.22lr vs .22 mag

[akmike47]

so many guys shoot .22lr including myself, but what about .22 mag is it anymore or less accurate? Ive shot them but not near as much as my .22LR

 

[TOP PREDATOR]

check out the search for .22lr vs. .22mag, .22mag accuracy, and so forth. tons of like posts there on the topic.

have to remember though, they are 2 different chamberings and 2 different animals, it's an apple to oranges thing, just like the .17hmr vs .22mag threads. even the bullet design of .22lr and .22mag are totally different, like comparing a muzzle loading conical to saboted jacketed spire point.

each are great in there own respect, but it's like comparing cars - a fiat 500 is a car and so is a ferrari, and that's where the similarities split.

 

[boingk]

.22WMR, or .22 magnum, is a good intermediate calibre.

It is efficient, relatively powerful and fairly accurate. Not inherently accurate but tends to be more usefully so then a .22LR.

I say 'more usefully so' because its range is also increased, as is the stopping power. I would not shoot a feral goat with a .22LR, but I may with a .22WMR if under 100yd, for example.

They are a good cartridge. Try some more rifle chambered in it if you are interested.

Cheers - boingk

 

[bobtodrick]

If you punch paper and plink, go with the .22LR...much less expensive to shoot and a really good gun will give consistent sub MOA accuracy.
If you're trying to eliminate pests or put food on the table at ranges longer than 50m, go with the WMR...way more knock down power.
My Savage 93FVSS which has a good stock and scope shoots groups in the 1-1.25 MOA on a good day.

 

[ivanthesane]

My Savage would also hover just above MOA at 100 yards with CCI MaxiMags (FMJ or JHP)

The bullets for 22wmr are more like centerfire bullets, with "real" jacketing, etc. In a small self defense handgun, this gives better penetration, Additionally, the 22wmr will be moving a few hundred feet per second faster than 22lr out of a pistol.

In a rifle, 22wmr has the same velocity at 100 yards as a standard 22lr does at the muzzle. Really increases the range for a rimfire.

 

[steve123]

I've always had a soft spot for 22Mag since it was the first firearm I got when I was kid. With HP's or Vmax it has a lot of thwack compared to a 22lr, also great explosive action on small varmints. My HK300 semi auto is almost as accurate as my 22lr target rifle, showing 1/2" or so at 50Y and a little over a inch at 100Y with 30gr vmax. However 22lr 40gr match ammo is far superior past 200Y, probably because of the small BC of the 30's and having to transition through subsonic.

17WSM looks like it would be a fun cartridge to try out if you are looking for rimfire + power.

 

[ivanthesane]

HK300 ?!? *drool*

 

[steve123]

HK300 ?!? *drool*

Yeah, I had been drooling myself ever since they came out in the 70's and read about them in the gun magazines. Last winter I found one in perfect condition with the QD HK scope mount and jumped on it. It has functioned flawlessly, handles well and combined with the stellar accuracy has been 22 mag awesomeness. One of those rare occurrences with buying stuff where I'm more happy with it than I was expecting.

 

[ivanthesane]

Yeah, I had been drooling myself ever since they came out in the 70's and read about them in the gun magazines. Last winter I found one in perfect condition with the QD HK scope mount and jumped on it. It has functioned flawlessly, handles well and combined with the stellar accuracy has been 22 mag awesomeness. One of those rare occurrences with buying stuff where I'm more happy with it than I was expecting.

I've helped a LGS out in the past with computer issues, listing stuff on GB, and working tables at gunshows. I've gotten to fondle a few of them (and a few 770s as well) as well as the Brno 22wmr semi. Guy actually had a Kodiak in stock a few weeks ago, first semi 22wmr, tube fed, looks like a Rem 552 almost.

 

[seg_steve]

I had a Savage 22 Mag. It was pretty accurate but I only had access to a 15yd indoor range. Ended up selling it because I couldn't find ammo. Plus, the cost of the ammo was pretty high.

 

[ejk]

The 22 mag is a great caliber for hunting small game very effectively out to 100 yrds . Shot placement is key on anything that I plan on eating as its much more destructive than 22lr . Mine average about 1 1/2 in at 100yrds with Maxi Mags or Winchester 40 grn hollow points . They are not really a paper puncher but a good hunting caliber . The 22lr offers much more in ammo choices from hunting , plinking , or serious target work and much cheaper to shoot unless you are buying good target ammo . I won't be without a 22mag in my rimfire collection .

 

[Chard]

Since the new premium ammo has hit the market in the last few years, accuracy and greatly improved Its about as hard to find as 22LR tho.

 

[flylo]

Russian IZ-144

Have you seen or tried the Russion IZ-144 22 mags with the toggle actions that CenterfiteSystems have on sale for $299. These things are awesome! I've seen used ones go for $500 & new for $995.