Understanding the 22 WMR Cartridge
History and Development
The crack of the rimfire, a familiar sound that often brings to mind the humble .22 Long Rifle. But there’s another player in the rimfire game, a slightly more potent cartridge that has carved its own niche: the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, often shortened to .22 WMR. This guide explores the capabilities of this round, and answers the question: what is 22 WMR good for?
For those who might be unfamiliar, .22 WMR stands for Winchester Magnum Rimfire. It’s a round with a legacy rooted in innovation, designed to offer more power and range compared to its .22 LR counterpart. This article will dissect the capabilities, advantages, and considerations of the .22 WMR, providing a comprehensive understanding of its applications.
The story of the .22 WMR begins in the late fifties. While the .22 Long Rifle reigned supreme in the world of rimfire ammunition, there was a desire for something more powerful. The goal was to create a cartridge that would offer significant improvements in both velocity and energy, expanding the applications of the .22 platform. Winchester, recognizing this opportunity, developed the .22 WMR, launching it in nineteen fifty-nine. The cartridge was designed with a longer case and a significantly more powerful propellant than the .22 LR. This design change made way for much higher muzzle velocities and, as a result, a flatter trajectory and more energy at longer distances.
Comparison to the .22 Long Rifle
How does it compare? The .22 LR, or .22 Long Rifle, is the ubiquitous cartridge, known for its affordability and ease of use. However, the .22 WMR offers a marked step up in performance. The .22 WMR typically fires a heavier bullet, at considerably higher velocities. The performance difference can be readily observed by reviewing the .22 WMR bullet’s ballistics, like speed and energy, which shows the distinct advantage.
Specifications and Ballistics
To understand the effectiveness of the .22 WMR, you need to grasp its ballistics. The .22 WMR typically utilizes bullets between thirty and fifty grains in weight. Velocity varies significantly, but expect muzzle velocities to generally fall between one thousand five hundred and two thousand two hundred feet per second, depending on the bullet weight and the firearm used. This translates into more power. The higher muzzle velocity means more energy on impact.
Trajectory is another key factor. Because of the increased speed, the .22 WMR’s bullets experience less drop over distance when compared to a .22 LR bullet. This results in the ability to hit targets further out with greater accuracy, which is a significant advantage for hunting or target shooting at extended ranges.
The ammunition itself is also key to maximizing the .22 WMR’s potential. There are many options, with a few bullet types being common, and the characteristics of each impacting the cartridge’s overall performance. Hollow point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, transferring energy to the target and creating a larger wound channel. Full metal jacket bullets offer greater penetration. Understanding these different bullet designs and the ballistic characteristics of your ammunition choices will greatly impact the .22 WMR’s effectiveness.
Common Applications of 22 WMR
The .22 WMR, is a versatile cartridge that finds applications across various fields, showing that the answer to “what is 22 WMR good for” is not just one thing.
Hunting
One of the most popular roles for the .22 WMR is hunting. It’s a viable round for harvesting a variety of small game species. For rabbits and hares, the .22 WMR is an excellent choice, offering enough power to dispatch them cleanly at reasonable distances. Prairie dogs, often found in open grasslands, are also vulnerable to the .22 WMR, which provides a flat trajectory that is important in the open spaces that prairie dogs occupy.
While the .22 WMR is sometimes used for coyotes, this is a more nuanced situation. While the cartridge can be effective at closer ranges and with careful shot placement, it may be underpowered for larger coyotes or at longer distances. The .22 WMR does not meet the standards of many hunters, depending on where they live. Hunters who choose to hunt coyotes with the .22 WMR must understand the limitations. Ethical hunting dictates that a hunter is capable of bringing the animal down quickly and cleanly. When hunting coyotes with .22 WMR, it is important to take the animal’s size into account, and use appropriate ammunition.
Pest Control
Another key application for .22 WMR is pest control. When dealing with unwanted critters on a property, the .22 WMR offers an advantage over .22 LR. For groundhogs, which can damage gardens and structures, the .22 WMR provides the power needed for a quick and decisive takedown. Rodents such as rats and mice can be controlled effectively using a .22 WMR, particularly in situations where precision is needed.
