The .22 Hornet, a time-tested rimfire cartridge, often sparks debate regarding its effectiveness against coyotes. While not the most powerful option, understanding its limitations and appropriate applications can determine if it's a viable choice for you. This article delves into the .22 Hornet's capabilities against coyotes, considering factors like shot placement, range limitations, and ethical hunting practices.
Understanding the .22 Hornet's Capabilities
The .22 Hornet boasts a relatively high velocity for a rimfire cartridge, typically around 2500-2600 feet per second (fps) with a bullet weight of 45-46 grains. This translates to decent energy at shorter ranges, making it effective on smaller game like rabbits and ground squirrels. However, its energy significantly drops with distance, limiting its effective range against larger animals like coyotes.
Factors Affecting Effectiveness on Coyotes
- Shot Placement: This is paramount with any caliber, but especially crucial with a cartridge like the .22 Hornet. A precise, well-placed shot to the vital areas (brain, heart, or lungs) is essential for a quick, humane kill. A marginal hit will likely result in a wounded animal.
- Range: The .22 Hornet's effective range against coyotes is considerably shorter than that of centerfire cartridges commonly used for coyote hunting. Shots beyond 100 yards are generally unreliable and ethically questionable. Most experienced hunters using this cartridge for coyotes stick to shots under 75 yards.
- Bullet Selection: Choosing the right ammunition is crucial. While hollow points might offer better expansion at closer ranges, solid bullets can penetrate deeper, potentially reaching vital organs even with less-than-perfect shot placement. The choice often depends on personal preference and hunting conditions.
- Ethical Considerations: Using the .22 Hornet for coyote hunting requires a high degree of marksmanship and awareness of ethical hunting practices. A clean, quick kill is essential. If a shot isn't absolutely certain, it's best to forego the shot entirely and avoid causing unnecessary suffering to the animal.
Alternatives to the .22 Hornet for Coyote Hunting
Given the .22 Hornet's limitations, several centerfire cartridges are significantly more effective and ethical for coyote hunting. These include:
- .223 Remington: Offers greater range and stopping power.
- .204 Ruger: Known for its flat trajectory and accuracy.
- .22-250 Remington: Excellent for long-range shots.
- .243 Winchester: A versatile cartridge effective at various ranges.
Conclusion: Is the .22 Hornet Right for You?
The .22 Hornet can be used for coyote hunting, particularly in situations with very close-range opportunities and under ideal conditions, where a hunter has excellent marksmanship. However, it's important to acknowledge its limitations and understand that its effectiveness is far less than that of centerfire cartridges specifically designed for coyote hunting. If you're serious about coyote hunting, investing in a more powerful cartridge is generally recommended for ethical and successful hunting. The ethical responsibility to ensure a quick and humane kill should always be prioritized over convenience. Prioritize accurate shot placement above all else.
