{"id":15485,"date":"2024-07-17T20:12:24","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T20:12:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=15485"},"modified":"2025-10-08T20:18:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T20:18:59","slug":"22-wmr-vs-22lr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/22-wmr-vs-22lr\/","title":{"rendered":"22 WMR VS 22LR"},"content":{"rendered":"

When choosing a rimfire cartridge, two popular options that often come up are the <\/span>22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)<\/span><\/a> and the<\/span> 22 Long Rifle (LR)<\/span>. Even though they are not interchangeable, they do have many similarities. Both have unique features and uses, making them suitable for different shooting needs. This blog will discuss the differences between 22 WMR vs 22LR, covering aspects like history, ballistics, usage, cost, and availability. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of which cartridge best fits your shooting needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

History & Background<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re an avid history buff like me, you like to know a cartridge’s origins, not just how it performs. The 22 LR and its bigger brother, the 22 WMR, both have rich histories.<\/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 WMR<\/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

\u00a022 Long Rifle (LR)<\/b><\/h3>\n

The 22 Long Rifle came on the scene in 1887 when <\/span>J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company<\/span><\/a> developed it. It evolved from the 22 Long cartridge and quickly became the most popular rimfire round due to its versatility and affordability. The 22LR is famous for its low recoil, making it an excellent choice for training, beginners, small game hunting, and recreational shooting.<\/span><\/p>\n

22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Winchester<\/span> introduced the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in 1959. Its also commonly known as .22 Mag or .22 Magnum ammunition. They designed it to offer a higher velocity and greater energy than the 22LR, making it more suitable for hunting larger small game and even some medium-sized ones. The 22 WMR gained popularity for its improved performance over longer distances than the 22LR.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ballistics & Performance: 22 WMR VS 22LR<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Despite being only slightly larger, the .22 WMR has more energy and velocity compared to the .22LR cartridge.<\/p><\/div>\n

One of the primary differences between the 22LR and 22 WMR is their ballistics.<\/span><\/p>\n

22LR<\/b>: The typical muzzle velocity of a standard 22LR round<\/a> is around 1,080 feet per second (fps) with a 40-grain bullet. It generates about 100-140 foot-pounds of energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

22 WMR<\/b>: In contrast, the 22 WMR has a significantly higher muzzle velocity, ranging from 1,870 to 2,200 fps with a 40-grain bullet. This results in much higher energy, typically between 300 and 350 foot-pounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\n\n\n\n\n
Caliber<\/th>\nBullet Type<\/th>\nBullet Weight<\/th>\nVelocity (Muzzle)<\/th>\nEnergy (Muzzle)<\/th>\n50 Yards (Velocity\/Energy)<\/th>\n100 Yards (Velocity\/Energy)<\/th>\n150 Yards (Velocity\/Energy)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
.22LR<\/td>\nLRN<\/td>\n\u00a040gr<\/td>\n1,200 FPS<\/td>\n128 FT LBS<\/td>\n1,075 FPS\/103 FT LBS<\/td>\n991 FPS\/87 FT LBS<\/td>\n928 FPS\/76 FT LBS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
.22 WMR<\/td>\nFMJ<\/td>\n40gr<\/td>\n1,880 FPS<\/td>\n314 FT LBS<\/td>\n1,570 FPS\/219 FT LBS<\/td>\n1,311 FPS\/153 FT LBS<\/td>\n1,121 FPS\/150 FT LBS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

\u00a0Trajectory<\/b><\/h3>\n

A higher velocity for the 22 WMR also translates to a flatter trajectory, making it more effective for shooting at longer ranges. For instance:<\/span><\/p>\n

The effective range of a 22LR is generally around 100 yards, beyond which bullet drop becomes more pronounced, making accurate shooting challenging without compensation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 22 WMR can maintain accuracy and a flatter trajectory up to 150 yards or more, making it a better choice for longer-range shooting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accuracy<\/b><\/h3>\n

Both cartridges are capable of impressive accuracy, but the 22 WMR’s higher velocity and energy make it more stable in flight, particularly at longer distances. The 22LR, while accurate, is more susceptible to wind drift and other environmental factors due to its lower velocity.<\/span><\/p>\n

22 WMR VS 22LR: Ammo Types<\/b><\/h2>\n

Both cartridges are available in various bullet types, each excelling in different shooting scenarios. Some of the most common 22LR bullet designs include:<\/span><\/p>\n