.22 WMR Ballistic Data Guide: Gel Test Results, Velocity Charts & Best Loads Compared

The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire has been putting food on tables and clearing barns of pests since 1959. It’s the oldest magnum rimfire cartridge and still the most versatile — offering more energy and range than the .22 LR, more penetration than the .17 HMR, and enough terminal performance to handle everything from squirrels to coyotes at moderate range.

This guide covers the real-world ballistic data for the most popular .22 WMR loads, including gel test results from both rifles and handguns, barrel-length velocity tables, and head-to-head comparisons with the .22 LR and .17 HMR. Whether you carry a .22 Mag revolver or hunt with a bolt-action rifle, the data you need is here. Browse our .22 WMR ammo selection at Tatted Tacticals.

1. What Is the .22 WMR? The Magnum Rimfire Standard

Winchester introduced the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in 1959 as a step up from the .22 LR for varmint hunters who wanted more range and energy without moving to a centerfire cartridge. The .22 WMR uses a longer, more powerful case than the .22 LR and fires a .224-caliber bullet (slightly larger than the .22 LR’s .223 diameter) at velocities of 1,900 to 2,200 fps from a rifle barrel.

The result is a rimfire cartridge that roughly doubles the .22 LR’s effective range and delivers three times its muzzle energy. The .22 WMR also serves duty in compact revolvers and semi-automatic pistols for personal defense — a role that’s become increasingly popular with the introduction of purpose-built defensive loads.

Key Specifications

Takeaway: The .22 WMR occupies the middle ground between rimfire plinking and centerfire hunting. It’s powerful enough for small game and varmints to 150 yards, compact enough for carry revolvers, and affordable enough for regular practice.

2. Complete .22 WMR Ballistic Data — 6 Loads Compared

The following table covers the six most popular .22 WMR loads, tested from a 22-inch rifle barrel. These numbers reflect real-world chronograph data.

The 30-grain V-Max is the velocity champion at 2,200 fps, designed for explosive fragmentation on varmints. The 40-grain loads occupy the versatile middle ground. The 45-grain Hornady Critical Defense is purpose-built for personal defense, with the FTX bullet designed to expand reliably at .22 WMR velocities. The 50-grain load is the heaviest, trading speed for momentum and deeper penetration.

Takeaway: The 40-grain JHP is the all-purpose standard. Choose the 30-grain V-Max for varmint fragmentation, the 45-grain FTX for defensive use, or the 50-grain JHP when penetration matters most.

3. Ballistic Gel Test Results: Rifle vs. Handgun Performance

The .22 WMR’s terminal performance changes dramatically based on barrel length. A load that fragments violently from a 22-inch rifle barrel may barely expand from a 2-inch revolver. Understanding this distinction is critical for choosing the right load for your platform.

Rifle Barrel Gel Tests (18–22″ barrels)

Handgun Barrel Gel Tests (2″–4.3″ barrels)

The Expansion Threshold Problem

Most conventional .22 WMR hollow point bullets require impact velocities of 1,400+ fps to expand reliably. From a rifle barrel, that’s no problem — you get full velocity at the muzzle and reliable expansion to 100+ yards. From a short-barreled handgun, velocities often drop to 1,000 to 1,300 fps, and conventional JHP bullets may not expand at all. They simply punch through like a FMJ.

The Hornady Critical Defense FTX is the exception. Its polymer tip initiates expansion at lower velocities than traditional hollow points. Even from a 1.9-inch barrel at roughly 1,050 fps, it achieves partial expansion. From a 4-inch or longer barrel, expansion is reliable. If you carry a .22 WMR handgun for defense, the FTX is the load to choose — it’s specifically engineered for the velocity window that short-barreled .22 Mag handguns produce.

Takeaway: From a rifle, most .22 WMR hollow points expand well. From a handgun, only the Hornady FTX provides reliable expansion. Conventional JHP loads from short barrels often fail to expand and rely on penetration alone.

4. Barrel Length vs. Velocity — 2″ to 22″ Tested

Barrel length affects the .22 WMR more than the .22 LR because its larger powder charge needs more barrel to burn completely. Here’s the velocity data across common platforms.

