Interesting Read on .22 WMR

[doubleh]

I used to use a bolt action 22 mag rifle for longer than 22 rimfire range hunting. It was impressive 100-125 yards on small critters back then. Eventually the 17 HMR came out and was even more impressive, both at longer distances and accuracy. I no longer have a 22 mag rifle but do have four single action revolvers that can do 22 RF and 22 Mag. I have never fired one shot of 22 mag with any of them. I keep intending to see what they can do but have never gotten around to actually doing it. I can't seem to work up any excitement for the 22 mag anymore.

Jackrabbits and prairie dogs were my main varmints when the 22 mag arrived on the market and it was disappointing compared to 22 LRHP ammo. Where a good hit with the 22 LR resulted in a bang, flop the 22 mag resulted in a just a hole punched right through. Jack rabbits would just stand for a time and then fall over or even go hopping off for some distance before giving up the ghost. A lot prairiedogs that would have been DRT with LR crawled back into their den. It was attributed to the early ammo having too thick jackets and when lighter jacketed bullets became used it was a much more effective round.

Although I have built many things from aluminum I have never shot a piece with any of the rounds mentioned. Pure aluminum has little strength compared to some of the alloys. I know for a fact that 6061-T is tough stuff compared to pure.

 

[alsaqr]

Oklahoma wildlife refuges and Fort Sill forbid the use of center fire rifles and muzzleloaders outside deer season. For years i hunted hogs with the .22 long rifle. Passed on many shots because i wanted the bullet in the ear. Then i purchased a Savage model 93 rifle in .22 magnum. Total different ball game.

My shots with the .22 magnum are limited to 75 yards. The 40 grain total metal jacket bullet has taken dozens of wild hogs weighing up to about 250 pounds. A 200 pound hog shot in the lungs usually expires within 50-75 yards. The hollow point and soft point bullets often break up when hitting a rib, the TMJ does not.

 

[SDGlock23]

I like the 22 Mag, I have a Super Wrangler and a Ruger American chambered in it. It's a good option for anyone who wants more power than 22LR but doesn't really want something like a .223. Bullets are definitely more premium for 22 Mags compared to 22LR.

 

[Hookeye]

Have had old and new model Ruger single action .22 mags.
Had a Smith 648 (and shot my dads 48).
A few 9422M, a Marlin bolt rig.
Even a couple Contender barrels.

My go to is a CZ 457.
The Contender barrel and 9422M just collect dust.

Sub 100 yard varminting (chucks) I like it. Noise isn't bad and I don't worry about handloading.
Might even try it on a yote (but got the 457 mainly for chucks and fox).

 

[kimberkid]

I’m not sure if I still have a 22mag … since picking up a 17HRM I haven’t had much use for the 22mag

 

[jmr40]

I've not used a 22 magnum in years, and not much at all. But I've seen some pretty impressive penetration tests with 22 LR with 40 gr FMJ ammo. I've not seen it side by side with 22 magnum, but there shouldn't be much, if any difference in penetration. Normally faster impact speeds don't increase penetration and often reduce it.

 

[plainsdrifter]

The .22 WMR was my first gun purchase caliber back in '82.

Marlin 783 bolt action.

I can't begin to count the number of rounds I put through that rifle before it was eventually stolen.

Power, range, and accuracy was impressive.

Oh... and head shots only when squirrel hunting using hollowpoints! Unless you enjoy picking up and toting around a carcass held together by intestines, that is.

Yup. Power range and accuracy I think is topping the list instead of plinking. Lever guns and pumps are more for fun.
Fun is good. Accuracy is better.
Plus it seems like a good bolt gun is cheaper.

 

[plainsdrifter]

I've not used a 22 magnum in years, and not much at all. But I've seen some pretty impressive penetration tests with 22 LR with 40 gr FMJ ammo. I've not seen it side by side with 22 magnum, but there shouldn't be much, if any difference in penetration. Normally faster impact speeds don't increase penetration and often reduce it.

Not doubting you but would like to see any documentation to back that up please.

 

[chicharrones]

I've not used a 22 magnum in years, and not much at all. But I've seen some pretty impressive penetration tests with 22 LR with 40 gr FMJ ammo. I've not seen it side by side with 22 magnum, but there shouldn't be much, if any difference in penetration. Normally faster impact speeds don't increase penetration and often reduce it.

I haven’t seen any FMJ or any jacket on .22 LR ammo ever. Is that a recent development?

 

[d2wing]

For woodchucks the 22 Mag is clearly better than 22 LR and I am a 22 LR fan. 22 Mag also penetrates skulls better for butchering large animals.
In my Ruger American it is about MOA at 100 Yards with CCI. It definitely has a place with me. Pretty ideal for larger pest control.

 

[bassjam]

The .22 WMR was my first gun purchase caliber back in '82.

Marlin 783 bolt action.

I can't begin to count the number of rounds I put through that rifle before it was eventually stolen.

Power, range, and accuracy was impressive.

Oh... and head shots only when squirrel hunting using hollowpoints! Unless you enjoy picking up and toting around a carcass held together by intestines, that is.

A local pawn shop had a 783 I really wanted, but when I went to look at it I found some corrosion on the magazine tube and underside of the barrel. Right next to it they had an 883, it wasn't as pretty but it was in excellent condition (and listed for cheaper) so that's what I went with instead. And for a .22mag, I think it shoots OK. It's a 1.5moa "all day long" gun with Maxi-mags. It'll closer to 1moa with federal 40gr FMJ's, but I'm not shooting at any groundhogs with those!

 

[Riomouse911]

My first .22 WMR rifle was a Henry lever. It is a well made, fun rifle that has accuracy ok enough for close varmints with its open sights. My son was shooting it and did have one CCI Maxi-Mag case blow out. It sprayed gas and powder back and peppered his face, so the sealing of the chamber by the bolt isn’t as secure as a bolt gun. (Always wear Glasses!)

My second .22 WMR rifle was a Ruger American Rimfire. I swapped the cheesy plastic stock off and put it in a Boyd’s laminated stock. This is a very accurate gun, I wouldn’t hesitate to try groundhogs out to 150 yds if I had a good rest.

In handguns, of which I have four, the .22 WMR is a good, but IMHO not a spectacular round performance-wise. It is loud and impressive sounding and spits flame with gusto but it doesn’t hit with as much oomph as my .32 H&R.



The last time out I had numerous FTF with Fiocchi 40 gr FMJ rounds in my stock S&W Model 48 4”, the first ones I have had in this gun. I think this batch is goofy, I rotated them 90 degrees and it took two hits to fire all but one, that one did not fire after three separate hits on the rim.

I like the .22 WMR, especially in rifles. In handguns it’s fun, but not one I would use for much more than plinking or bigger pest control.

Stay safe.

 

[caribou]

If I had to make a living with only one rifle, to make my meat with, I would make mine a Winchester Model 61 pump in .22 WMR.

A sling anda carton of 500 rounds would get a body anywhere, and if close enough, any animal you could draw a bead on, out to 100 yards or more.