Deceasedeye
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IMPEACH 22MAG!
'Splain to me the .22 Magnum
- Thread starter Gene L
- Start date
hkcavalier
US Veteran
It's an excellent rifle round for pests and coyotes.
In recent years, it's gotten a lot of buzz as a defensive pistol round (the Kel-Tec PMR-30 in particular), but with a price around 9mm and lots of noise and flash, it doesn't make much sense, though it's very light recoiling of course. Kind of a poor man's 5.7x28. I don't consider it to be a good pistol cartridge. Like most high velocity cartridges, it needs at least 8" of barrel to become efficient. One reason I'm searching for an old 48 8-3/8" gun...
In recent years, it's gotten a lot of buzz as a defensive pistol round (the Kel-Tec PMR-30 in particular), but with a price around 9mm and lots of noise and flash, it doesn't make much sense, though it's very light recoiling of course. Kind of a poor man's 5.7x28. I don't consider it to be a good pistol cartridge. Like most high velocity cartridges, it needs at least 8" of barrel to become efficient. One reason I'm searching for an old 48 8-3/8" gun...
I actually sat down and read "Cartridges of the World." The 10's and 20's and 30's had a plethora of low power 32 and 25 caliber rifle cartridges, some center fire and some rimfire. Apparently farmers and others considered these cartridges "enough" for varmints and self defense round the homestead. They are all mostly gone now. The 22 magnum seemed to take their place. The 22 hornet could have. The 32 magnum could have if it had been 30 years earlier. I thought that the 17HMR would kill the 22 magnum, all it lacks is "switch cylinder" capability. Switching cylinders is seductive. (Yes I have one. Don't need it. I had to have one.)
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Same here Bam Bam. Was looking for a 18 inch barrel in 22 magnum for woods varmints. Figured I would be better off with the heavier bullet of the 22 mag over the 17 for varmints like coon and fox. Slapped a Vortex Crossfire 2 scope 2x7-32 and it suits me very well. Nice and light plus the stock does not feel chintzy. Only cost me $279 couple years back new.
LittleCooner
Member
I have to agree with Gene L. I have never used the 22 WRM and have no desire for one. I do not see where it fits in the gun world. I have several 22 caliber rounds and if a rimfire LR is not sufficient, then I am going to use a centerfire. Reloadable, so I can tune the accuracy, and if shooting varmints, the centerfire has so many options for bullets. Never owned one and never will, I do not see any use for them.
.38SuperMan
Member
I bought a stainless convertible single 6 about thirty years ago. I agree with others 22mag really doesn't shine in a short barrel. Just for giggles I need to chrono some 22 wmr out of the single 6 5-1/2" barrel and then out of my RPR and see how they compare. My guess is out of the single 6 there's little gain over 22LR.
Ammo is quite a bit more expensive but how much do you shoot in an afternoon out of a single action revolver or bolt action rifle, 50 rounds an hour? I found Hornady V-Max to be the best in my rifle so far and CCIwith the 30 gr V-Max bullet a very close second. I think I'm paying $14 for the CCI and $13 for the Hornady. Not bad in my view. When I'm at the range I see guys burning through $200 dollars or more of 5.56 in thirty minutes so $13 bucks, no big deal. I'm not into mag dumps anyway.
Ammo is quite a bit more expensive but how much do you shoot in an afternoon out of a single action revolver or bolt action rifle, 50 rounds an hour? I found Hornady V-Max to be the best in my rifle so far and CCIwith the 30 gr V-Max bullet a very close second. I think I'm paying $14 for the CCI and $13 for the Hornady. Not bad in my view. When I'm at the range I see guys burning through $200 dollars or more of 5.56 in thirty minutes so $13 bucks, no big deal. I'm not into mag dumps anyway.
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On average, the 22 WMR won't shoot with the 17HMR, 22LR, or 17M2 accuracy wise, and I've owned them in Anschutz, CZ, and several other manufacturers. In my opinion it's a better cartridge for small to medium sized varmints though. When I growing up it was a popular poachers gun due to having more power than the 22LR, but not as much noise as larger centerfire rounds.
I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been said, but I'll toss in my two cents for what it's worth.
A .22 magnum shot out of a pistol is really nothing more than a souped-up .22 LR. When shot out of a rifle, however, it's a whole 'nother breed of cat, capable of taking down animals such as rabbits, groundhogs, prairie dogs, foxes, raccoons, and even coyotes out to around 150 yards. The 40-grain .22 WMR at 100 yards still has 50% more kinetic energy than a 40-grain .22 LR at the muzzle.
My .22 magnum rifle is a Winchester 9422M with a Leupold 4x scope. To be honest, it's definitely one of my favorite rifles.
A .22 magnum shot out of a pistol is really nothing more than a souped-up .22 LR. When shot out of a rifle, however, it's a whole 'nother breed of cat, capable of taking down animals such as rabbits, groundhogs, prairie dogs, foxes, raccoons, and even coyotes out to around 150 yards. The 40-grain .22 WMR at 100 yards still has 50% more kinetic energy than a 40-grain .22 LR at the muzzle.
