22 mag question

[Dantrom]

I notice a lot of guys using 22lr for a substitute trainer obviously for the cost reduction and absolute thrill I'm sure. But I have a 22 mag sitting around here and was wondering if anyone on here uses a 22 mag for a sub and what type of results guys are having? Also, would love to see some pics of those precision 22mag!! I have a marlin model 25MNSS and have been thinking about making some tacticool mods. I want to push the limits of this caliber and was just looking for some advise and insite before I get started so I can avoid (if at all possible) buying and rebuying due to lack of knowledge of whats out there and available with this project in mind. wanting basically to shoot as far as possible accurately with this rifle. Target shooting, Varmint, and what ever else. Would people, with experience, consider sticking with the micro-grooved barrel or swapping the barrel for something else? any advise or input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Longguns]

Re: 22 mag question

Go With A .22LR. The Magnum is fine for the varmints but you can get alot more shooting in with a .22lr even if you are shooting the higher priced match ammo. I had a Marlin 25M and a Ruger 77 and the Ruger was most accurate hands down. .22lr is more cost effective but not as fun when shooting varmints. CCI with Speer TNT's blew the Hell out of varmints. If you want an accurate rifle buy one don't try to do add on's. It will cost more in the long run. Price your ammo and you'll get more shooting in with a .22lr Good Luck with Your Choice.

 

[_DE_]

Re: 22 mag question

Just shoot the Piss out of it. If you are not satisfied then go with the 22lr.

 

[308sako]

Re: 22 mag question

Deleted in protest

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: 22 mag question

.22Mag is a fine cartridge for application that require both more accurate reach then the .22LR, and superior terminal performance.

While I admire the chambering, I consider the introduction of jacketed bullet technology to rimfire cartridge construction to be a bit inappropriate. It increases ammunition cost while still delivering terminal performance which can be at best described as mediocre, if one but compares it to centerfire cartridges.

As for accuracy, if I'm not going out to well beyond 100yd, the .22LR is way adequate, and the price is righter. For LR/wind simulation, the .22LR's <span style="font-style: italic">lack</span> of blistering performance is a significant plus, allowing useful training to occur within smaller venues.

I like the .22MAG, but I wouldn't buy one deliberately for anything but small game/varmint hunting, where I think it's truly best attributes are best suited.

Greg

 

[Longguns]

Re: 22 mag question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.22Mag is a fine cartridge for application that require both more accurate reach then the .22LR, and superior terminal performance.

While I admire the chambering, I consider the introduction of jacketed bullet technology to rimfire cartridge construction to be a bit inappropriate. It increases ammunition cost while still delivering terminal performance which can be at best described as mediocre, if one but compares it to centerfire cartridges.

As for accuracy, if I'm not going out to well beyond 100yd, the .22LR is way adequate, and the price is righter. For LR/wind simulation, the .22LR's <span style="font-style: italic">lack</span> of blistering performance is a significant plus, allowing useful training to occur within smaller venues.

I like the .22MAG, but I wouldn't buy one deliberately for anything but small game/varmint hunting, where I think it's truly best attributes are best suited.

Greg</div></div>

 

[Longguns]

Re: 22 mag question

+ 1 on buying the mag for just varmints

 

[Dantrom]

Re: 22 mag question

I agree with the purpose of the mag. But, like I stated I just have it sitting around not being used and was just trying to find something to do with it. since I bought the 22 mag it has been replaced with a model 70 22-250 and a 223 AR. thank you for your responses I do agree with you guys I was just wondering if anyone was pushing the limits of their 22 mags in the precision world.
thanks again guys

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: 22 mag question

I really like my .22 mag, i take it for everything under deer sized game, and is quite effective.

try some 30 gr hornady vmax ammo, and get a rifle basix trigger.

for the cost of ammo or the time to reload, you'll be as satisfied with the .22 mag. out to about 225 yards. obviously the 22-250 or .223 blows the .22 mag out of the water in most categories, but the .22 mag is a bit more economical.

my marlin:

1.25" or under at 100, well under 4" at 200 (a few "flyers" opens it up), 25 round groups.

it's worth an investment and time do mess with it (especially since you already have it), and there is a wide range of ammos to choose from. i'd shoot mine more at paper, as i believe it is more accurate than the 22lr with more "umph" to boot, but i shoot too much and it would cost more than my ammo budget will allow to feed the .22 mag that much, so i'm going with the 22lr for range day.

but when it comes to going for a walk, some 200 yard and under varmint hunting, squirrels, crows, coyotes under 125 yards etc., i grab the .22 mag. 40 gr fmj for turkeys and coyotes (for penetration, 30gr hornady for everything else.

 

[Dantrom]

Re: 22 mag question

thats really cool TOP PREDATOR thanks for the response. thats exactly what I was looking for. Do you have rifle specs?

