Frequently Asked Questions
Remington .22 Magnum Ammo
Is 22 WMR ammo the same as 22 Magnum ammo?
Yes, 22 WMR and 22 Magnum are identical cartridges—just different names for the same round. WMR stands for Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Both terms refer to the same .22 caliber rimfire ammunition used in compatible rifles and handguns.
What is the most accurate 22 Mag ammo?
Hornady V-Max and Critical Defense loads consistently deliver the tightest groups in testing, averaging around 0.9 inches at 50 yards. CCI Maxi-Mag also performs well. Accuracy varies by rifle, so testing multiple brands helps identify what your specific firearm prefers.
What are the disadvantages of .22 WMR?
.22 WMR costs more than .22 LR—typically around $0.15 per round versus half that for LR. It can damage meat on small game due to higher velocity. Ammo selection is more limited, and rifles chambered in WMR are less common and pricier than LR options.
Is 22 Mag worth it over 22LR?
Worth it depends on your use. .22 WMR delivers more velocity and energy for varmint hunting beyond 50 yards. .22 LR costs roughly half as much and works fine for plinking and close-range small game. For budget shooting, choose LR. For more power at distance, WMR is the better option.
Why is 22 Magnum ammo so expensive?
.22 WMR costs more due to lower production volume—far fewer machines make it than .22 LR. It uses larger, jacketed bullets requiring more copper and complex manufacturing. Limited demand means economies of scale don't apply like they do for .22 LR, keeping per-round costs higher despite being cheaper than centerfire rifle ammo.
How far will a 22 Mag shoot accurately?
.22 WMR is reliably accurate to about 125-150 yards on small game. At 50 yards expect 3/4 to 1.5 inch groups; at 100 yards, 1.25 to 4.5 inches; at 200 yards, 7 to 20 inches. Rifle quality, ammunition, and shooter skill all affect results significantly.
Which is more powerful, 17 HMR or 22 MAG?
The .22 WMR carries more energy at close range due to its heavier bullet, but the .17 HMR overtakes it at distance, producing more energy at 150 yards. The .17 HMR is significantly faster and flatter-shooting, though the .22 WMR resists wind deflection better, as the lighter .17 bullet is blown further off course.
How far does a 22 Mag drop at 200 yards?
Drop varies by load and zero distance. With typical 2,200 fps ammo zeroed at 100 yards, expect roughly 9–12 inches of drop at 200 yards. Slower loads near 1,900 fps drop toward the higher end of that range. A ballistics chart for your specific ammunition gives precise numbers.
What grain is best for 22 magnum ammo?
For .22 WMR, 40-grain bullets are the most common and work well for hunting and varmint shooting. Lighter 30-grain loads travel faster with a flatter trajectory but lose energy quicker. Test both in your specific rifle, as individual firearms often favor one weight over the other.
What is the most lethal 22 magnum round?
Hornady Varmint Express 30-grain V-MAX delivers the highest velocity around 2,200 fps and 322 ft-lbs muzzle energy. CCI Maxi-Mag 40-grain offers more penetration through greater bullet weight. Lethality depends on the target—varmints favor velocity and fragmentation, while larger animals benefit from heavier, deeper-penetrating bullets.
What is the Remington AccuTip 22 Magnum?
Remington AccuTip 22 Magnum is a .22 WMR rimfire cartridge featuring a 33-grain polymer-tipped bullet. It delivers 2,000 fps muzzle velocity and 293 foot-pounds of energy, designed for hunting and varmint control.
What is the hardest hitting 22 ammo?
.22 WMR is the hardest hitting common .22 rimfire cartridge, significantly outpowering .22 LR. Among .22 WMR loads, 40-grain hollow-point rounds deliver maximum energy on target. For even more power, .22 WMR Magnum Research or CCI Maxi-Mag loads are top performers.