.22 Magnum Prices
| PRODUCT | DEALER | QUANTITY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL PRICE | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $236.00 | $12.99 | $248.99 |
$0.25
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $236.13 | $22.99 | $259.12 |
$0.26
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $238.25 | $22.99 | $261.24 |
$0.26
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $240.00 | $22.99 | $262.99 |
$0.26
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $245.34 | $22.99 | $268.33 |
$0.27
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $232.09 | $37.99 | $270.08 |
$0.27
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $234.82 | $36.99 | $271.81 |
$0.27
1000 Rounds
|
|
| SG Ammo | 2000 | $558.00 | $0.00 | $558.00 |
$0.28
2000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $242.00 | $37.99 | $279.99 |
$0.28
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $249.53 | $37.99 | $287.52 |
$0.29
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $279.00 | $11.99 | $290.99 |
$0.29
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 500 | $129.09 | $17.99 | $147.08 |
$0.29
500 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $255.87 | $40.99 | $296.86 |
$0.30
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $260.21 | $37.99 | $298.20 |
$0.30
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $276.02 | $22.99 | $299.01 |
$0.30
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $277.86 | $22.99 | $300.85 |
$0.30
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $278.00 | $22.99 | $300.99 |
$0.30
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $268.69 | $37.99 | $306.68 |
$0.31
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 500 | $135.36 | $17.99 | $153.35 |
$0.31
500 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $270.82 | $37.99 | $308.81 |
$0.31
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $285.00 | $33.99 | $318.99 |
$0.32
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $299.71 | $40.99 | $340.70 |
$0.34
1000 Rounds
|
.22 Magnum Overview
The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR), commonly known as the .22 Magnum, delivers rimfire performance well beyond the standard .22 LR. Introduced by Winchester in 1959, this cartridge has carved out a unique niche by offering significant velocity gains and improved terminal performance while maintaining modest recoil and reasonable ammunition costs.
Shooters often select the .22 Magnum when they need more power than a .22 LR but less recoil than centerfire options. Its higher velocity and improved penetration make it particularly effective for varmint hunting and pest control out to 100 yards. While primarily known as a rifle cartridge, the .22 Magnum has gained popularity in defensive handguns due to its minimal recoil, enhanced penetration, and reduced muzzle flash compared to centerfire options. The cartridge offers 40-50% more velocity than .22 LR, resulting in flatter trajectories and improved terminal performance.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Significantly more powerful than .22 LR
- Minimal recoil for easy follow-up shots
- Excellent accuracy potential
- Less expensive than centerfire ammunition
- Reduced noise compared to centerfire rounds
Cons
- More expensive than .22 LR ammunition
- Limited selection of defensive ammunition
- Rimfire ignition system less reliable than centerfire
- Not recommended as a primary self-defense round
- Limited penetration compared to centerfire rounds
.22 Magnum Ballistics
The .22 Magnum achieves velocities between 1,500-1,875 fps from handgun barrels, with rifle-length barrels pushing velocities 20-25% higher. This translates to muzzle energy between 300-375 ft-lbs from rifles, with handgun energy values proportionally lower due to the shorter barrels. Actual performance varies based on barrel length and specific loading. Use our trajectory calculator to customize ballistic data for whatever load you are using.
Similar Calibers Compared
| Caliber | Typical Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Energy at 50 yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .22 Magnum | 40gr | 1875 fps | 312 ft-lbs | 245 ft-lbs |
| .22 LR | 40gr | 1200 fps | 128 ft-lbs | 98 ft-lbs |
| .32 ACP | 71gr | 905 fps | 129 ft-lbs | 110 ft-lbs |
| .380 ACP | 95gr | 1000 fps | 211 ft-lbs | 180 ft-lbs |
What .22 Magnum Does Best
The .22 Magnum excels in specific applications where its combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and moderate power are particularly advantageous. While it can serve multiple roles, its primary strengths lie in varmint hunting, pest control, and recreational shooting, with defensive use being a secondary consideration for those with specific needs.
Varmint Hunting and Pest Control
The .22 Magnum is exceptionally effective for varmint hunting and pest control. Its high velocity and excellent accuracy make it lethal on small game out to 100 yards. The cartridge offers enough power for clean harvests on coyotes, foxes, and similar-sized predators while minimizing pelt damage compared to centerfire options.
Recreational Shooting
For target shooting and plinking, the .22 Magnum offers an excellent balance of power and precision. While more expensive than .22 LR, it remains more economical than centerfire ammunition. The minimal recoil and moderate report make it enjoyable to shoot for extended sessions.
Defensive Use
While not ideal as a primary self-defense round, the .22 Magnum can serve as a specialized option for those who cannot handle larger calibers due to physical limitations or sensitivity to recoil. Modern defensive ammunition has improved its terminal performance, though it should still be considered a compromise option.
Types of Projectiles
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Target practice, plinking, and small game hunting where pelt preservation isn't critical
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
- Hunting and defensive use, offering controlled expansion and improved terminal performance
V-Max/Ballistic Tip
- Varmint hunting, offering rapid expansion and minimal exit wounds
Total Metal Jacket (TMJ)
- Indoor range use and practice, with reduced lead exposure
Common .22 Magnum Bullet Weights
30 grain
- Maximum velocity and flattest trajectory, good for longer range varmint hunting
40 grain
- Best balance of velocity and energy, most common loading for general use
45-50 grain
- Maximum penetration and energy transfer, often used in defensive loads