Anyone use a 22 Hornet for deer?

[tactical870]

I have a BRNO in 22 Hornet that drives tacks with the iron sights and I'm tempted to give it a run in the morning for whitetails. I figure a 45 gr sp should be more than capable of taking a deer on a decent broadside shot. I know a few guys have done it around here. What about you guys? Anyone ever hunted deer with one?

 

[mossyhorns]

Is it legal in Ontario?

 

[xeon]

Any centre fire is legal. I've never done it nor would I.

Just looked up the ballistics for it. At 100 yards it has about 400ftlbs of energy, compared to a .223 which has about 1200. It has about the same energy as most handgun rounds which I wouldn't use for deer personally.

To each his own, let us know how it goes.

 

[antiqueguy]

ive seen it done but you have to make your shot count and put it in the heart that can be tricky if you are not patient and wait for a good shot

 

[mbogo3]

Neck or head.......forget the body.Harold

 

[gunkle]

Just because something can be done, doesn't mean you should.
Don't cause undue suffering to answer personal curiosity.

 

[antiqueguy]

Just because something can be done, doesn't mean you should.
Don't cause undue suffering to answer personal curiosity.

if placed right it will not suffer any longer then if it was shot by a .30 cal rifle hunting is about placement

 

[tactical870]

Is it legal in Ontario?

Yes

if placed right it will not suffer any longer then if it was shot by a .30 cal rifle hunting is about placement

Agreed. No different than using a bow. It's about placement and knowing your limitations.

 

[Dorian Gray]

Giv'er a try. I'm taking a .223 for deer hunting next week and while it's got a little more umph than a hornet, I can't see how a SP or a TSX in the boiler room isn't going to get the job done. Have fun and if you're successful please post detailed pics so the "Magnum or Die!" crowd can pull all their hair out and gnash their teeth.

 

[mlehtovaara]

I wouldn't hesitate to use my Savage 10 PC in .223 within 150m from a stand with a well placed shot.

Assuming you are loading a bullet that will stay together and not varmint rounds a well placed shot should do it.

 

[bearkilr]

I'm gonna try with my 22 cal pellet gun this year. At the right angle into the eye, it should do the trick. It's all about shot placement.

 

[antiqueguy]

Neck or head.......forget the body.Harold

yeah and leave a deer to starve to death by shooting its jaw the head moves way too much to make a good shot

 

[mossyhorns]

Then if it's legal and you do not attempt to exceed the limitations of the rifle and yourself then go for it.

 

[mbogo3]

Maybe if you spent some time actually shooting you could hit an apple sized target? Bowhunters can get close why not with a rifle.Explain to the Inuit it won't kill walrus /seals and the like.Then the Afrikaners that shot tons of small/med antelope with them.Not ideal but doable in competent hands.If you're not up to the task use your Magnum.

 

[aletheuo]

TodBartell shot a wt doe with a 221 fireball a few years back. There's a writeup on huntingbc.ca called flat tops and fireballs.

 

[antiqueguy]

Maybe if you spent some time actually shooting you could hit an apple sized target? Bowhunters can get close why not with a rifle.Explain to the Inuit it won't kill walrus /seals and the like.Then the Afrikaners that shot tons of small/med antelope with them.Not ideal but doable in competent hands.If you're not up to the task use your Magnum.

there's no difference if you miss the heart/lungs with a magnum then with a .22 hornet

 

[xeon]

I'm gonna try with my 22 cal pellet gun this year. At the right angle into the eye, it should do the trick. It's all about shot placement.

Haha love it.

 

[Ardent]

You asked for opinions, so here's mine. Terrible choice for deer. That is getting into stunting territory.

 

[Ardent]

there's no difference if you miss the heart/lungs with a magnum then with a .22 hornet

Oh good lord yes there is, careful your inexperience is showing.

 

[gwes2003]

My opinion is that its an unethical caliber to hunt deer with. With so many choices out there why not use something a little more practical!