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: 22 mag question

marlin 882SS, rifle basix trigger set at 12 oz, oversized bolt knob, centerpoint 4-16x mildot scope, weaver polar scope caps, millet rings, cheekpiece, harris swivel bipod.

frankensteined the stock a bit, but other than that, the trigger, and knob, it's the factory unaltered action and barrel.

30gr hornady vmax, 2150 fps, 50 yard zero drops 1" at 100, 19.5" at 200, 39.5" at 250.

40 gr cci fmj, 1910 fps, 50 yard zero drops 2" at 100, 23.5" at 200, 45" at 250.

although it is noisier to use in semi populated areas than the .22lr, not close to being as noisey as the .223 and bigger, which is another plus. i like the fact also that while it's on the shoulder i have to do some stalking on critters to get into 100 to 150 yards and presents some challenge where the .223 and certainly the 22-250 would be a "chip shot" at that distance and even further out. so i do like that the .22 mag keeps me from being lazy and have to do some work to get into a more appropriate range, but the end result is more satisfying - if that makes sense.

 

[Dantrom]

Re: 22 mag question

Yeah thats cool man. I like what you got going there. I think I am going to give my 22Mag a little more attention this summer. thanks

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: 22 mag question

Top Predator, where are you finding the Hornady 30 grain Vmax at these days. I have a Savage model 93 22mag and since I have bought it have not been able to find this ammo. Everyone I have talked to has it on backorder. I emailed hornady a few weeks ago and got a prompt response back. Basically in a nutshell they told me that they can't keep up with production demands. If I was to guess the folks that are back ordering it are taking up the shipments and leaving none for the shelf. I will get on a list soon from cabelas they have a 250 round lot for 64.99. I noticed the remington 33 accutip is becoming harder to find also. I got some of the CCI 30 grain hollow points. I would just really love to try the hornady. Thanks for the help, and I agree, although more expensive than the LR its a lot of fun to play with!

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: 22 mag question

luckily, my local gun shop gets them in every now and then, i buy them all.

i took a quick look at my honey hole ammo websites, all on backorder. looks as though cabela's is the only source at the moment

 

[Blue Monster]

Re: 22 mag question

Greetings!

Updated 15 year old slayer.

Here is three of a four magazine re-zeroing process at 100 yards, clockwise from the bottom. I am taking it out this weekend to play at 200+.

V-Max ammo... they just fall over.

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

Re: 22 mag question

that's my kinda .22 mag right there.

pretty slick looking stock, looking blue monster.

 

[Blue Monster]

Re: 22 mag question

Thanks Top!
That stock started life as a Boyd's second. I do a little woodworking so I decided to set something the way I wanted it: light and have a three point style carry capacity.
Plus many other mods...

Regarding 22 mag: It is a hunting round and was never design for target shooting nor have they produced match target ammo in it. That is as far as I have seen in my 20 years of being a 22 mag freak.

That being said, they should! I use mine for hunting in season and target the rest of the time. I try to stick with V-Max ammo, for the cheap stuff I like Fiocchie ammo.

A 2200 fps rimfire 30 gr. V-Max round can pretty much do what ever you like inside the 250 yard envelope IMNHO.

Mine is absolutely sub-MOA and I will post some 200 yard targets if I make it out this weekend (went out last night but the black flies made quality target shooting impossible.)

I like this Forum!

 

[Dantrom]

Re: 22 mag question

I really like that rifle Blue Monster. can't wait to see the 200 yard results.

 

[ivanthesane]

Re: 22 mag question

Gee Blue Monster, you didn't use a FAL on the critter?

 

[Blue Monster]

Re: 22 mag question

I never made it back to the range, too hot and the flies are feasting on the dead tent worms and me! LOL
So I went fishing instead of shooting. Looks like great weather later in the week, I will post some 200 yards target once I hole 'em.


"Gee Blue Monster, you didn't use a FAL on the critter?"

Hmm, sounds like someone knows me... Look a little closer inside the stock cut out, the rear swivel ring is metric and a tiny bit of art work in homage to my beloved FAL. Look at the front swivel too

 

[ivanthesane]

Re: 22 mag question

Yup, recognised the name from the 'files, saw you mention "a little bit of wood working"... how many Blue Monsters that do wood working related to guns can there be?

 

[Blue Monster]

Re: 22 mag question

60 degrees, West wind @ 5-10 X range, light rain, heavy flies. Best 5 round string out of each at 200 Then the rain and the flies chased me away.
Proud of the 308... mag is capable of better, I'll blame it on the new scope and me not the old gal.

(forgive the STG's stock, I don't take the good stuff out in the rain.

.22 mag/STG 58 @ 200
(8.5x11" targets on white backers)

Yes, I do like Steyr hammered barrels and Hornady Match

(got to post the bad with the good lol)