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Field Guide / Ammo & Calibers

.22 WMR

Also called: .22 Magnum, 22 Mag, .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire

A longer, faster .22 rimfire with enough reach for jackrabbits, foxes, and other small varmints out to about 100 yards.

Diagram of a .22 WMR cartridge drawn to scale: a brass case with a copper-colored bullet, 1.35 inches overall
Simplified outline drawn to scale from nominal dimensions. Every entry uses the same scale, so you can compare sizes. Real cartridges vary slightly by maker, and bullet shapes differ.
Type
Rimfire
Bullet diameter
.224 in
Case length
1.052 in
Overall length
1.35 in
Typical bullet weights
30 to 50 grains (most are 30 to 40)
Typical muzzle velocity
About 1,500 to 2,200 fps
Recoil
Light recoil
Quarry
Small game, Varmints & predators
Typical range
Small game and varmints out to about 100 yards
Availability
Common, but costs more than .22 LR

Safety: A .22 WMR round is longer than a .22 LR and will not fit properly in a rifle made only for .22 LR. Never force a round that does not chamber easily.

What it is good for

  • Jackrabbits, foxes, and similar varmints that are a bit too much for a .22 LR.
  • Hunting small game where you may get longer shots.
  • Hunters who want a light-recoil rifle with a flatter path than a .22 LR.

Where it falls short

  • It is still a small bullet, so it is not an ethical choice for deer.
  • Ammunition costs more per round than .22 LR.
  • Many rifles are picky about which brand and bullet shape they feed reliably.

Easily confused with

  • .22 LR: shorter, slower, and cheaper; it will fit in some .22 WMR chambers but is not meant to be fired there unless the firearm is marked for it.
  • .17 HMR: a smaller, faster bullet in a case that is essentially a necked-down .22 WMR.

Field notes

The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire is a step up from the .22 LR in both length and speed. It is a popular choice for jackrabbits, foxes, and similar animals where a .22 LR is a bit light.

Related guides

Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.

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