A Look Back: Origins and Background
Let’s begin by understanding the roots of these two remarkable cartridges. The 22 Hornet has a rich history, tracing its origins back to the early days of the twentieth century. Developed during the nineteen thirties, it quickly gained popularity for varmint hunting and small game pursuit. Its design was a direct response to the need for a high-velocity cartridge capable of delivering flat trajectories and minimal recoil. The initial goal was to offer a more effective option than the .22 Long Rifle for hunting tasks at longer ranges.
In contrast, the 5.7×28 emerged on the scene much later, born from the minds of engineers at FN Herstal in the nineteen nineties. This cartridge was conceived with a completely different purpose. It was specifically designed to serve the needs of personal defense weapons (PDWs) and to excel in close-quarters combat scenarios. The 5.7×28 project sought to produce a cartridge with exceptional penetration capabilities and high velocity in a compact and easily manageable package, ideal for law enforcement, military, and concealed carry applications.
Examining the Specifications and Measuring Performance
When comparing these two cartridges, we must delve into their technical specifications. The 22 Hornet uses a rimmed case, and typically fires bullets weighing between grains to grains. Its streamlined design allows it to propel these lighter projectiles at impressive speeds. It typically delivers muzzle velocities of upwards of feet per second, leading to significant downrange energy. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory compared to slower cartridges, aiding in accuracy over longer distances.
The 5.7×28, on the other hand, features a bottlenecked case that is considerably longer than the 22 Hornet, with a smaller diameter. Its typical bullet weights often fall in the range of grains to grains, and these are specifically designed to perform well at high velocities. The 5.7×28 boasts a remarkable muzzle velocity, commonly exceeding feet per second, and sometimes reaching or exceeding these figures, which provides excellent penetration capabilities. The trajectory of the 5.7×28 is remarkably flat, especially at shorter to moderate distances.
We should not only look at velocity and trajectory but also at the energy delivered by each round. The 22 Hornet, despite its high velocity, has less mass, which results in less muzzle energy when compared to some other calibers. The 5.7×28, with its high velocity, provides a flatter trajectory and delivers a significant amount of energy, particularly at closer ranges, making it potentially more effective for self-defense or certain tactical situations. As the distances increase, both rounds experience the effects of bullet drop, but the 5.7×28’s higher initial velocity tends to maintain its energy better over greater distances.
Choosing the Right Firearm: Compatibility and Options
The firearms available for each cartridge differ considerably. The 22 Hornet has traditionally been chambered in a wide range of bolt-action rifles, which are known for their accuracy and reliability. Many single-shot rifles also utilize this caliber due to the cartridge’s relatively small size and mild recoil. Rifles built in the 22 Hornet typically provide excellent accuracy and are well-suited for varmint hunting and small game hunting. The cartridge’s popularity has also resulted in its adoption into some more modern platforms.
The 5.7×28, however, has largely been associated with a unique set of firearms, initially developed by FN Herstal and now also offered by other manufacturers. This cartridge is prominently featured in personal defense weapons and specific rifle platforms. Many of these firearms are designed for maneuverability and rapid target acquisition. The design and engineering of these firearms are highly focused on both performance and ease of use. These firearms often offer a significant advantage in close-quarters scenarios.
It is critical to consider the accuracy, ergonomics, and specific design of each firearm platform when making a decision. The availability of firearms can fluctuate with market demands and the manufacturer. The cost of firearms is also an important consideration; the 5.7×28 often has a higher initial cost because of the specialized nature of the firearms.
Navigating Ammunition Costs and Availability
The price of ammunition is a crucial consideration for any shooter. Ammunition availability is also an important factor, as some rounds might be harder to find than others. The 22 Hornet has been a long-standing commercial cartridge and has enjoyed stable manufacturing. Reloading options for the 22 Hornet are readily available, offering shooters greater control over their loads and cost savings over time. The ability to reload also lets enthusiasts fine-tune their loads to best suit the firearms and their shooting style.
The 5.7×28 market has experienced growth in recent years, but it still might be more limited than the 22 Hornet. The cost of 5.7×28 ammunition can be somewhat higher per round compared to the 22 Hornet, which reflects the specialized design and manufacturing. Reloading is possible with the 5.7×28, giving shooters the option to potentially reduce their long-term ammunition costs.
Putting Them to the Test: Applications and Practical Uses
The practical application for each cartridge differs. The 22 Hornet shines in several hunting applications. It excels at varmint hunting, providing excellent range, accuracy, and terminal performance against targets such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, and other small, fast-moving creatures. It is also used to hunt small game, such as squirrels, rabbits, and other animals where less damage and accurate shot placement are required. The 22 Hornet provides a flat trajectory which contributes to accuracy over longer distances.
The 5.7×28, with its high velocity and high penetration capabilities, caters more to self-defense and tactical scenarios. It is highly effective in personal defense weapons, where the emphasis is on stopping power and maneuverability. The cartridge also allows the shooter to accurately engage targets in close-quarters environments. The flatter trajectory of this round contributes to rapid target acquisition and effective shot placement.
The suitability of each cartridge depends on the specific context. The 22 Hornet offers better overall performance when considering the hunting applications, while the 5.7×28 is better suited for self-defense and tactical applications.
Safety First: Essential Considerations
Safety should always be the top priority when handling any firearm. With the 22 Hornet, the high velocity means that bullets may fragment upon impact. This could present a risk of ricochets, especially if the bullets hit hard surfaces at oblique angles. It is essential to use proper backstops and to be aware of the environment and potential hazards when shooting. It is also necessary to inspect the barrel of any firearm for wear and maintain the rifle and keep it clean.
With the 5.7×28, the focus on penetration is essential to be aware of. The high velocity and ability of these rounds to penetrate barriers means there is the potential for the bullet to go through one target and potentially hit another. Shooters should be exceptionally conscious of their target, the backstop, and the possible path of the bullet. Safety is a combination of following best practices and paying close attention to firearm safety when handling firearms.
Concluding Thoughts
The 22 Hornet and the 5.7×28 cartridges, although both offering high velocity and intended for small-bore shooting, differ significantly in their design, function, and application. The 22 Hornet offers a classic choice for hunters of varmints and small game, providing accuracy and a flat trajectory for effective shots at moderate ranges. The 5.7×28 provides a specialized design suited for personal defense and tactical applications, offering high velocity and excellent penetration in a compact package.
The most important factor to consider is the individual’s needs and priorities. If the shooter is seeking a cartridge for hunting, the 22 Hornet is likely a better choice. If the primary objective is self-defense or tactical applications, the 5.7×28 offers distinct advantages. Consider the cost, availability of ammunition, and the availability of firearms.
We highly encourage responsible firearm ownership, which includes proper training, adherence to all safety rules, and constant practice. Before making any purchases, it’s crucial to research and understand the specific ballistics of the different rounds.
