Top 5 Best 22 WMR Ammo on the Market: The Ultimate Guide

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Are you in search of the best 22 WMR ammo for your varmint-slaying rifles or self-defense handguns? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 best 22 WMR ammo options available on the market today. The 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) or “22 Mag” is a powerful and versatile cartridge that offers increased range and power compared to the popular 22 Long Rifle (22LR). Whether you’re using it for pest control, plinking, or general target shooting, the 22 WMR is a favorite among shooters and hunters.

The Best 22 WMR Rounds on the Market

1. CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP – Best Overall
2. Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 40 gr JHP – Best for Self-Defense
3. Hornady 30gr V-MAX – Best for Varmint Hunting
4. CCI Gamepoint 40 gr JSP – Best for Coyotes
5. Federal 40 gr FMJ – Best for Target Shooting

Now, let’s dive into the details of each of these top 5 best 22 WMR ammo selections.

Best 22 WMR Ammo Overall

CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP

Specs:

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: Copper Plated Hollow Point
• Bullet Weight: 40 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,875 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 312 ft-lbs

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Excellent for all varmints
• Reliable

Cons:

• Lower muzzle velocity leads to more arching trajectory

When it comes to the best overall 22 WMR round, the CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP stands out from the competition. This load offers shooters the stopping power needed to take on coyotes while still being affordable for high volume shooting or small game hunting. The 40-grain bullet delivers impressive muzzle energy for serious varmint hunting while maintaining low recoil that can be handled by most shooters. CCI rimfire ammunition is known for its reliability, with minimal malfunctions or misfires reported. Accuracy is also excellent, making this ammo a top choice for shots up to 100+ yards.

The only downside to the CCI Maxi-Mag is its slightly lower muzzle velocity compared to other 40-grain bullets. This results in a more arching trajectory, requiring shooters to aim a little higher for longer range shots. However, considering its affordable price point, the CCI Maxi-Mag is still a top pick for any 22 WMR enthusiast.

Honorable Mention:

• Fiocchi 40 grain JSP

Best 22 WMR for Self-Defense

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 40 gr JHP

Specs:

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: Gold Dot Jacketed Hollow Point
• Bullet Weight: 40 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,050 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 98 ft-lbs

Pros:

• Designed for short barrel revolvers
• Long history of premium self-defense ammo
• Extremely reliable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not suitable for long-range varmint hunting

When it comes to self-defense with a 22 WMR, the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 40 gr JHP is an excellent choice. While the ballistics may appear underwhelming on paper, with a low muzzle velocity and muzzle energy, it’s important to note that these numbers were derived from a 2″ snubnose revolver. Speer Gold Dot hollow points are trusted by law enforcement and are designed to expand reliably, even in short barrel handguns.

The Speer Gold Dot 40 gr JHP performs exceptionally well in small pocket guns and compact revolvers. It offers excellent reliability and accuracy, making it a reliable choice for self-defense purposes. However, it’s important to note that this ammo is not suitable for long-range varmint hunting due to its limited muzzle velocity. It is also relatively expensive compared to other options on the market.

Honorable Mention:

• Hornady Critical Defense 45 gr FTX JHP

Best for Varmint Hunting

Hornady 30gr V-MAX

Specs:

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: Hornady V-MAX
• Bullet Weight: 30 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 2,200 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 322 ft-lbs

Pros:

• V-MAX bullet designed specifically for varmints
• High muzzle velocity
• Flat shooting
• Extremely accurate

Cons:

• Expensive

For varmint hunting, the Hornady 30gr V-MAX is an exceptional choice. This cartridge offers a laser-like trajectory thanks to its high velocity, making it ideal for small game hunting. The V-MAX bullet is designed to minimize drag, ensuring flat shooting and excellent accuracy. The polymer tip of the bullet initiates fragmentation upon contact with the target, making it highly effective against pests like squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, and woodchucks.

While the Hornady 30gr V-MAX is slightly more expensive than other varmint hunting rounds, its performance and accuracy make it a top-tier option. If you’re looking for the best 22 WMR varmint round on the market, the Hornady V-MAX Varmint Express is your go-to choice.

