaki

Belt Loop Fit

Elastic webbing holds up to 50 rounds of small-caliber ammo for fast access while walking varmint fields.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Holds 50 cartridges in separate elastic loops for easy round selection
• Khaki finish blends well with arid and open-field hunting environments
• Adjustable bandoleer strap allows waist or shoulder carry
• Accommodates small-caliber rounds including .22LR, .17 HMR, .22WMR, and .25Cal

Cons

• Cartridges with larger case tapers like .22 Hornet require checking loop retention
• Soft elastic material offers no crush protection against heavy physical impacts

9

Lee Precision 91499: R20 Shell Holder

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  7.1
• Brand
  Lee Precision

Key specs2

Holder Model

R20

Press Priming Fit

Secures the thin rim of .22 Hornet cases on standard reloading press rams to prevent case pull-through during sizing.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Engineered specifically to grasp the thin rim of .22 Hornet brass securely
• Standard base configuration fits most single-stage and turret reloading presses
• Machined steel construction resists rim slippage during the sizing stroke

Cons

• Intended for press-mounted sizing and seating, not compatible with Lee Auto-Prime hand priming tools
• Limited strictly to cartridge cases sharing the R20 rim specification

10

Forster Products Bench Rest Ultra Micrometer Seater Die 22 Hornet

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  7.8
• Brand
  Forster Products

Key specs2

Seater Design

Ultra micrometer seater

Bullet Seating Depth

Micrometer top enables minute seating depth changes while a sliding chamber supports delicate .22 Hornet case walls.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Ultra micrometer adjustment head graduated in .001-inch increments for depth control
• Full-length sliding chamber aligns both case and bullet before seating pressure begins
• Reduces bullet runout for superior varmint-hunting accuracy at extended ranges
• Precision polished interior protects case shoulders from buckling

Cons

• Functions only as a seating die, requiring a separate sizing die to prep fired cases
• Requires careful dial calibration when switching between different bullet nose profiles

11

Redding Reloading 84102 22 Hornet Deluxe Die Set

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  9.3
• Brand
  Redding

Key specs2

Set Classification

Deluxe 3-die set

Brass Conditioning

Provides both neck sizing and full-length sizing options to preserve thin .22 Hornet brass across multiple firings.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Deluxe three-die set includes full-length sizer, neck sizer, and bullet seating die
• Neck sizing die extends brass life by working only the case mouth on fire-formed brass
• Full-length die restores cases for smooth chambering in any .22 Hornet rifle
• Durable heat-treated steel bodies maintain tight manufacturing tolerances

Cons

• Requires purchasing a shell holder separately to mount cases in a press
• Neck-sized cartridges may not chamber cleanly in rifles with tighter custom chambers

12

Haendler & Natermann Hornet Pointed Airgun Pellets, High-Impact, Super-Penetrating for

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  9.1
• Brand
  H&N Sport

Key specs3

Pellet Weight

16 grains

Caliber and Count

.22 caliber, 200 count

Ammunition Type Note

Designed specifically for .22 caliber hunting airguns; not compatible with .22 Hornet centerfire rifle chambers.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Pointed metal tip over lead body delivers high penetration on small pests
• Medium 16-grain weight provides stable ballistic trajectory in .22 caliber barrels
• Packaged in a screw-top tin of 200 pellets for secure field storage

Cons

• Airgun ammunition only, not for use in .22 Hornet centerfire powder-burning rifles
• Requires a .22 caliber air rifle producing adequate power to seat and propel 16-grain pellets

13

BSA Optics 22-39X40AOWRTB Sweet 22 AO 3X-9X 40mm Rifle Scope,

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  8.9
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs3

Magnification Range

3x to 9x

Objective Diameter

40mm AO

Parallax Control

Front adjustable objective corrects parallax blur from close-range targets out to distant field boundaries.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Adjustable objective (AO) lens focuses from close yardage out to infinity
• Variable 3x to 9x magnification handles close pest control and medium-range hunting
• Generous 40mm objective bell gathers ample light during dawn and dusk shoots
• Matte black finish reduces glare in open varmint fields

Cons

• Trajectory elevation drum is calibrated for .22LR ballistics rather than .22 Hornet velocities
• Mounting rings are not included in the basic scope package

14

BSA Optics 22-412X40AOWRTB 4-12X40 Sweet 22 AO Air Rifle Scope

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  9.1
• Brand
  BSA

Key specs2

Optic Zoom

4x to 12x

Rifle Scope Focus

Offers adjustable objective focus and up to 12x magnification for identifying small varmints at longer field ranges.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Extended 4x to 12x magnification allows precise shot placement on small targets
• Adjustable objective ring dials out parallax blur at varied field distances
• Generous 40mm front lens provides bright sight picture in changing light conditions
• Built to withstand spring airgun and rimfire recoil impulses

