01 / At a glance
The basics
- Origin
- United States
- Introduced
- 1959
- Ignition
- Rimfire
- Case form
- Rimmed, straight-sided
- Diameter
- 5.7 mm
- Case length
- 26.7 mm
Rounded values to help you identify the cartridge, not manufacturing drawings. See the cited standard for exact dimensions and tolerances.
Do not mix it up
.22 WMR and .22 WRF are different cartridges, even though they look similar. A .22 LR does not belong in a .22 WMR rifle. Check the marking on your firearm before you buy ammunition.
The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, usually written .22 WMR or ".22 Mag", is the step up from the .22 LR. It is longer, uses a heavier jacketed bullet and hits harder at 100 yards. It has been around since 1959, and it is still one of the most useful rimfire cartridges for varmints, small predators and pest control.
This guide explains what the cartridge is, how it performs, how to choose ammunition and a firearm, and how it compares with the .22 LR, .17 HMR and other rimfire rounds. It is a reference page, not a loading manual. Rimfire cases cannot be reloaded, so there is no loading data here.
A short history
Winchester introduced the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in 1959, along with the Model 61 slide-action rifle. The goal was to give small-game and varmint hunters more power and range than the .22 LR could offer, without asking them to buy a centerfire rifle.
It worked. Marlin, Ruger, Savage and many others added rifles for it, and revolvers appeared as well. Some of the earliest firearms for the cartridge were pump actions and lever actions, and the cartridge has stayed popular in both.
It is easy to confuse with the older .22 WRF (Winchester Rimfire), which has a similar name but a different, shorter case. The two are not interchangeable.
Why it is so popular
The .22 WMR is a middle ground. It is much more capable than the .22 LR, but it is still mild to shoot, and a rifle for it is light and inexpensive. For many ranchers, trappers and small-game hunters, it is the one rimfire that covers nearly everything on a property.
It also handles a wider range of animals. A 40 grain jacketed hollow point carries about 150 foot-pounds at 100 yards, roughly double a typical .22 LR load. That is enough for a fox, a raccoon or a jackrabbit, where a .22 LR might be marginal.
And it works in many types of guns. Bolt actions, lever actions, semi-automatics and revolvers are all made for it.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet diameter | .224 in (5.7 mm) |
| Case length | About 1.05 in (26.7 mm) |
| Overall length | About 1.35 in (34 mm) |
| Case type | Rimmed, straight-sided |
| Ignition | Rimfire |
| Maximum average pressure (SAAMI) | 24,000 psi |
| Typical bullet weights | 30 to 50 grains |
| Typical muzzle velocity | About 1,650 to 2,200 ft/s |
| Common barrel twist | 1 in 16 inches |
Values are rounded for reference. Exact dimensions and tolerances are in the SAAMI standards cited at the end of this page.
Strengths and limits
The .22 WMR is a capable, practical cartridge. It is not as flat as the .17 HMR, and it is not cheap.
| Advantage | Limitation |
|---|---|
| More energy than any .22 LR load | Drops more than the .17 HMR beyond 100 yards |
| Works in rifles, carbines and revolvers | Ammunition costs more than .22 LR |
| Heavier bullet resists wind better than the .17 HMR | Louder than the .22 LR |
| Good on small predators at moderate range | Not a deer cartridge, and illegal for it in most places |
Ballistics
The tables and charts below show the CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain jacketed hollow point, which leaves the muzzle at 1,875 ft/s. It is a very common .22 WMR load and a fair picture of what the cartridge does.
| Range (yd) | Velocity (ft/s) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) | Wind drift, 10 mph (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1716 | 261 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| 50 | 1568 | 218 | 1 | 1.3 |
| 75 | 1432 | 182 | 1 | 3.1 |
| 100 | 1310 | 152 | 0 | 5.7 |
| 125 | 1206 | 129 | -2.3 | 9.2 |
| 150 | 1121 | 112 | -6.1 | 13.5 |
Reading the numbers
From a 100 yard zero, the bullet is about one inch high at 50 and 75 yards, 2.3 inches low at 125 yards and 6 inches low at 150 yards. The drop gets large quickly after 100 yards, so most shooters treat 100 to 125 yards as the practical limit. Wind is more significant than with a centerfire. A 10 mph crosswind moves the bullet about 6 inches at 100 yards and 13 inches at 150 yards.
