The ".22 Hornet revolver magnum" phrase itself hints at a common misunderstanding. Let's clarify the facts surrounding the .22 Hornet cartridge and its relationship—or rather, lack thereof—with revolvers and the term "magnum."
Understanding the .22 Hornet Cartridge
The .22 Hornet is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge introduced in 1930. Known for its relatively flat trajectory and accuracy at longer ranges compared to other .22 calibers, it's popular among small game hunters and varmint shooters. Its relatively high velocity for its size makes it effective on targets up to approximately 200 yards, depending on the specific load and the skill of the shooter. The .22 Hornet's relatively light recoil makes it a manageable cartridge for many shooters.
Why You Won't Find a .22 Hornet Revolver
While the .22 Hornet enjoys widespread popularity in rifles, it's crucial to understand that it's not designed for revolvers. The cartridge's rimmed design, while functional in bolt-action or lever-action rifles, poses significant challenges for revolver mechanisms. The rim's size and the way the cartridge extracts create reliability issues in revolvers, making them unsuitable for this cartridge. The pressure generated by the .22 Hornet would also present significant safety concerns in a revolver designed for lower-pressure cartridges.
The "Magnum" Misunderstanding
The term "magnum" is often used loosely to imply a powerful cartridge. While some .22 caliber cartridges are indeed labeled as "magnums," such as the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, the .22 Hornet is not considered a magnum in the same sense. While more powerful than many .22 rimfire cartridges, it's not a high-pressure round in the same category as the .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum. The designation "magnum" generally signifies a significant increase in power and velocity compared to the standard cartridge within a given caliber family; the .22 Hornet does not fit within this paradigm compared to other .22 cartridges.
Alternative .22 Caliber Options for Revolvers
If you're interested in a .22 caliber revolver, you'll find numerous options chambered in common cartridges like:
- .22 Short: A low-power cartridge ideal for target practice or plinking.
- .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR): The most prevalent .22 caliber cartridge for revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Widely available and affordable, it's used for various purposes, from target shooting to small game hunting.
- .22 Magnum (.22 WMR): This is indeed a magnum cartridge within the .22 family, offering significantly higher power and velocity than the .22 LR. It provides better performance for hunting small game and self-defense compared to the .22 LR.
Conclusion
The search for a ".22 Hornet revolver magnum" will likely prove fruitless. The .22 Hornet is not designed for revolvers, and its power level doesn't warrant the "magnum" designation in the context of other magnum cartridges. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision when choosing a firearm and cartridge to suit your specific needs. Remember always to prioritize safety and handle firearms responsibly.
