{"id":13409,"date":"2023-11-16T03:16:34","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T03:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=13409"},"modified":"2024-02-20T18:31:10","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T18:31:10","slug":"22lr-vs-22-mag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/22lr-vs-22-mag\/","title":{"rendered":"22LR VS 22 Mag"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the world of rimfire cartridges, the .22 caliber reigns supreme, offering shooters a diverse array of options for various purposes. Among these, the .22 LR (Long Rifle) and .22 Magnum (WMR) are popular choices. Despite their similar origins, 22LR VS 22 Mag have distinct characteristics that cater to different shooting needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On a side note, the .22 Magnum and .22 WMR are the same. WMR stands for Winchester Magnum Rimfire. Some other common names for the .22 Magnum cartridge are .22 MRF (magnum rimfire) and .22 Mag. These terms refer to the same cartridge; we will use some variations below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

22LR VS 22 Mag<\/h2>\n

Let’s say you can only choose one. The obvious answer is the .22LR cartridge. It’s cheaper, easier to find, and has more than 100 years of compatible gun models. It lags behind the .22 Magnum in size, velocity, and energy. However, with an effective range of 100-150 yards, it can still get the job done with efficiency.<\/p>\n

This blog article will delve into the history, practical uses, bullet types, and ballistics of 22LR VS 22 Mag ammo, helping you understand which suits your preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Brief History<\/b><\/h3>\n

We can trace the roots of the .22 LR back to the late 19th century. The .22 LR, developed by J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company in 1887, was designed to offer a more powerful alternative to the earlier .22 Long cartridge. This became one of the most widely used rimfire cartridges for various applications, including plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The .22 Magnum, on the other hand, emerged later in 1959, thanks to Winchester\u2019s efforts to create a higher-powered rimfire cartridge. The result is a longer and more powerful cartridge that found its place in both revolvers and rifles.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cartridge Specs<\/th>\n.22 Long Rifle<\/th>\n.22 Win Mag<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Parent Casing<\/td>\n.22 Long<\/td>\n.22 Win Rimfire<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Diameter<\/td>\n.223<\/span>“<\/td>\n.224<\/span>“<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Neck Diameter<\/td>\n.226″<\/td>\n.243″<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base\u00a0Diameter<\/td>\n.226″<\/td>\n.245″<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case Length<\/td>\n.613″<\/span><\/td>\n1.05″<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall Length<\/td>\n.888″<\/span><\/td>\n1.35″<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Grain Weight<\/td>\n29gr-60gr<\/td>\n30gr-50gr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max Pressure (SAMMI)<\/td>\n24,000 PSI<\/td>\n24,000 PSI<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

\u00a0Practical Uses: 22LR VS 22 Mag<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Not Compatible: Even though 22LR VS 22 Mag are both rimfire cartridges, you can’t safely fire them from the same gun.<\/p><\/div>\n

Both the .22 LR and .22 Magnum have earned their spots in the shooting community for different purposes<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The .22LR cartridge is often considered the go-to choice for beginners and recreational shooters due to its low recoil, affordability, and widespread availability. It\u2019s perfect for plinking, target practice, and introducing newcomers to shooting sports. Its lightweight nature also makes it suitable for varmint hunting and controlling pests around farms.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the biggest appeals of the .22LR cartridge is its cost. Even though ammo prices have soared recently, the .22LR has remained highly affordable. If you find yourself itching to get in some extra range time but don\u2019t want to fork over the cash for larger cartridges, get a rifle chambered in .22LR and shoot from sun up until sundown.<\/span><\/p>\n

The .22 Magnum, while slightly more expensive, offers increased power and range compared to the .22 LR. It\u2019s favored by those who require more stopping power for small-game hunting or varmint control at longer distances. Additionally, the .22 Magnum is an excellent option for self-defense due to its increased energy and penetration capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

On that note, dozens of rifles and handguns are chambered in both calibers, which means you won\u2019t be limited in your choice of weapons systems regardless of which cartridge you choose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bullet Types\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
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The copper-plated hollow point bullet is a popular choice for rimfire caliber hunters.<\/p><\/div>\n

Both cartridges offer a variety of bullet types tailored to different shooting scenarios:<\/span><\/p>\n