Sierra 22 Cal 40gr Hornet

Sierra 22 Cal 40gr Hornet

The Sierra 22 Cal 40gr Hornet is a lightweight, round-nose soft-point component bullet designed specifically for low- to mid-velocity .22-caliber cartridges such as the 22 Hornet, 22 K-Hornet, and 218 Bee. Featuring a .224-inch diameter and a traditional round-nose profile, this bullet offers outstanding accuracy, reliable feeding, and rapid expansion on small varmints when fired at modest velocities.

Formed with a thin-walled jacket and soft lead core, the 40gr Hornet delivers controlled terminal upset in the 2,600 to 2,900 fps velocity range. Its compact length makes it ideal for barrels with 1:16” twist rates, ensuring full gyroscopic stability in classic varmint platforms. Despite its Hornet designation, it also performs effectively in mid-capacity cartridges such as the 222 Remington and 223 Remington when kept below 3,500 fps, where it maintains clean expansion and sub-MOA precision.

Manufactured to Sierra’s stringent component standards—40.0 grains weight, 0.224″ diameter, and a sectional density near 0.114—the bullet features precisely drawn jackets and consistent concentricity. Its rounded ogive and exposed lead tip support predictable impact behavior and reliable deformation on small targets at close to moderate ranges.

In handgun applications, the 40gr Hornet excels across a wide range of centerfire .22-caliber platforms. At Hornet-level velocities, it delivers classic varmint expansion. When used in higher-velocity platforms such as 223 Remington, it performs more like a Blitz-style Varminter—offering explosive terminal results on pests and varmints.

As a component bullet, the Sierra 22 Cal 40gr Hornet allows handloaders full control over powder charges, primer selection, and seating depth—supporting customized load development for both bolt-action rifles and specialty handguns. It is not factory-loaded ammunition but a purpose-built round-nose bullet optimized for low-velocity stability and varmint effectiveness in classic and modern .22-caliber cartridges.