22 Hornet for Deer

[PistolPete]

60 gr TMK at 2200 impact ruined this large-bodied buck's day. Busted ribs going in (slight quarter toward), destroyed one lung, went through the back of the other, through the diaphragm, into guts, no exit. He went 10 yds, but was alive for a few minutes before his head went down - presumably since it only clipped his offside lung.

 

[ztc92]

60 gr TMK at 2200 impact ruined this large-bodied buck's day. Busted ribs going in (slight quarter toward), destroyed one lung, went through the back of the other, through the diaphragm, into guts, no exit. He went 10 yds, but was alive for a few minutes before his head went down - presumably since it only clipped his offside lung.

That’s a nice looking buck! Congrats on being one of the first with the hornet!

 

[CJ_BG]

60 gr TMK at 2200 impact ruined this large-bodied buck's day. Busted ribs going in (slight quarter toward), destroyed one lung, went through the back of the other, through the diaphragm, into guts, no exit. He went 10 yds, but was alive for a few minutes before his head went down - presumably since it only clipped his offside lung.

What was the total penetration?

 

[PistolPete]

What was the total penetration?

I'd say 10-12"

 

[Steve O]

I just scored one of the new Ruger #1 in 22 Hornet. I think I may punch it out to a K Hornet and then the fun will begin.

 

[PistolPete]

I just scored one of the new Ruger #1 in 22 Hornet. I think I may punch it out to a K Hornet and then the fun will begin.

That'll be a slick little rig!

 

[Unclecroc]

I made sure my hornet was ready to go for deer season. I’m going to try the 33gr stone hammer in mine. If I get one with it I’ll post it.

 

[Bubbadoyle]

I’ve either taken or witnessed at least 20 deer taken with a 22 hornet and 45 gr sp bullets. Some were DRT and the farthest any went was about 60 yards. These were all behind the shoulder lung shots. If I were hunting where I might expect multiple shot angles I’d take one of many other options I have but if I was specifically doe hunting over food sources where I could wait for a broadside shot I wouldn’t feel the slightest bit undergunned.


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[CJ_BG]

I’ve either taken or witnessed at least 20 deer taken with a 22 hornet and 45 gr sp bullets. Some were DRT and the farthest any went was about 60 yards. These were all behind the shoulder lung shots. If I were hunting where I might expect multiple shot angles I’d take one of many other options I have but if I was specifically doe hunting over food sources where I could wait for a broadside shot I wouldn’t feel the slightest bit undergunned.


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This is pretty much the same experience my cousins in Central PA had. I think they had over 70-80 deer between the three of them with their hornets. They would still hunt grape vine and laurel thickets where shots would be close. 45gr soft points of some kind and most track jobs were under 70yds. A couple of nice bucks (170+lb dressed) fell to that load if memory serves me right. It was always fun hunting with them since the hornets sound so different than most centerfires. Always knew when it was them and pretty much every time you knew there was a big doe to go drag out.

 

[Bubbadoyle]

This is pretty much the same experience my cousins in Central PA had. I think they had over 70-80 deer between the three of them with their hornets. They would still hunt grape vine and laurel thickets where shots would be close. 45gr soft points of some kind and most track jobs were under 70yds. A couple of nice bucks (170+lb dressed) fell to that load if memory serves me right. It was always fun hunting with them since the hornets sound so different than most centerfires. Always knew when it was them and pretty much every time you knew there was a big doe to go drag out.

Sounds just like my experience. A deer is not that hard to kill. Anything with the ability to penetrate to both lungs will work. If it maintains enough velocity to cause bullet disruption and more damage it’ll only be more efficient. A 22 hornet with the proper bullet definitely fits into that category. While a shoulder shot would still likely work I have other options for that. I currently have a 22 K hornet with a fast twist so after following the .223 thread I’m considering getting some 60 gr TMK and trying them out for some late season does. I have no doubts it’ll work as a few here have mentioned.


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[Bubbadoyle]

60 gr TMK at 2200 impact ruined this large-bodied buck's day. Busted ribs going in (slight quarter toward), destroyed one lung, went through the back of the other, through the diaphragm, into guts, no exit. He went 10 yds, but was alive for a few minutes before his head went down - presumably since it only clipped his offside lung.

Looks like it worked great. I picked up a box of 60 gr TMK’s today to try in my 22 K hornet. Probably give them a try for a late season doe or two.


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[Steve O]

I just scored one of the new Ruger #1 in 22 Hornet. I think I may punch it out to a K Hornet and then the fun will begin.

Finally took delivery. I’m pretty pleased.

 

[Unclecroc]

Finally took delivery. I’m pretty pleased.

View attachment 785929

That is a beautiful rifle. Is this new production?

 

[Steve O]

Yes, it is a special run thru Lipsey’s. They are also doing one in the 77/22 based on the African. Shoots very well with some old loads I had for my Contender carbine. Should have never sold that one

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I’d love to see a 300lb deer on a scale.

We regularly kill bucks in Northern Minnesota that are still close to, or over 300 lbs with their guts out.

Here is one that was over 300 lbs gutted. My buddy Amos is 6’2” with his hat making him 6’8”.

 

[KenLee]

Y'all shoot deer with Hornet rifles? That's almost cheating. Back when I was a pretty decent shot, I'd swap 22 hornet and 7-30 Waters pistol barrels on my Contender depending on how far a shot would likely be available. 45 gr Remington soft points dropped deer pretty well. Never shot a deer over 100 yards with it. 8 for 8 on eating what I shot at with the hornet pistol.