My .22 magnum rifle is a Winchester 9422M with a Leupold 4x scope. To be honest, it's definitely one of my favorite rifles.
I know when I shoot rabbits and other similarly sized critters with my 648 .22 magnum out to about 50 yds, it seems to smack with much more authority than my 17-6 shooting .22lr. The damage is significantly more too.
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I don't currently own a .22 Magnum rifle.
I'd be interested in a 9422M, or perhaps a 77/22 or CZ 457 in .22 Mag, but mostly just to have one, not so much because it fills a niche.
I have a number of very accurate .22 LR sporters, and I have three very accurate .22 Hornet rifles.
You can get accurate match .22 LR for around $5.50 per box of 50. In addition, .22 Hornet is one of the most inherently accurate cartridges around and it's easy to load 1/2 MOA accurate ammo at no more cost than .22 Mag ammo.
In short, my beef with .22 magnum has been the lack of really accurate ammo. Yes, it's more potent than the .22 LR, but it's far less potent or accurate than the .22 Hornet, which offers the same relatively low noise advantages of the .22 Magnum, but with better ballistics and accuracy.
I'd be interested in a 9422M, or perhaps a 77/22 or CZ 457 in .22 Mag, but mostly just to have one, not so much because it fills a niche.
I have a number of very accurate .22 LR sporters, and I have three very accurate .22 Hornet rifles.
You can get accurate match .22 LR for around $5.50 per box of 50. In addition, .22 Hornet is one of the most inherently accurate cartridges around and it's easy to load 1/2 MOA accurate ammo at no more cost than .22 Mag ammo.
In short, my beef with .22 magnum has been the lack of really accurate ammo. Yes, it's more potent than the .22 LR, but it's far less potent or accurate than the .22 Hornet, which offers the same relatively low noise advantages of the .22 Magnum, but with better ballistics and accuracy.
pantannojack
US Veteran
Years ago in Arizona, G&F allowed the use of 22 Mag for Javalina, and Turkey; Possibly still do.
jimgoldth
US Veteran
I always remember what someone said. 22 Magnum = 1/3 more power + 3 times the price. It might not 3 times the price now but it is definitely more money than more 22 LR.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
The 22wmr isn't cheap nor is the 17hmr. I don't shoot much in smaller calibers.
When ever I hear groundhog caliber I think of the 22-250.
When ever I hear groundhog caliber I think of the 22-250.
LOL...Googled ".22 centerfire rifle cartridges"...... first link I opened listed 14 different .22 centerfire cartridges....."splain that to me" 
All varmint rounds designed to take "small game.... at long range..... 200 yards."
The second article talks about the 5 most popular......22 hornet, .221 fireball, .223 .220 swift and .22-250.
.22-250 " ......40 gr bullets.....at 4000fps"
Sound like great cartridges for the western plains..... here in Pa.'s woods and smaller fields the .22mag is fine for varmints out to 100-120-150 yds........ 30-40 gr and 1800 to 2300fps. Bought a "stash" of CCI back when they were $13/50. As a field round that can last a summer.
That said I do own a couple of bolt action .223 and .243s.......but am not a handloader..................
All varmint rounds designed to take "small game.... at long range..... 200 yards."
The second article talks about the 5 most popular......22 hornet, .221 fireball, .223 .220 swift and .22-250.
.22-250 " ......40 gr bullets.....at 4000fps"
Sound like great cartridges for the western plains..... here in Pa.'s woods and smaller fields the .22mag is fine for varmints out to 100-120-150 yds........ 30-40 gr and 1800 to 2300fps. Bought a "stash" of CCI back when they were $13/50. As a field round that can last a summer.
That said I do own a couple of bolt action .223 and .243s.......but am not a handloader..................
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Telecaster
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He was about half right. Ballistics by the Inch got about 850-1000 fps out of a 2" barrel.
BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Results
My 4 inch magnum 651 gets .22 rifle ballistics with 40 grain hollow points and my 6 inch 648 beats .22 rifle velocities by 20%, all measured on my chronograph. Most .22 long rifle hollow points don't expand at handgun velocities and, therefore, don't do real well killing small game. .22 magnum 40 grain Goldots from a 4 - 6 inch revolver expand dramatically and kill small game as well or better than long rifle hollow points from a rifle. A .22 magnum revolver is a very useful firearm in the field.
BTW, I live in the rural woods and have harvested thousands of small game animals over my 60 years of small game and deer hunting.
I also keep Ruger 77/22 mag hanging handily in my house as my "farm" gun. In rifle form, the magnum is a bit much for edible small game but perfect for problem creatures. I use a .223 when purposely calling coyotes in nearby open farm land, but find it more than I need in my woods.
Just relaying the experiences of an old guy.
BTW, I live in the rural woods and have harvested thousands of small game animals over my 60 years of small game and deer hunting.
I also keep Ruger 77/22 mag hanging handily in my house as my "farm" gun. In rifle form, the magnum is a bit much for edible small game but perfect for problem creatures. I use a .223 when purposely calling coyotes in nearby open farm land, but find it more than I need in my woods.