Energy is about 312 foot-pounds at the muzzle and 152 foot-pounds at 100 yards. That is good for small predators and varmints, and it falls off quickly beyond 125 yards.
How these figures were made: muzzle velocity (1,875 ft/s), weight (40 grains) and ballistic coefficient (G1 0.114) are the published figures for the CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain JHP. Drop, velocity, energy and wind drift are computed with a standard point-mass model, a 100 yard zero, a 1.5 inch sight height and standard atmosphere. At 100 yards the model is within about 10 ft/s of the maker's table. They are estimates. Your rifle and your lot of ammunition will differ.
Recoil and shooter comfort
Recoil is light. It is a little more than a .22 LR, but much less than a centerfire varmint rifle. Youth and new shooters can handle a .22 WMR rifle without trouble.
The report is sharp and noticeably louder than a .22 LR, especially from a short barrel. In a revolver or a short carbine the muzzle blast is considerable, so wear hearing protection.
How to choose ammunition
There are three main bullet weights, and the best choice depends on the animal and the distance.
| Load | Bullet weight | Typical velocity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polymer tip (V-MAX type) | 30 to 34 grains | About 2,100 to 2,200 ft/s | Varmints, flatter trajectory |
| Jacketed hollow point | 40 grains | About 1,875 to 1,910 ft/s | General small game and varmints |
| Jacketed soft point | 40 to 50 grains | About 1,650 to 1,875 ft/s | Small predators, deeper penetration |
| Full metal jacket | 40 grains | About 1,875 ft/s | Practice and less meat damage |
| Lead-free | 30 to 40 grains | About 1,900 to 2,000 ft/s | Areas where lead is restricted |
Lighter or heavier?
A 30 grain bullet is faster and flatter, which helps on prairie dogs and ground squirrels. A 40 grain bullet is the standard compromise. A 50 grain bullet penetrates more and suits bobcats and other tougher animals at short range.
Test different brands
Rimfire rifles are fussy about ammunition. Buy two or three kinds, shoot groups from a rest, and stay with the one your rifle likes. When you find it, buy several boxes from one lot.
How to choose a firearm
A .22 WMR firearm can be a rifle, a carbine or a revolver. Pick based on how you will use it.
- Action. Bolt-actions are accurate and affordable. Lever-actions are classic and handy for walking. Semi-automatics need a heavier bolt or a delayed-blowback design to handle the pressure, and some are less reliable than a bolt gun.
- Barrel. A longer barrel gives more velocity. Barrels of 18 to 22 inches are common for rifles. A short barrel loses speed and is louder.
- Twist rate. Most .22 WMR rifles use 1 in 16 inches, which stabilizes the common 30 to 50 grain bullets.
- Revolvers. Revolvers for this cartridge are mostly for hunting and trail use, but they are loud and lose a lot of velocity from a short barrel.
- Optics. A scope in the 3x to 9x range works well. Mount it solidly and check the zero after a few boxes.
- Magazine. Check that the magazine feeds the bullet shape you prefer. Some are picky with certain loads.
Zeroing and range practice
A 100 yard zero is common, and it keeps the bullet within about an inch of the line of sight out to 75 yards. If most of your shots are 50 to 75 yards, a zero at 75 yards puts the bullet closer to the line of sight over a shorter span.
Shoot from a rest, allow the barrel to cool between groups, and shoot at least five shots to confirm. Learn the drop at 50, 100 and 125 yards for the exact load you use, and write it on a card. Because the bullet drops fast beyond 100 yards, knowing the distance is more important than with a centerfire.
Practical uses
Varmints and pests
Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, jackrabbits and similar animals are standard targets. A polymer tip load gives a flatter path and quick expansion.
