.22 WMR (.22 Magnum) guide: ballistics, best uses and rifles
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We haven't tested this hands-on yet. Everything below comes from manufacturer specs, regulations and published sources, cited inline. Prices are maker MSRPs as listed in October 2026 unless noted.
The numbers
| Load | Muzzle velocity | Muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| CCI Maxi-Mag .22 WMR 40 gr | 1,875 fps | 312 ft-lb [1] |
| CCI Standard Velocity .22 LR 40 gr | 1,070 fps [2] | - |
For drop and energy comparisons with .17 HMR at distance, see .17 HMR vs .22 LR vs .22 WMR, which uses Hornady and Chuck Hawks data [3] [4].
Good uses
- Varmints and small predators where legal. Hunting regs vary; see rimfire hunting regulations.
- Farm and pest control at distances where .22 LR drops off fast.
- Not for deer in states that set centerfire minimums. Indiana, for example, requires centerfire rifle cartridges for deer [5], and West Virginia bars rimfire below .25 for deer [6].
Rifles chambered in .22 WMR
| Rifle | Barrel / twist | Capacity | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savage B Series FV-SR 70503 | 16.25 in threaded / 1:16 | 10 | $439 [7] |
| Ruger American Rimfire 8370 | 16.10 in | 15 | see Ruger [8] |
| Ruger American Rimfire Compact 8323 | 18 in | 9 | $469 [9] |
| Bergara B-14R B14R005 | 20 in / 1:16 | 10 | $1,229 [10] |
| Henry H001M lever | see Henry | tube | $609 (Jan 2025 list) [11] |
Suppressors
Many rimfire cans are rated for .22 WMR, but not all. Check the maker's caliber list before you fire magnum through it. See rimfire suppressor hosts. Bring hearing protection like Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs Check price on Amazon.
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
FAQ
How fast is .22 WMR?
CCI rates its 40 gr Maxi-Mag at 1,875 fps and 312 ft-lb at the muzzle.
Can a .22 WMR rifle shoot .22 LR?
No. The .22 WMR case is longer and wider. Never fire .22 LR in a .22 WMR chamber.
Is .22 WMR legal for deer?
Generally no where states set centerfire minimums, for example Indiana and West Virginia. Check your state's regulations.
Sources
- CCI Maxi-Mag .22 WMR 40 gr (1,875 fps)
- CCI (Standard Velocity 1,070 fps)
- Hornady Standard Ballistics Chart
- Chuck Hawks: .17 HMR vs .22 WMR
- Indiana DNR deer hunting equipment
- W. Va. Code R. 58-50-3 (deer hunting rules)
- Savage B Series FV-SR .22 WMR 70503 specs
- Ruger American Rimfire models and MSRPs
- Ruger American Rimfire Compact models
- Bergara B-14R Steel
- Henry Repeating Arms MSRP list (Jan 2025)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]