.22LR vs .22 WMR

[Franklin]

For the .22 experts here... What is the difference between .22LR and .22WMR?

Can the .22WMR be used in the S&W M&P 22?

Thanks

 

[arjay]

The magnum is in a longer case and won't fit in a 22 lr chamber.

 

[Rgoodwin]

Not. The 22 mag has a larger and longer casing for a larger and longer chamber.

 

[David LaPell]

and .22 Long Rifle cannot be fired in a .22 Magnum because the case diameter is ever so slightly different.

 

[dbgUSMC]

LR is on the left and WMR is on the right.

I have a .22 magnum sidewinder from NAA and you can't fire the LR from the Mag cylinder. Since the mag has a greater diameter. I had to buy another cylinder to shoot the LR and shorts.

 

[Redlegvzv]

As everyone else here has explained, 22 LR and 22 WMR are significantly different rounds. I have never seen a gun that could fire both excepting the Ruger Single Sixes, which require the cylinder of the revolver to be swapped out.

22 WMR is a much more potent round than the 22 LR. Of course it usually costs a lot more too.

 

[Bobbj22]

22 LR goes "pop" and 22 WMR goes "bang"

 

[M&P Freak]

S&W M&P22WMR, that has a nice ring to it. I wish it were available. That, and lots of ammo. Right now I'd settle for lots of .22LR and a sunny day.

 

[buckspen]

Colt made a varition of the Frontier Scout that came from the factory with both the .22 LR and .22 Magnum (.22 WMR) cylinders. The Peacemaker .22 and New Frontier .22 revolvers made in the 1970's were all designed to shoot both. There were some other makers as well (H&R, Iver Johnson?, some foreign models).
Several Smith & Wesson models in .22 Magnum caliber (48, 648, 51, 651?) were also available with .22 LR cylinders.
If a .22 LR cartridge is fired in a .22 WMR (Magnum) chamber, the case will very likely split releasing hot gas and brass fragments out the side. Unpleasant at best and injurious at worst.

- - - - Buckspen

 

[Jyezahn]

The Heritage Manufacturing Rough Rider 22 comes with both LR and Magnum cylinders. I have one... only cost $200 from Bass Pro. Fun gun.

 

[Smitty357]

.22LR vs .22WMR, is like trying to compare 5.56 to .300 AAC.

The first one feels like a bee sting, the other one feels like you got hit by an 18 wheeler.

 

[USAF385]

and .22 Long Rifle cannot be fired in a .22 Magnum because the case diameter is ever so slightly different.

.22 lr can be fired from a .22 magnum... More than once I've seen someone shoot .22 lr from the magnum cylinder in one of the ever so popular .22lr/mag SA revolvers. They shoot just fine but the .22 lr case expands and requires some extra force to push them from the cylinder.



(Sent via iPhone so please forgive any typing errors)

 

[JNewell]

Colt made a varition of the Frontier Scout that came from the factory with both the .22 LR and .22 Magnum (.22 WMR) cylinders. The Peacemaker .22 and New Frontier .22 revolvers made in the 1970's were all designed to shoot both. There were some other makers as well (H&R, Iver Johnson?, some foreign models).
Several Smith & Wesson models in .22 Magnum caliber (48, 648, 51, 651?) were also available with .22 LR cylinders.
If a .22 LR cartridge is fired in a .22 WMR (Magnum) chamber, the case will very likely split releasing hot gas and brass fragments out the side. Unpleasant at best and injurious at worst.

- - - - Buckspen

Ruger's Single Six is still available in a convertible model (two cylinders).

 

[JNewell]

.22LR vs .22WMR, is like trying to compare 5.56 to .300 AAC.

The first one feels like a bee sting, the other one feels like you got hit by an 18 wheeler.

Do you mean on the wallet, or at the target???

 

[mag318]

With the popularity of S&W J frames chambered for both cartridges, some believe there is not much advantage of the Magnum over the LR out of a short barrel. Nothing could be further from the truth. All 22 LR bullets are lead or copper washed lead, the Magnum has much better bullets that are true high performance designs like the PDX1, Gold Dot and Critical Defense. While most won't carry a rimfire for defensive purposes the new Magnum loads designed for short barrels bring the Magnum into the realm of feasability.