Versatile Big Brother to the 22 Long Rifle: 22 WMR

If you’re like me and grew up in a hunting family in all likelihood you learned to shoot on a .22 rimfire rifle of some sort. In my case, it was an old Winchester Model 62 in .22 Long Rifle. I never really heard of the .22 Magnum cartridge also known as .22 W.M.R. (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) until my young teenage years.

The .22 WMR has been around for 67 years now being introduced by Winchester in 1959. The idea behind the development of the .22 WMR was to bridge the gap between the .22 LR and the more expensive .22 caliber centerfire cartridges. The goal, provide a better long-range varmint and pest control rimfire option to farmers, ranchers and hunters.

Quick Compare: 22LR vs 22 Mag

Essentially the .22 Magnum is a .22 rimfire cartridge on steroids. 22 Mag offers both higher muzzle velocity with more down range energy over the .22 LR with no measurable increase in recoil. For example, A 40-grain bullet fired from a .22 WMR has about 50% more energy at 100 yards than the same bullet fired from the .22 LR. This equates to improved penetration and better expansion at longer ranges with bullets designed for hunting purposes.

• 22 Mag cartridges are slightly larger than 22 long rifle ammunition
• 22 Mag’s larger cartridge means more powder, more velocity, and more downrange energy than 22 long rifle
• 22 Long Rifle is generally cheaper to shoot than 22 Magnum ammo
• If hunting, it’s more powerful profile generally makes 22 WMR a more common option for pest control and varmints

Size of 22 LR vs 22 WMR

The .22 WMR was developed by lengthening the .22 LR’s case from .613-inch to 1.055 inches. Additionally, the case was also widened just a smidge by 0.024 inches. The increased dimensions allow for the WMR to hold about twice the powder as does the .22 LR.

While you can chamber a .22 LR in the slightly wider and longer chamber of a .22 Magnum, it is not safe to shoot. The loose case will allow gas to escape into the chamber. That can lead to blow back onto the shooter along with splitting the case. Conversely, the wider case of .22 WMR will not allow it to be chambered in guns designed for .22 LR.

.22 Magnum Versatility

Hunting from small game to varmints to pests (and even small big game)

A well-established cartridge out to 150 yards, the .22 WMR will handle just about any small game you choose to pursue. From rabbits to squirrels this cartridge gives you a bit of added distance and lethality.

For predators such as coyote, bobcat and fox the .22 WMR carries more than enough energy to take these critters out to 100 yards and beyond with a well-placed shot. If your collecting pelts, you are much less likely to cause pelt damage from the .22 WMR than some of the higher velocity .22 centerfires. In some locals where regulations limit you to a rimfire or shotgun while hunting the WMR offers a clear advantage.

And then there are the pests that are so often found around farms and ranches. Skunks, ground squirrels, raccoons, and gophers to mention but a few. Put a rimfire scope on that .22 WMR and you have now created a lethal sniper system for those pests out to greater than .22 LR distances.

I have carried and fully intended to shoot Javelina with the .22 WMR. Sadly, I was never able to get my sights on one of the tricky little peccaries with the magnum in hand. However, I know of many who have taken Javelina and other small big game (Duiker and Dik-dik in Africa) with this hot little rimfire cartridge.

22LR vs 22 Mag in Handguns and Self Defense

Several gun manufacturers offer handguns, both in semi auto and revolver platforms in the .22 WMR. Ideal for carry in the back country, trapline or around the farm, these compact frames are also an option for self-defense carry. I particularly like the little snub nose Ruger LCR, 6 shot revolvers in .22 Magnum for pocket carry at times.

There are multiple offerings of self-defensive specific ammo in .22 WMR. Take for example, Hornady Critical Defense, 45 gr FTX  , and Speer Gold Dot 40 gr HP . Of course, many of the hollow point or ballistic tip ammunition would also serve well in a defensive encounter.

While a rimfire is not my first choice for a self-defense gun, it may well be the only option for some folks. Those shooters that perhaps have more years under their belt than others and find it difficult to handle a larger caliber with arthritis or weak hand strength may find the .22 WMR fits their needs perfectly with its nearly zero recoil.

On the Range/Target Shooting

Shooting is a perishable skill and, in the end, there is no substitute for range time when it comes to practicing shooting fundamentals. .22 WMR ammo does in fact cost more than a .22 LR ammo, it is still vastly more affordable than the cheapest centerfire ammo and does offer more effective long-distance shooting.

Practice your big game shooting skills by mounting a comparable hunting scope on a lever or bolt action .22 WMR and you have found an economical off season practice method for the fall big game or varmint hunts.

The following table give some basic ballistic info on various loads of .22 WMR. Also, a simple shot grouping test from a bench rest position at 20 yards via the Henry Small Game Carbine utilizing Skinner Peep Sights only, no scope:

As you can see from the above table, the Henry lever action .22 WMR was accurate across the board with all ammo tested. I would not hesitate to use any of the listed ammo in the hunting field or on the range. I also shot out to 50 yards using the Skinner Peep Sights only and found it easy to keep shots in a fist sized group.

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt the .22 WMR is destined to be around for decades to come and will fall into the category of classic rimfire calibers in my estimation. Make no mistake, I will always have need and enjoyment for the .22 LR. However, the .22 WMR is one of the most versatile rimfire rounds on the market today. Afterall is been around for 67 years and shows no signs of slowing down.