Honorable Mention:

• CCI Maxi-Mag TNT 30 grain JHP

Best 22 WMR for Coyotes

CCI Gamepoint 40 gr JSP

Specs:

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: Jacketed Soft Point
• Bullet Weight: 40 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,875 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 312 ft-lbs

Pros:

• Heavier bullet weight
• Great expansion
• Designed for meat and pelt preservation

Cons:

• Arching trajectory

When it comes to coyote hunting, the CCI Gamepoint 40 gr JSP is a top choice. This ammunition is designed specifically for maximum energy transfer to the target while minimizing pelt and meat damage. It strikes a perfect balance between stopping power and preserving the quality of the animal. With the CCI Gamepoint, you can expect great expansion and reliable performance against coyotes and other larger varmints.

The CCI Gamepoint does have a slightly more arching trajectory due to its heavier bullet weight compared to lighter 30-grain loads. However, its stopping power and effectiveness make it an excellent option for hunters dealing with coyote problems.

Honorable Mention:

• Remington Premier Magnum Rimfire 33 grain Accutip

Best 22WMR Ammo for Target Shooting

Federal 40 gr FMJ

Specs:

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket
• Bullet Weight: 40 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,880 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 315 ft-lbs

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Accurate
• Reliable

Cons:

• Not suitable for hunting

If you’re looking for affordable and reliable ammo for target shooting, the Federal 40 gr FMJ is an excellent choice. This ammo is known for its accuracy and reliability, making it a favorite among shooters. It performs well in both bolt-action rifles and semi-automatics, making it versatile for various shooting preferences. The full metal jacket design ensures consistent feeding and minimizes fouling in the barrel.

While the Federal 40 gr FMJ is not suitable for hunting due to its lack of expansion, it’s perfect for plinking and target practice. The low cost per round makes it an affordable option for high volume shooting sessions.

Honorable Mention:

• Winchester Varmint LF 25 gr NTX

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire Ammo

Choosing the right 22 WMR ammo for your firearm requires careful consideration of a few key factors. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the important aspects to consider when selecting 22 WMR ammo.

Rimfire vs. Centerfire Ammo

Before diving into the specifics of 22 WMR ammo, it’s essential to understand the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition. Rimfire ammo, such as the 22 WMR, ignites the primer by striking the rim of the cartridge. On the other hand, centerfire ammo has the primer located in the center of the base, which is struck by the firing pin.

Determine Your Purpose

When selecting 22 WMR ammo, consider your intended purpose. Are you using it for varmint hunting, self-defense, or target shooting? Each application may require different characteristics in the ammunition.

Varmint Hunting

For varmint hunting, look for ammo specifically designed for this purpose. Bullets with hollow points or polymer tips are ideal, as they offer excellent terminal performance and expansion upon impact. Higher muzzle velocity and flat trajectory are also desirable for accurate long-range shots.

Self-Defense

While 22 WMR may not be the top choice for self-defense, it can still be effective in certain circumstances. Look for high-quality hollow point bullets designed for self-defense. These bullets are engineered to expand reliably and deliver sufficient energy to stop a threat. However, keep in mind that 22 WMR may not offer the same stopping power as larger caliber options.

Target Shooting

For target shooting, cost-effectiveness and accuracy are key factors to consider. Look for affordable options such as full metal jacket or copper plated bullets. These rounds are designed for reliable feeding and minimal fouling in the barrel. Accuracy and consistency are crucial for improving marksmanship skills.

Bulk Purchasing

If you plan on engaging in regular shooting sessions, consider buying 22 WMR ammo in bulk. Bulk purchases often provide cost savings per round compared to buying individual boxes. This ensures you have an ample supply of ammo for your shooting needs without breaking the bank.

By considering the purpose of your ammunition, you can make an informed decision on the best 22 WMR ammo for your specific needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 22 WMR offers shooters and hunters a versatile and powerful cartridge for various applications. Whether you’re in need of ammo for varmint hunting, self-defense, or target shooting, there are excellent options available on the market. The top 5 best 22 WMR ammo selections, including the CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP, Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 40 gr JHP, Hornady 30gr V-MAX, CCI Gamepoint 40 gr JSP, and Federal 40 gr FMJ, offer different advantages depending on your specific requirements.

When selecting 22 WMR ammo, consider factors such as bullet type, weight, muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, and cost. By understanding your purpose and considering these factors, you can choose the best ammo to maximize performance and achieve your shooting goals. So, load up your favorite 22 WMR firearm with the right ammo, and enjoy the power and accuracy that the cartridge has to offer!