Tam on the .22 Magnum
Tam tried the Kel-Tec PMR and RMR at the LuckyGunner Blogger Shoot and questions the utility of the .22 Magnum (WMR) round …
I’ll be up front and admit that I still don’t get the point. .22WMR is in that gray area where it’s marginal as an antipersonnel round, but will turn a squirrel or rabbit inside out, making it a bit too much for hunting small game for the pot. It’s obviously better on varmints than .22LR, but so are lots of things, like .22 Hornet, which is reloadable.
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
Comments
Join the conversation
I wouldn't be a big fan of 22 wmr in handgun, except short range plinking and pest control, or perhaps close range small game. Please let's not malign the cartridge as a whole. In a rifle it has a legitimate place in the varmint world and small game up to coyote and the like. Furthermore, its sure a lot more economical to shoot than any centerfire. A lot of good
marksmanship practice comes from this
economical practice. Don't think the 22 wmr can't dispatch a Prarie dog or ground squirrel from 300 yds out with a good rifle, provided the wind cooperates. This is all about the utility. As a threat stopper, stick with 40, 45, or others of such ilk.
Im not sure personally why one would consider the 22 wmr as a personal defense caliber, but to each their own. For my money, you don't experiment with defending your life and economy isn't the chief concern.