Small predators
Foxes, raccoons and bobcats at moderate range are within reach with a heavier 40 to 50 grain load and a good shot. Check local law, because rules on rimfire calibers for predators vary.
Small game
It works well on rabbits, hares and squirrels, although it can cause more meat damage than a .22 LR. A head shot or a full metal jacket load helps.
Ranch, farm and trapline work
For people who need one light rifle on the property, it is a practical choice. Many ranchers keep a .22 WMR for pests and a larger centerfire for coyotes.
.22 WMR vs similar cartridges
The table lists the rimfire cartridges most often compared with the .22 WMR. Figures are rounded and are typical factory values.
| Cartridge | Bullet diameter | Typical bullet | Typical velocity | Max pressure (SAAMI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .22 LR | .222 in | 40 grains | 1,000 to 1,750 ft/s | 24,000 psi |
| .22 WMR | .224 in | 30 to 50 grains | 1,650 to 2,200 ft/s | 24,000 psi |
| .17 HMR | .172 in | 17 to 20 grains | 2,375 to 2,650 ft/s | 26,000 psi |
| .17 WSM | .172 in | 20 to 25 grains | About 2,600 to 3,000 ft/s | 33,000 psi |
Against the .17 HMR, the .22 WMR has a heavier bullet, which carries more energy and fights the wind better, but it drops more at 125 to 150 yards. For small predators and tougher animals, the .22 WMR is the better choice. For ground squirrels and prairie dogs at long range, the .17 HMR is flatter. Against the .22 LR, the .22 WMR hits much harder and reaches farther, but it costs more and is louder.
Care and storage
Clean the bore regularly, because jacketed bullets can leave copper fouling. Use a bore guide and a rod, and clean from the breech where possible. In a semi-automatic, keep the action and feed ramp clean, because buildup causes jams. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place, and keep guns and ammunition locked away from children.
Safety and common mistakes
- Do not confuse .22 WMR with .22 LR or .22 WRF. The cases are different lengths and the cartridges are not interchangeable. Read the barrel marking and the headstamp.
- Do not fire .22 LR in a .22 WMR rifle. The shorter case can fit in the chamber, but it is not designed for it, accuracy is poor and the chamber fouls. Use only the cartridge marked on the barrel.
- Mind the backstop. A jacketed bullet can ricochet from rocks and hard ground, and can travel a long way. Know what is behind your target.
- Do not use it on game that needs more power. Check local law on legal calibers for deer and other large game.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Wear eye and ear protection every time. Rimfire cases cannot be reloaded, so do not try.
Frequently asked questions
What does .22 WMR stand for?
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. People also call it .22 Mag or .22 Magnum. Winchester introduced it in 1959.
What is the difference between .22 LR and .22 WMR?
The .22 WMR has a longer case and a heavier, faster jacketed bullet. It carries about twice the energy at 100 yards. It is not interchangeable with the .22 LR.
How far can a .22 WMR shoot accurately?
Most shooters use it out to about 125 yards. The bullet drops quickly beyond 100 yards, and wind moves it a lot, so distance judgment matters.
.22 WMR or .17 HMR for varmints?
The .17 HMR is flatter and has less recoil. The .22 WMR has a heavier bullet that hits harder and handles wind better. For small varmints at long range choose the .17 HMR. For predators and tougher animals choose the .22 WMR.
Can I hunt deer with a .22 WMR?
No. It does not have enough energy for deer, and in most places it is illegal for that purpose. Use a centerfire cartridge.
Can I fire .22 LR in a .22 WMR rifle?
No. The cartridges are different. Use only the cartridge marked on the barrel.
Can I reload .22 WMR brass?
No. It is a rimfire cartridge, and the priming compound is inside the rim of the case, so the case cannot be reloaded.
What barrel twist is best for .22 WMR?
Most .22 WMR rifles use 1 in 16 inches. It stabilizes the common 30 to 50 grain bullets.
Sources
Sources reviewed · 29 October 2026