I just ordered a box of this new ammo (X22MSUB) from Cabelas. I have had my 650 with both cylinders since it's introduction. Way back when, I shot a snake with WMR Shotshells and I will never forget the deafening ear ringing blast that lasted for two days. Since then, the LR cylinder was swapped for the WMR which remains unused since. Yes, over the years, I have tried some the new offerings in 22WMR and WRF, but I still find them too noisy. A kit gun is just that and shouldn't require ear protection to be fired on occasion while afield. This new subsonic WMR ammo should allow me to use that WMR cylinder once again with a blast not unlike that of 22LRSV. Am I assuming correctly here, or did I waste the money? For those not familiar with either. the 650 is a 3" revolver and the ammo is 45gr WMR @ 1060fps from a rifle. All opinions and theories welcomed and appreciated!
Winchester 22WMR Subsonic in S&W 650
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I have been looking for some of the new subsonic .22 - but Midway's stock status has been iffy. I don't have a Smith .22 mag but have several Rugers and an NAA Mini. Just for giggles - I tried some of the CCI .22WRF in both the Mini and one Ruger. I did this at some risk (as usual for me) since CCI warns on the box that it's not for use in revolvers. No problems with the Ruger - easy extraction and a lot less muzzle blast - but the accuracy (with just a few rounds) was mediocre. Someone had mentioned, somewhere, that there was a concern about lodging one of the (rumored to be) oversize WRF bullets in the bore of a revolver - but I fired three cylinders with zero issues there. The Mini had surprisingly light recoil and blast - with no signs of over pressure or any such. BUT, the accuracy was horrible - all of the rounds key-holed at 15 feet. That doesn't bother me since I wouldn't ever use the Mini beyond 15 feet anyway. It's good to see someone else interested in .22 Mag in revolvers!!
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Rpg
Member
Why in the world would anyone pay 22 mag ammo prices for what amounts to 22 lr standard velocity ammo ?
THE PILGRIM
Member
Agree with RPG.
Sounds like you are spending extra money to turn your 22 mag into a 22LR.
Sounds like you are spending extra money to turn your 22 mag into a 22LR.
REM 3200
US Veteran
For what it's worth, .22 LR will also damage your hearing. 
The 22WMR was initially designed for rifles - PERIOD! Muzzle blast for a revolver - even a 8 3/8's was common.
Shooting from a 3" bbl would be about as bad as one would imagine.
The sub-sonic will help but you're paying for it!
Shooting from a 3" bbl would be about as bad as one would imagine.
The sub-sonic will help but you're paying for it!
THE PILGRIM
Member
For what it's worth, .22 LR will also damage your hearing.
What was that?
Between guns, airplanes and Rock and Roll,
I'm lucky I can hear anything!
Cal44
Member
I've read that a lot.
I recently got a 650 myself, and I found shooting it with normal (non electric) ear protectors no problem at all.
My conclusion is the 22 mag noise issue is way over rated.
I like 22 mag in a revolver.
It's fun.
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scattershot
Member
I don't see a use for that ammo. Looks like a solution in search of a problem, to me. It would be a lot cheaper to shoot .22LR ammo for the same effect.
Might make sense in your case, though, with the 650.
Might make sense in your case, though, with the 650.
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Amishman44
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.22 WMR is one of my favorite rounds to plink around with...
For my birthday, the year we got married, my wife bought me a Savage 93 Stainless black-synthetic bolt-action rifle...and I've taken more than a few groundhogs with it at ranges up to 150m (darn lucky too). I also have a 6.5" stainless Ruger Single-Six, that I love shooting, to go along with it.
Buying subsonic ammo...not a chance!
For my birthday, the year we got married, my wife bought me a Savage 93 Stainless black-synthetic bolt-action rifle...and I've taken more than a few groundhogs with it at ranges up to 150m (darn lucky too). I also have a 6.5" stainless Ruger Single-Six, that I love shooting, to go along with it.
Buying subsonic ammo...not a chance!
SLT223
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Good grief. What are your thoughts on a 3" 44 Magnum?
mrchuck
Member
My "master blaster", huge flame ball 22wmr pistol is a Keltec pmr pistol.
30 round magazine of magnums.
Just wonderful it is.
30 round magazine of magnums.
Just wonderful it is.
All very true, Cal. But that being so, it limits the 650 to a range only(with hearing protection) firearm. It was marketed as and sold as a "kit gun" for field use with no mention of hearing protection being required. That's where I have a problem and am seeking a solution. I would ask you if you have ever discharged your 650 without ear protection? I would guess not! Thanks for your inputI've read that a lot.
I recently got a 650 myself, and I found shooting it with normal (non electric) ear protectors no problem at all.
My conclusion is the 22 mag noise issue is way over rated.
I like 22 mag in a revolver.
It's fun.
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I am wondering how you came to this conclusion. Winchester developed the cartridge but didn't even have a rifle chambered in it. The first 3 guns chambered in .22WMR were 2 revolvers, a Smith and a Ruger, and one rifle, Savage's 24 over/under, all in 1959. Not saying you are not correct but several years ago I did a good bit of research on this round and never came across any statements claiming it was designed just for rifles.
Ed
SUBSONIC is not Hearing Safe in any chambering
There are 22 caliber ammunition offerings that are made to be quiet
CCI makes the 22 Quiet which is not hearing safe in a revolver
Even quieter is the Colibri and Super Colibri from Aguilla
There are 22 caliber ammunition offerings that are made to be quiet
CCI makes the 22 Quiet which is not hearing safe in a revolver
Even quieter is the Colibri and Super Colibri from Aguilla
Cal44
Member
No, I haven't tried it without hearing protection. Haven't done so with a 22LR revolver either.
I suppose if I was carrying it outdoors with the expectation of shooting it frequently, I'd at least put a pair of ear plugs in.
Same question? Just put the .22lr cylinder back in and be happy.
But, but, life wouldn't be interesting without some variety! I found those two boxes of .22WRF at $7-ish a box IIRC. I don't have a WRF but I like experimenting. I was also (foolishly, I admit) intrigued by the the "Not for Use in Revolvers" warning. Anyways, it has worked OK in my NAA Mini and I'll eventually get seven bucks worth of entertainment out of each box ...
ridgewalker
Member
Just for the record, I am not offended by this ammo.
I do understand the arguments above against it but I think there's some situations where it would be useful. For example if your gun is only chambered for the magnum round but you want to shoot something tamer. Probably there's others but that would require me to think and I don't feel like thinking right now.
I do understand the arguments above against it but I think there's some situations where it would be useful. For example if your gun is only chambered for the magnum round but you want to shoot something tamer. Probably there's others but that would require me to think and I don't feel like thinking right now.
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