Cons

• Higher magnification reduces field of view when tracking moving pests
• Calibrated elevation turrets follow rimfire drops and must be re-indexed for centerfire Hornet loads

15

TAMINSTY 50 Rounds 22 Cartridge Belt, Rifle Ammo Belt, Adjustable

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  8.1
• Brand
  TAMINSTY

Key specs3

Loop Storage

50 rounds

Color Option

Green

Waistband Adjustment

Provides quick-access elastic storage for 50 small cartridges with an adjustable nylon belt strap.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Stores up to 50 rounds in individual elastic cartridge retainers
• Tactical green nylon blends with timber and grassy field backgrounds
• Adjustable waist bandoleer keeps spare ammunition accessible without weighing down pockets
• Constructed with heavy-duty quick-release buckle for simple on-off transitions

Cons

• Elastic loops are tailored for .22 rimfire and require checking grip on tapered Hornet cases
• Offers no water-resistant cover to protect ammunition against rain or wet brush

16

Hammers 22 Rimfire Rifle Scope 3-9x32 with Tip-Off Groove Dovetail

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  7.6
• Brand
  Hammers

Key specs3

Mounting Hardware

Dovetail tip-off rings

Optical Tube

One-piece tube, 32mm objective

Receiver Attachment

Comes bundled with tip-off rings designed for rimfire grooved receivers; verify rifle base compatibility before mounting.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Includes tip-off dovetail mounting rings compatible with standard 3/8-inch receiver grooves
• One-piece main tube construction enhances structural rigidity
• Variable 3x to 9x zoom suits general small game and plinking applications
• Fast-focus eyepiece allows quick reticle sharpening to match individual eyesight

Cons

• Included tip-off rings fit rimfire dovetails and will not mount to Weaver or Picatinny bases without adapters
• Compact 32mm objective lens transmits less light in low-light conditions than 40mm optics

Last update on 2026-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How do you resize .22 Hornet brass without buckling the case neck?

Use light lubrication and a dedicated full-length sizing die matched to a secure shell holder, such as the Lee Precision 91031 Fl Size Die paired with a Lee Precision 91499 R20 shell holder. Thin Hornet brass collapses easily under uneven downward pressure, so clean brass and an aligned expander button like the Redding Size Button #39223 keep neck expansion smooth. A Hornady 546212 Custom Grade Series I two-die set or RCBS Full-Length Die Set guides the cartridge squarely into the die body to prevent crushed shoulders.

Which seating dies offer the best control for fragile .22 Hornet cases?

A dedicated micrometer seating die provides the precise alignment needed to seat .224 diameter bullets without crushing delicate case necks. Tools like the Forster Products Bench Rest Ultra Micrometer Seater Die or the Redding Competition 22 Hornet Bullet Seating Die support the cartridge case completely before the bullet enters the mouth. This precise alignment stops case mouth deformation and produces uniform overall lengths that feed smoothly from hunting magazines.

Can an adjustable objective rimfire scope hold zero on a .22 Hornet rifle?

Yes, quality optics with adjustable objective systems hold zero reliably against the mild recoil of the .22 Hornet. Scopes like the BSA Optics Sweet 22 AO 3X-9X 40mm (model 22-39X40AOWRTB) and the 4-12X40 AO version allow precise parallax correction at varied hunting yardages. Parallax adjustment is essential when taking shots on small pests at varying ranges, keeping the reticle sharp on target without shifting the point of impact.

Will tip-off dovetail scope rings mount directly to a .22 Hornet receiver?

It depends entirely on your rifle receiver's mounting pattern. Optics like the Hammers 3-9x32 scope come equipped with tip-off groove dovetail rings designed for rimfire-style grooved receivers. While some vintage or utility Hornet rifles share grooved receivers, many modern bolt-action platforms require Weaver or Picatinny bases, so verify your rifle's top receiver rail profile before installing dovetail rings.

What is the safest way to carry thin .22 Hornet cartridges in the field?

Store ammunition in individual, dedicated holders to avoid denting the thin case walls or damaging the rim edges during active hunts. An adjustable 50-round bandoleer like the TAMINSTY 22 cartridge belt holds individual rounds securely in elastic nylon loops rated for .22 caliber hunting rounds. Keeping cartridges separated in snug loops prevents loose rounds from rattling against each other in pockets, preserving clean chambering in the field.

When should a varmint hunter pick a .22 Hornet over larger centerfire rounds?

The .22 Hornet is ideal for hunting small game and garden pests near farm buildings where minimal noise, low powder consumption, and mild recoil matter most. If you need flatter trajectories and extended reach well past 300 yards in open terrain, consider stepping up to high-velocity 22-250 rifles for varmint hunting. For localized pest control inside moderate ranges, the quiet efficiency of the Hornet minimizes property disturbance while cleanly anchoring targets.