What Is .22 Mag

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Last updated: April 10, 2026

Quick Answer: .22 Magnum (.22 WMR) is a rimfire cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1959, delivering approximately 1,300–2,000 feet per second depending on ammunition type. It provides significantly more power than the .22 Long Rifle while maintaining its rimfire design, making it popular for small game hunting, varmint control, and target shooting.

Key Facts

Introduced in 1959 by Winchester; designated as .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR)
Muzzle velocity ranges from 1,300–2,000 fps with typical energy output of 400–375 foot-pounds
More powerful than .22 Long Rifle but less expensive than centerfire alternatives like .17 HMR
Commonly used for hunting prairie dogs, rabbits, squirrels, and other small game up to 100+ yards
Rifles and handguns chambered in .22 Magnum remain widely available from manufacturers like Ruger, Savage, and Marlin

Overview

The .22 Magnum, officially known as the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), is a rimfire cartridge that has been the standard for small game hunting and varmint control since its introduction by Winchester in 1959. It represents a significant step up in power compared to the .22 Long Rifle, while maintaining the affordability and low recoil characteristics of rimfire ammunition.

The cartridge uses a rimfire firing mechanism, meaning the firing pin strikes the outer rim of the cartridge case rather than a primer in the center. This design has made the .22 Magnum accessible to shooters of all experience levels, as rifles and handguns are widely available and ammunition remains relatively inexpensive compared to centerfire alternatives.

How It Works

The .22 Magnum operates through the following key mechanisms:

Rimfire Ignition: The firing pin strikes the hollow rim of the cartridge case, igniting the priming compound and initiating the powder charge. This design is simpler and less expensive to manufacture than centerfire systems, which use a separate primer.
Powder Charge: Typical loads contain 7.5–8.0 grains of powder, producing muzzle velocities between 1,300–2,000 feet per second depending on bullet weight and powder type. Standard ammunition weighs between 30–50 grains.
Trajectory Performance: The .22 Magnum maintains flatter trajectory than the .22 Long Rifle out to approximately 100 yards, with less wind drift and drop. This makes it more effective at moderate distances while remaining manageable for precision shooting.
Noise and Recoil: Despite being more powerful than its predecessor, the .22 Magnum produces relatively mild noise levels and virtually no recoil, making it suitable for shooters sensitive to these factors or hunting in areas with noise restrictions.
Chamber Specifications: The cartridge measures approximately 0.724 inches in length with a bullet diameter of 0.224 inches. Most rifles and handguns designed for .22 Long Rifle cannot safely chamber .22 Magnum ammunition, so proper firearm selection is essential.

Key Comparisons

Feature	.22 Magnum (.22 WMR)	.22 Long Rifle	.17 HMR
Muzzle Velocity (fps)	1,300–2,000	1,000–1,200	2,500–2,700
Typical Energy (ft-lbs)	400–375	140–100	250–200
Effective Range	100+ yards	50–75 yards	150+ yards
Ammunition Cost (per round)	$0.20–$0.35	$0.08–$0.15	$0.35–$0.50
Recoil Level	Minimal	Minimal	Very minimal
Noise Level	~145 dB	~140 dB	~140 dB

Why It Matters

The .22 Magnum has maintained relevance in the hunting and shooting community for over 60 years due to its balanced performance characteristics. It fills a critical niche between the .22 Long Rifle and more expensive centerfire cartridges, offering hunters a cost-effective option for medium-range varmint control and small game hunting.

Hunting Effectiveness: The .22 Magnum is capable of humanely harvesting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, rabbits, and coyotes up to approximately 100–150 yards with proper shot placement. Its flat trajectory and adequate energy make it more reliable than the .22 Long Rifle in these applications.
Accessibility: Rifles and handguns chambered in .22 Magnum are widely available from manufacturers including Ruger, Savage, Marlin, and CZ, with models ranging from budget-friendly to premium options. This availability ensures shooters can find firearms suitable for their needs and budgets.
Training and Sport: The low recoil and noise make the .22 Magnum ideal for introducing new shooters to firearms, target practice competitions, and small game hunting. Many shooting organizations recognize .22 Magnum competitions, and it remains popular in silhouette shooting sports.
Regulatory Compliance: In many jurisdictions, the .22 Magnum is legal for hunting where larger centerfire cartridges are prohibited or unnecessary. This makes it valuable for hunters operating under specific game regulations or in areas requiring low-powered ammunition.

The .22 Magnum's continued popularity reflects its practical design and proven performance. Whether used for varmint control, small game hunting, or recreational shooting, the cartridge remains a reliable and economical choice for shooters seeking performance between the .22 Long Rifle and centerfire options.