22 winchester magnum rimfire

22 winchester magnum rimfire, also known as .22 Magnum, .22

WMRF, .22 MRF, or simply .22 Mag, is a rimfire cartridge offering impressive

versatility and performance. Bullet weights for the .22 WMR range from 50 grains

(3.2 g), with a velocity of 1,530 feet per second (470 m/s), to 30 grains (1.9 g),

achieving speeds of up to 2,200 feet per second (670 m/s). Originally, the .22

WMR was loaded with a 40-grain (2.6 g) bullet, delivering velocities around 2,000

feet per second (610 m/s) when fired from a rifle barrel.

History 22 winchester magnum rimfire​

The .22 WMR was introduced by Winchester in 1959, but its widespread use only

began in 1960 when the Winchester Model 61 slide-action rifle was chambered

for the cartridge. The first rifle available for this new chambering marked the

beginning of the cartridge’s popularity.

Applications 22 winchester magnum rimfire​

The .22 WMR outperforms the .22 Long Rifle (LR) by shooting flatter, reaching

farther, and delivering significantly more impact at all ranges. While both cartridges

use bullets of similar weight, the .22 WMR achieves much higher velocities. For

example, at 100 yards (91 meters), a 40-grain (2.6 g) bullet fired from a .22 WMR

retains 50% more kinetic energy than the same bullet fired from a .22 LR. With

expanding bullets, the .22 WMR also provides better penetration and more

consistent expansion at extended ranges.

22 winchester magnum rimfire

When sighted in for maximum point-blank range on a 3-inch (76 mm) high target,

a 40-grain (2.6 g) .22 WMR can achieve an effective range of nearly 125 yards

(114 meters). This makes it an excellent choice for hunting and varmint rifles at

short to medium ranges. The .22 WMR is capable of efficiently handling small

game, varmints, and pests with precision and reliability.

Weapons Chambered for .22 WMR

Following its introduction in 1959, the .22 WMR cartridge quickly gained popularity

and was featured in several firearms. The first rifle chambered for it was the Marlin

Model 57M Levermatic carbine, with subsequent models including the Savage

Model 24 combination gun (.22 WMR over .410 bore), Winchester’s Model 61

and Model 275 pump-action rifles, and the Model 255 lever-action rifle.

Modern firearms also offer .22 WMR configurations, such as the Chiappa Double

Badger combination gun (.22 WMR over .410 bore) and the Springfield Armory

M6 Scout, which includes a similar configuration. Additionally, the Chiappa M6

Survival Gun provides a versatile option, pairing either a 12-gauge or 20-gauge

shotgun barrel with a .22 Magnum barrel.

22 winchester magnum rimfire​

A wide variety of repeating and single-shot rifles have been chambered in .22

WMR, catering to diverse needs. However, the cartridge operates at higher

pressures than typical rimfire cartridges, making it less suitable for firearms with

simple blowback actions. This characteristic often necessitates more robust locking

mechanisms for reliable performance.

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