A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 22 WMR AMMO
Introduced in 1959 by Winchester, the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR)—commonly known as .22 Magnum—offers a significant upgrade in power and range over the standard .22 Long Rifle (22 LR). Designed to deliver flatter trajectories, higher velocities, and greater terminal energy, 22 WMR ammo quickly became a favorite among hunters and sport shooters looking for more punch from a rimfire cartridge.
Typical 22 magnum rounds feature bullet weights between 30 and 50 grains, with velocities ranging from 1,875 to 2,200 fps, depending on the load. This enhanced ballistic performance makes 22 WMR a go-to for small game hunting, varmint control, and target shooting at extended distances—areas where the .22 LR may fall short.
A frequent question from shooters is whether 22 WMR can be fired in a .22 LR firearm. The answer is no—22 WMR cartridges are longer and wider, making them incompatible and unsafe in chambers designed for .22 LR, .22 Short, or .22 Long. Always check your firearm markings to ensure you're using the correct ammunition.
Among customer favorites, CCI Maxi-Mag and Hornady V-MAX stand out. CCI's 40-grain JHP is a trusted option for reliability and clean kills on varmints. Hornady's 30-grain V-MAX features a polymer tip for rapid expansion, making it an excellent choice for hunters seeking hard-hitting 22 mag ammo with explosive terminal effect.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 22 WMR AMMO
Choosing the right 22 WMR ammo—also known as .22 Magnum—depends on how you plan to use it. Whether you're hunting varmints, plinking at the range, or prepping for small game season, understanding bullet types and performance factors will help you select the best load.
Purpose: For target shooting or high-volume practice, Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) and Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) rounds offer reliable feeding and solid accuracy. For small game and varmint hunting, opt for hollow point (HP) or polymer-tipped bullets like the Hornady V-MAX, which are designed for controlled expansion and effective energy transfer on impact.
Bullet Weight: Lighter bullets (30–34 grains) travel faster and offer flatter trajectories, making them ideal for long-range target shooting or light varmint control. Heavier bullets (40–50 grains) deliver deeper penetration and more consistent performance in windy conditions or against slightly larger game.
Manufacturer Reputation: Stick with proven names for reliable results. Brands like CCI, Hornady, Winchester, and Federal are well-known for their consistency, clean-burning powder, and dependable terminal ballistics—whether you're after subsonic 22 ammo or hard-hitting 22 magnum rounds.
Firearm Compatibility: Always confirm that your firearm is chambered for 22 WMR ammo. Unlike .22 LR, 22 Magnum cartridges are not interchangeable, and using the wrong ammo can be unsafe. Check your firearm’s barrel markings or owner’s manual for compatibility guidance.
22 WMR AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the difference between 22 LR and 22 Magnum?
- The main differences are case size, velocity, and power. 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) fires a heavier bullet at significantly higher velocity than .22 LR, offering better penetration, range, and stopping power—especially useful for hunting.
- 22 WMR vs 22 LR: Which is better?
- 22 LR is great for inexpensive plinking and training, while 22 WMR offers superior performance for hunting and longer-range shooting. Choose 22 LR for low cost and low recoil; choose 22 WMR ammo when you need more energy and reach.
- Can 22 WMR be fired in a 22 LR firearm?
- No. 22 WMR and 22 LR are not interchangeable. The 22 WMR case is longer and wider, and firing it in a .22 LR chamber is both impossible and dangerous. Always use ammunition that matches your firearm’s chamber marking.
- What is the most accurate 22 Magnum ammo?
- Accuracy can vary by firearm, but shooters consistently praise CCI Maxi-Mag and Hornady V-MAX for their tight groups, clean-burning powder, and consistent velocities—especially when shooting small targets at extended rimfire distances.
- What is the hardest-hitting 22 Mag ammo?
- Loads like the Hornady 45-grain Critical Defense and CCI Gamepoint 40-grain JHP are considered hard-hitting 22 magnum ammo, delivering deep penetration and expansion—ideal for defense or varmint hunting.