The velocity gap between a 1.9-inch revolver and a 22-inch rifle is staggering — you lose nearly 50% of the cartridge’s velocity potential in a pocket revolver. A KelTec PMR30 with its 4.3-inch barrel recovers roughly 70% of rifle velocity, making it a much more capable platform for the .22 WMR. The jump from 4.3 inches to 18 inches adds another 500 fps, unlocking full terminal performance.

Takeaway: If you want full .22 WMR performance, use a rifle. If you need a handgun, the longer the barrel the better. The PMR30’s 4.3-inch barrel is the minimum for reliable hollow point expansion with the right ammo.

5. Trajectory & Bullet Drop Charts to 200 Yards

The .22 WMR shoots noticeably flatter than the .22 LR but can’t match the .17 HMR’s trajectory. With a 100-yard zero, you stay within 1 inch of point of aim out to 75 yards. At 150 yards, the 40-grain loads drop about 6 inches — manageable for varmint-sized targets with a known holdover. Beyond 175 yards, the trajectory curve steepens and precision shooting becomes challenging.

Takeaway: The .22 WMR is a reliable 150-yard cartridge from a rifle. The 30-grain V-Max stretches that to 175 yards in calm conditions. Beyond that range, you’re fighting both drop and wind drift.

6. .22 WMR vs .22 LR — The Data-Based Comparison

The .22 WMR delivers 2.2 times the muzzle energy, 50% more velocity, and nearly twice the penetration of the .22 LR. At 100 yards, the energy advantage is still over 100%. The .22 WMR also penetrates roughly three times deeper than the .22 LR in bare gel, according to testing data.

The .22 LR’s advantages are cost and the ability to run subsonic loads effectively through suppressors. If volume shooting and suppressed use are priorities, the .22 LR wins. For hunting and field use where energy and range matter, the .22 WMR is the clear upgrade.

Takeaway: The .22 WMR is worth the cost premium when you need to reach beyond 75 yards or when you need enough energy for clean kills on fox-sized animals. For plinking and suppressed shooting, stick with the .22 LR.

7. .22 WMR vs .17 HMR — Which Magnum Rimfire Wins?

This comparison comes down to what you prioritize. The .17 HMR shoots flatter and is more accurate at distance — it wins on precision. The .22 WMR hits harder, penetrates deeper, handles wind better, and works in handguns — it wins on versatility. The .17 HMR fragments on everything it hits. The .22 WMR can expand or penetrate depending on bullet selection, giving you more flexibility in load choice.

Takeaway: Choose the .17 HMR for precision varmint shooting in calm conditions. Choose the .22 WMR for versatility — it handles wind better, penetrates deeper, works in handguns, and gives you more flexibility in load selection.

8. .22 WMR for Self-Defense: What the Gel Data Shows

The .22 WMR in a handgun is a controversial defensive choice. The gel data provides an honest assessment.

From Short Barrels (1.9″–2.5″)

Most conventional .22 WMR hollow points fail to expand from pocket-sized revolvers. At 1,000 to 1,100 fps, they penetrate adequately (10 to 13 inches) but create narrow wound channels similar to FMJ ammunition. The Hornady FTX is the only load that achieves partial expansion from these short barrels, and even then it’s inconsistent.

From Longer Barrels (4″–6″)

From a KelTec PMR30 or similar platform with a 4+ inch barrel, the picture improves. The Hornady FTX expands reliably at 1,280 fps, reaching .32 to .36 caliber with 8 to 10 inches of penetration. The CCI 40gr JHP achieves partial expansion. Combined with the PMR30’s 30-round capacity, this becomes a more defensible (no pun intended) option.

The Honest Assessment

No .22 WMR load from any barrel meets the FBI’s preferred penetration window of 12 to 18 inches with reliable expansion. The best-case scenario — Hornady FTX from a 4+ inch barrel — gets you expansion with 8 to 10 inches of penetration. That’s short of the standard but still more effective than many people assume.

