22 magnum rifles - underrated or extinct?

[Jim L]

I want to get some opinions on 22 magnum rifles.
I have a Marlin XT 22 magnum bolt action & its a tack driver out to 100-125 yards. I mostly use Hornady V-Max (30 grain) or CCI Maxi Mag HP.
I have a blast when I shoot my 22 mag & I feel they are underrated & still offer a great choice for hunters especially with the improved modern ammo.

 

[Beruisis]

It's my understanding that its a favored round by deer poachers.

 

[SuperMan]

I have several...mostly for survival rifles...

Savage 24 DL .22 Mag/20 ga.

Marlin 882 Stainless DBM fed with synthetic stock. Had the barrel shortened and threaded for a AXIOM suppressor.

Cricket in stainless with a synthetic stock. Very small and light. Fits nicely in one of the nylon tactical shotgun scabbards.

Last is just for plinking fun...a Rossi copy of a Winchester 62. Older pre-bolt safety gun...very accurate, reliable and well made.

Favorite round is the original Winchester SUPER-X 40 grain JHP...

Bob

 

[Lee Barner]

I've had a Marlin 882SSV for about 25 years now and can't imagine how many pasture poodles I've taken with it while in NE and KS. plus a few unsuspecting coyotes. when I bought it I got a flat(5,000 rds) of win 40gr HPs. I think I have four or five boxes left. it has always had a weaver 2.5-7X scope on it. I think they are way underrated. lee

 

[Big E3]

I think 22 mag makes a great survival gun. You can carry a lot of rounds in a small package, in a rifle it has enough power to take game across a wide spectrum without too much damage or noise. Obviously you don’t want to use it for defense if in brown bear country, but plenty good most other uses. I have two Winchesters in 22 mag, a lever and a pump. I also have three handguns in the caliber but rifles are where 22 mag really shines.

 

[BAM-BAM]

MY favorite walking in Penn's Woods Rifle is my....

CZ452 FS/mannlicher w/ a 1-4x20 Leupold scope in .22 magnum........most any varmint in Pa. out to 100-125 yds.........................

 

[silentflyer]

I have a Henry .22 mag, nice compact little rifle that shoots great.
.22 mag ammo is even available again.
Have a model 48 also, does well with the self defense .22 mag that's being made now and the 50 grain Federals.

 

[Toblerra]

I love the round, don't have one myself but enjoyed shooting it growing up. Honestly I think the reason you don't hear about it that often is because it has been replaced by rounds like the .17 hmr.

 

[30-30remchester]

From my research, many native Alaskans use these to harvest their winter caribou. Short, lightweight and inexpensive guns are major selling points. If I ever have to walk away with one gun and survive the long march, my Winchester 9422M would be my top choice. As much as I like my 9422M which is in mint condition, I would trade it for a well used Winchester 61 in 22 magnum.

 

[mauser9]

Gets my vote. Got a Marlin bolt and the Ruger American which both are accurate and like 40grain CCI ammo which group well. Great for varmints at closer ranges. Ammo can be a challenge though.

 

[growr]

.22 Mag WAS my favorite varmint cartridge until you suddenly could not seem to find it anywhere...17 hMR abounds here in Montana, So my Marlin 25MN is taking a rest....Is it obsolete? Not yet! Just hard to feed...

Got a .17 HMR CZ 452 Trainer with a Nikon Monarch scope on it....varmints can't tell what they were hit with....the results of the .17 HMR are VERY dramatic however!!

AND here in Montana I can actually re-supply.............

Randy

 

[Ngtdog]

I enjoy my Marlin 783 tube fed 22wmr.
I would still like to find a Ruger 10/22 in 22wmr for well south of $1000.00.
I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Buford57]

My Savage 93FV was devastating on watermelons this morning. Some old CCI 40gr HP ammo I found lurking in an ammo can.

 

[rick1085]

Favorite ground squirrel rifle is my 22WMR Volquartsen lightweight with thm carbon fiber barrel and Hogue stock. It makes quick work of little digger infestations. Effective range is nearly twice that of my Ruger 1022T with it's best load. With the stupid non lead mandate in my area, it shoots CCI 30gr TNT Green very well. Haven't found another unleaded rimfire solution that shoots worth a darn.
If one is unfortunately stuck with non lead ammo, 22WMR is the only real option.
So, definitely not obsolete.

 

[Jim L]

I had a Savage 93 heavy/fluted barrel, sold it, what a tack driver it was. I am looking for a CZ 22mag locally.

 

[Cal44]

Several LGS's have had 22 mag Henry pump actions over the last year.

I've been tempted, but haven't gotten one yet.

For some reason, I like the idea of a pump action 22 rifle with octagonal barrel.

 

[BigBill]

In my state can't hunt with it. I bought one decades ago. Shoot paper only.

 

[petemacmahon]

22 WMR - great little cartridge

In my state can't hunt with it. I bought one decades ago. Shoot paper only.

WT.....?? Can't hunt with 22 WMR?! What state is that?

I own two. A CZ that has the best wood in my safe, and a Marlin that I'm currently rebuilding with a shortened barrel and a Boyd stock.

The CZ is a tack driver and it actually went for a walk this last weekend but I failed to see any PA ground hogs.

I too think the little cartridge is underrated. It's a much better option for fox when you want to actually have a pelt left over!

 

[BAM-BAM]

In my state can't hunt with it. I bought one decades ago. Shoot paper only.

Not deer..... no ...... but what pete^^^^^^^^^ there said!!!!!!

 

[gregintenn]

Somebody likes them. I've not seen a box of 22mag ammo on a store shelf around here since the Newtown incident.