- Is CCI 22 Mag ammo reliable?
- Yes, CCI 22 WMR ammo is known for excellent ignition consistency, minimal fouling, and reliable feeding. Their Maxi-Mag line is a go-to for hunting and target shooters who demand consistent performance.
- What is the best 22 Mag ammo for deer hunting?
- While 22 WMR ammo is not typically recommended for deer-sized game due to power limitations, some hunters use Hornady 45-grain Critical Defense or CCI Gamepoint 40-grain SP where legal. Always check your local regulations.
- Can 22 Magnum ammo be used for hog hunting?
- It’s not ideal for large hogs, but for small or young hogs at close range, hard-hitting 22 mag rounds like FMJ or heavy SP loads may be effective. Shot placement is critical. Consider larger calibers for ethical and efficient harvests.
- What’s the best 22 WMR ammo for varmint or small game?
- Top picks include Hornady 30-grain V-MAX, CCI TNT, and Winchester Varmint HV. These offer explosive expansion and flat trajectories, making them highly effective on squirrels, prairie dogs, and other varmints.
- Is there subsonic 22 WMR ammo available?
- Subsonic 22 WMR options are rare compared to .22 LR, but a few manufacturers offer lower-velocity WMR loads designed for suppressed shooting. Always confirm compatibility with your firearm and suppressor system.
- What is the effective range of 22 WMR?
- 22 WMR rounds can remain accurate and effective out to 125–150 yards, with some premium loads reaching 200+ yards in ideal conditions—significantly outperforming standard .22 LR at extended distances.
- Can 22 WMR be used for self-defense?
- Yes. While not as powerful as centerfire handgun calibers, 22 magnum ammo can be used for self-defense. Look for loads like Hornady Critical Defense or Speer Gold Dot 40-grain GDHP, which are optimized for short barrels and defensive scenarios.
OUR TOP 22 WMR AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
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CCI Maxi-Mag 22 WMR Ammunition 40 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point - 0024: This round features a jacketed hollow point bullet ideal for hunting and target shooting. Its consistent expansion and deep penetration make it popular among varmint hunters. With clean-burning propellants and reliable priming, the Maxi-Mag ensures consistent performance and reduced residue. It has a muzzle velocity of 1,875 fps and energy of 312 ft-lbs, offering flat trajectories and effective terminal ballistics.
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Hornady Varmint Express 22 WMR Ammunition 30 Grain V-Max - 83202: Featuring Hornady's renowned V-Max polymer tip bullet, this round offers exceptional accuracy and rapid fragmentation upon impact, making it ideal for small game and varmint control. With a muzzle velocity of 2,200 fps and energy of 322 ft-lbs, it delivers flat trajectories and effective terminal performance up to 125 yards.
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Winchester Super-X 22 WMR Ammunition 40 Grain Full Metal Jacket - X22M: Manufactured with high-quality brass casings and reliable rimfire primers, this 40-grain full metal jacket round ensures consistent ignition and smooth feeding. It provides deep penetration with minimal expansion, ideal for controlled impacts, with a muzzle velocity of 1,910 fps and energy of 324 ft-lbs.
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Use Cases for 22 WMR Ammunition
- Small Game Hunting
- Varmint Control
- Target Shooting
- Plinking
- Pest Control
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Popular 22 WMR Ammo Brands
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Common 22 WMR Ammo Caliber Name Variations
- 22 WMR
- .22 Magnum
- .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
- 22 Mag
THE 22 WMR AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're hunting varmints or punching paper at the range, our collection of 22 WMR ammo offers the accuracy, power, and value rimfire shooters demand. Known for its flat trajectory and superior performance over .22 LR, 22 Magnum is a versatile choice for any rimfire setup. With top brands like CCI, Hornady, and Winchester, and a range of bullet types from hollow points to polymer tips, Target Sports USA has the 22 magnum ammo to match your goals—backed by expert support and free shipping on bulk orders.