Just relaying the experiences of an old guy.
When I want a .22 with more power than a .22LR I use my 22-250. Larry
This all comes down to "shoot what you like ... shoot what you've got!"
It's why there are 14 (or more) centerfire .22 cartridges and 6 or 7 .22 rimfire!
I have had two convertible 22/22 Mag handguns and no longer own one. The 32 H&R and even the 32 Long have replaced the 22 mag. A 100 gr bullet, does so much more with small edible game, even at a lower velocity. In a rifle, or Contender pistol, I have a bunch of 22 caliber centerfires that I can load to or past 22 WRM velocities.
If it works for you great, if it doesn't don't kick at it.
If it works for you great, if it doesn't don't kick at it.
I checked online. 22 magnum costs about 21 cents per round. 22 Hornet bullets cost about 21 cents per round. Then you need primers and powder and cases and dies and free time. Obviously the 22 Hornet is more powerful. Actually the 22 magnum seems to be about half way between the 22 LR and the 22 Hornet.
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.357magger
Member
Explain it to you?
Ok.
It does "X".
I like that it does "X".
I can easily find ammo so it can do "X".
This is America where I'm free to choose the way I want to do "X".
Understand now?
Ok.
It does "X".
I like that it does "X".
I can easily find ammo so it can do "X".
This is America where I'm free to choose the way I want to do "X".
Understand now?
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Okay, okay. I'm sure we'll all agree that some cartridges are better than others, and maybe the .22 magnum isn't the absolute best in its league, but you've gotta admit....it's just plain fun shooting cartridges with such great creative names such as the .218 Bee, the .22 Hornet, the .219 Zipper, the .221 Fireball, or the .220 Swift.
Of course, nobody in his right mind would want to shoot a cartridge called the .22 Stinkbug, but the .219 Donaldson Wasp??? That's a different story.
Of course, nobody in his right mind would want to shoot a cartridge called the .22 Stinkbug, but the .219 Donaldson Wasp??? That's a different story.
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Okay, okay. I'm sure we'll all agree that some cartridges are better than others, and maybe the .22 magnum isn't the absolute best in its league, but you've gotta admit....it's just plain fun shooting cartridges with such great creative names such as the .218 Bee, the .22 Hornet, the .219 Zipper, the .221 Fireball, or the .220 Swift.
Of course, nobody in his right mind would want to shoot a cartridge called the .22 Stinkbug, but the .219 Donaldson Wasp??? That's a different story.
You are right, I want them all. Also the 22 Velodog. I actually saw a 22 Velodog revolver at Cabelas but for $450 and no ammo being sold I left it there. I did drag my triva-loving daughter back there, so she could say, "I have seen one."
gemihur
Member
Those dogs in France must have been a real problem to warrant it's development let alone it's use!
... and how about the 6.5 Grendel, now there's a name that'll live in infamy!
Sometimes the name is designed just to get your attention ...
350 Legend
The list goes on
... and how about the 6.5 Grendel, now there's a name that'll live in infamy!
Sometimes the name is designed just to get your attention ...
350 Legend
The list goes on
22 Mag in a Marlin bolt
I had a Marlin tube fed bolt rifle (882 maybe) was very accurate and effective on woodchucks to about125 yds.
I'd definitely have a S&W 351 in 22 magnum if it wasn't $200 more than my 442 and 360J
I had a Marlin tube fed bolt rifle (882 maybe) was very accurate and effective on woodchucks to about125 yds.
I'd definitely have a S&W 351 in 22 magnum if it wasn't $200 more than my 442 and 360J
I just checked on GunBot and the cheapest .22 Mag ammo I could find was Win 40 gr JHP at $0.22 cents per round ($11.00 for a box of 50.
In comparison, I load a lot of .22 Hornet using both Hornady 40 grain V-Max and Barnes 30 grain Varmint Grenade bullets. The 40 gr V-max cost a bit more but they can still be had for $21 per 100, so $0.21 each.
PPU .22 Hornet brass is $15.79 for a bag of 50 or $0.31 each and I get 6 reloads per case (more in a .22 K Hornet), so figure $0.05 per shot starting with new brass. Once fired brass is $14 per 100 or $0.14 each and roughly $0.03 per shot. Primers are $0.03 each. Powder is about $0.04 per shot.
----
So that's a choice between:
- $0.22 per shot for .22 magnum with a 40 gr. bullet at 1910 fps with maybe 1.5 to 2 MOA accuracy; or
- $0.31 to $0.33 per shot, but 2600 to 2900 fps depending on the load and 1/2 to 3/4 MOA accuracy.
If you set aside the cheapest .22 mag you can find, and instead shop for what shoots best in your .22 Mag rifle, the .22 Mag ammo prices are closer to $0.31 per round on average - some higher in the $0.40-$0.50 range and some lower at $0.25-$0.28 per round.
Which to me, means it isn't really a tough choice at all and .22 Hornet is a clear winner.
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