Speer .22 WMR Personal Protection Ammunition
Speer has introduced a .22 Winchester Magnum cartridge optimized for use in short barrel self-defense pistols. From a 1.9″ barrel the 40 grain bullet leaves the muzzle at 1150 fps, generating 99 ft/lbs of muzzle energy. It would likely perform better in longer barreled guns like the Kel-Tec PMR-30.
From comparison, the Speer Gold Dot Personal Protection .25 Auto is loaded with a 36 gr bullet which leaves a 2″ barrel at 900 fps with 63 ft/lbs of energy.
Speer says …
These loads are designed for compact rimfire handguns and specific self defense applications. A large cavity ensures maximum expansion and terminal ballistics at reduced velocities. Consistent 10 to 11-inch penetration was achieved in factory testing–in barrels as short as two inches.
“We wanted to design a self defense option that catered to the rimfire platform,” said Brand Director Rick Stoeckel. “We engineered these rounds for effective expansion and consistent functioning in close-quarter situations–where performance is absolutely critical.”
I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!
More by Steve Johnson
![[NRAAM 2024] The NEW Taurus TX22 TORO is the best one yet](https://cdn-fastly.thefirearmblog.com/media/2024/06/04/0643116/nraam-2024-the-new-taurus-tx22-toro-is-the-best-one-yet.jpg?size=350x220)
Comments
Join the conversation
Like most of you, I bought a short-barreled 22WRM to use as a convenient sized knock-around handgun. I assumed (never smart) that the .22WRM would be substantially more powerful than an ordinary .22 long rifle. My personal opinion is that while the 22WRM is much louder, it is hardly more powerful out of a 2 inch barrel. Before you jump out there and invest in a firearm that shoots expensive ammunition, check to see if a regular .22 will not serve just as well.
Now if you are considering a 6" barrel... that is a horse of a different color. Just my opinion but one based on comparative research.
I wonder if this ammo would be safe to use in my 22 Mag High Stander Derringer?