Difference between .22LR and .22 mag rifle?

[psyprofessor]

I realize that there are more powerful rounds out there...but between the two... which would do a better job hitting a target at 150 yards?

Are there tactical advantages between the two rounds?

 

[mgkdrgn]

No contest, not even close ... 22 Mag is the clear winner here.

Besides hitting much harder, and being about 3x - 4x as expensive, just what would a "tactical advantage" be? Both rounds cold =hit= a target at 150 yards, but the 22 mag is going to have a lot more "bite" to it at that distance. 22 mag will one-shot put down a woodchuck 'right now' at that distance, 22lr won't.

 

[highlander 5]

The 22 mag has a slightly heavier JACKETED bullet at about 2000 fps should do fine at 150 yds but the 22 mag is relatively expensive. The last time I looked at 22 mag ammo it was $10 or more per box of 50.

 

[Browning]

I don't know about tactical advantages on two calibers that are probably going to be either used for plinking, target shooting, pest control or varmint hunting.

But the .22 Mag offer you about a thousand FPS more velocity (12-1300 FPS vs. 2000-2100 FPS) and more Ft/Pounds of energy (100-140 vs. 300 - 325 Ft. Lbs of Energy).

That translates into being able to hit at a farther range and to put down some of the larger pests and varmints with little trouble. The only thing is the increased cost of .22 Mag ammo, so it's not quite as cheap to shoot.

 

[bhk]

Tactical advantages?? What do you mean? These cartridges are, for the most part, used for target shooting, plinking, and small game/varmint shooting. Using them for anything else is somewhat of a stretch, although some here will disagree.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

The 22 mag has double the energy at 100 yards, 150 ft lbs vs 80 ft lbs for 22 LR. Plus, it shoot several inches flatter at that range. As far as ammo cost goes, Armscor 40 gr soft points run about $7/50, I've got some, its pretty good ammo. Also, the 22 mag uses true jacketed bullets that are actually .224 in diameter.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I don't know about tactical advantages on two calibers that are probably going to be either used for plinking, target shooting, pest control or varmint hunting.

HAven't you seen the tactical .17 HMR scope?

 

[Jeff F]

Compared to a .22 LR the .22 mag is just nasty. I have seen RWS JHP .22 magnum ammo turn rabbits inside out when hit by them. For what it is the .22 magnum is a hell of a round.

 

[frogomatic]

Are there tactical advantages between the two rounds

Tactical advantage lies in the mind, not in the cartridge.

 

[MotorOilMcCall]

All I know is... at 100yds, the 22LR is all over the place with a small wind, while the 22WMR or the 17HMR are shooting tight groups. I think anything is tactical if you take head shots... Pretty sure even a 17gr V-Max bullet would drop a person with a headshot.

 

[Safety First]

22WinMag is one of my favorite fun rounds. It is as previously said, more expensive but way more effective on those varmints and pests your trying to get rid of. CCI 40 grain rounds both JHP and solid work great for most any small varmint or pest but at the higher cost of shooting.

 

[psyprofessor]

Btw, is the .22 mag for a rifle the same bullet as as .22 mag revolver?

I have a .22 mag revolver and might go with the .22 mag rifle so that they carry the same ammo.

 

[ken22250]

"Using them for anything else is somewhat of a stretch"
i know a fellow who used to shoot deer out of season with a 22 mag, he had NO money, and needed to feed his faimly, so he would go out at night and shoot a deer in the head with his 22 mag, and i dont think he ever lost one.
ken

 

[mgkdrgn]

Yep, all same same.

Btw, is the .22 mag for a rifle the same bullet as as .22 mag revolver?

I have a .22 mag revolver and might go with the .22 mag rifle so that they carry the same ammo.