Target Shooting and Plinking
When target shooting and plinking, the .22 WMR provides an enjoyable and challenging experience. Its increased range and flatter trajectory make it a good choice for a more engaging shooting experience than a .22 LR. Targets can be engaged at ranges that are not practical with a .22 LR, and the added energy of the .22 WMR’s bullet ensures that the targets will reliably register your hits. Both paper targets and steel targets are easily used with a .22 WMR, making for a versatile choice for recreational shooters.
Self-Defense (with warnings and caveats)
Self-defense is often a controversial topic. It is crucial to approach this subject with a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the cartridge. While the .22 WMR has the potential to be used in self-defense, it isn’t a first choice for most. The .22 WMR offers the advantage of a relatively small and easy-to-handle platform. However, it has limitations. The .22 WMR is smaller than many defensive calibers, which means it’s likely to have less stopping power than a centerfire pistol round. Also, even though .22 WMR rounds often penetrate the body, they may not expand or offer the same level of tissue disruption as larger-caliber cartridges. The potential for over-penetration is a significant concern. It is essential for a user to be aware of their surroundings and the possibility of rounds traveling through a target and potentially causing harm to bystanders. For these reasons, a .22 WMR should only be used for self-defense after very careful consideration.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 22 WMR
The .22 WMR provides certain benefits for its users, but it also has disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons is crucial for making informed decisions about whether the .22 WMR is the right choice for a particular application.
Advantages
One major advantage of the .22 WMR is its increased power over a .22 LR. This higher velocity and energy translates into a flatter trajectory and a longer effective range. This means the user can hit targets at further distances with greater accuracy. The availability of different bullet types is another benefit. Users can tailor their ammunition to the specific task, whether it be hunting, pest control, or target shooting.
Disadvantages
One of the major disadvantages of .22 WMR is its higher cost per round compared to a .22 LR. This cost difference can add up, particularly for frequent shooters. While some users find the louder report of the .22 WMR to be problematic. The potential for over-penetration with some bullet types is also something to consider.
Firearms Chambered in 22 WMR
Types of Firearms
Firearms chambered in .22 WMR come in a variety of types. Rifles are a very common choice, and they are very useful for the cartridge’s greater effective range and improved accuracy. Bolt-action rifles offer excellent accuracy, while semi-automatic rifles provide rapid follow-up shots. Lever-action rifles give a classic feel.
Handguns are also available chambered in .22 WMR. Revolvers provide reliable operation and are capable of using a variety of ammunition types, while semi-automatic pistols offer higher capacity magazines.
When selecting a firearm chambered in .22 WMR, consider your intended use. If you’re primarily hunting, a bolt-action rifle may be ideal for its accuracy. If you’re interested in recreational shooting, a semi-automatic rifle or revolver can be a fun option.
Safety Precautions and Best Practices
Safety is paramount when handling any firearm, and the .22 WMR is no exception. The first rule of gun safety is to always handle every firearm as if it were loaded. Practice safe firearm handling. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
Storage is also crucial. Ammunition and firearms should be stored separately, in a locked container away from children and unauthorized individuals.
It’s always important to understand and obey local laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership and use. Become familiar with the laws in your area.
Eye and ear protection should be worn at all times when shooting. Ear protection will protect your hearing from damage, while eye protection will shield your eyes from debris.
Always be aware of your backstop. Your backstop must be of adequate material and size, to safely contain your shots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the .22 WMR is a versatile rimfire cartridge with a wide range of applications. Its high velocity, and flatter trajectory make it ideal for hunting small game and controlling pests. Its affordability and ease of use contribute to its popularity in target shooting and plinking. The .22 WMR cartridge is also an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-handle firearm for the outdoors.
Ultimately, the .22 WMR strikes a balance. It offers significantly more power than the .22 LR, but still maintains the advantages of a rimfire cartridge. The .22 WMR is an excellent choice. However, potential users should consider the cartridge’s limitations, such as its potential for over-penetration, and its higher cost.
Ultimately, the .22 WMR offers a valuable option for those seeking a rimfire cartridge with enhanced performance. Responsible gun ownership and adherence to safe practices are essential. Consider your needs and carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine if the .22 WMR is the right choice for you.