The .22 WMR is not a first-choice defensive cartridge. But for shooters who cannot manage the recoil of a 9mm or .380 ACP — due to arthritis, hand strength limitations, or disability — a .22 WMR handgun with the right ammunition is far better than nothing. The Hornady Critical Defense FTX in a 4-inch or longer barrel is the only load worth carrying for this purpose.

Takeaway: If you carry a .22 WMR for defense, use Hornady Critical Defense FTX in the longest barrel you can carry. It’s the only load designed to expand at .22 WMR handgun velocities. A 9mm is still the better choice if you can manage it.

9. Hunting Applications & Load Selection

Load Selection by Target

The .22 WMR’s versatility shows in its range of available loads. You can go from explosive varmint fragmentation with the V-Max to deep-penetrating headshots on raccoon-sized game with the 50-grain JHP. Few cartridges offer this much flexibility in terminal performance through bullet selection alone.

Takeaway: Match your bullet to your target. The V-Max for pest-sized varmints, the 40-grain JHP for all-purpose hunting, and the 50-grain for larger small game where penetration matters.

10. Platform Considerations: Rifles, Revolvers & Semi-Autos

Rifles

The .22 WMR shines brightest in a bolt-action rifle. The CZ 457, Savage B22 Magnum, and Ruger 77/22 are all capable of MOA or better accuracy. Lever actions like the Henry H001M offer fast follow-up shots for pest control. Semi-auto rifles are less common but available — the Savage A22 Magnum is the standout option.

Revolvers

The Ruger LCR in .22 WMR and the Smith & Wesson 351PD are popular carry revolvers. Remember: short barrels dramatically reduce velocity and terminal performance. The Ruger Single Six convertible (with both .22 LR and .22 WMR cylinders) gives you maximum flexibility.

Semi-Auto Pistols

The KelTec PMR30 is the most popular .22 WMR semi-auto pistol, offering 30 rounds in a lightweight package. Its 4.3-inch barrel delivers enough velocity for reliable hollow point expansion. The KelTec CMR30 is the carbine version with a 16-inch barrel that unlocks near-full .22 WMR velocities.

Takeaway: For hunting performance, choose a rifle. For defense or carry, the PMR30’s combination of capacity and barrel length makes it the most effective .22 WMR handgun platform.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot .22 WMR in a .22 LR chamber?

No. The .22 WMR and .22 LR are not interchangeable. The .22 WMR case is longer and slightly larger in diameter. Attempting to fire .22 WMR in a .22 LR chamber is dangerous. Some revolvers (like the Ruger Single Six) offer convertible cylinders — one for each caliber — but you must use the correct cylinder for the ammunition.

Is .22 WMR good for home defense?

It’s not ideal but it’s not useless. From a handgun with a 4+ inch barrel using Hornady FTX ammo, the .22 WMR provides partial expansion and adequate penetration. The PMR30’s 30-round capacity is a genuine advantage. A 9mm is still the better choice if recoil management isn’t a barrier.

How far can a .22 WMR kill?

The .22 WMR is lethal well beyond its practical accuracy range. A .22 WMR bullet can travel over a mile and remain dangerous. However, practical killing range on varmints is 125 to 150 yards from a rifle, depending on conditions. Beyond that, accuracy and terminal performance decline to the point where ethical kills become unreliable.

Is .22 WMR good for suppressed shooting?

No. All factory .22 WMR ammunition is supersonic, which means you’ll still hear a sonic crack even with a suppressor. Suppressors reduce muzzle blast but can’t eliminate the supersonic signature. If suppressed rimfire shooting is your goal, use subsonic .22 LR — it was designed for this application.

Why does .22 WMR ammo cost more than .22 LR?

The .22 WMR uses more materials (larger case, more powder, larger bullet) and is produced in much lower volumes than the .22 LR. Lower demand means fewer production runs and higher per-unit costs. It’s still far cheaper than centerfire ammunition.

Ready to upgrade your rimfire game? Shop .22 WMR ammunition at Tatted Tacticals and find the load that fits your platform and purpose.