.17 HMR/ .22 MAGNUM COMPARISON

When making a list of the most fun and most useful cartridges introduced since smokeless powder came into common use during the late 1800s, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) have to be among them. The .22 WMR came first, so I will begin with a brief look at its history.

- LAYNE SIMPSON

The .22 WMR was created by lengthening the case of the .22 Winchester Rimfire (.22 WRF). The .22 WRF was developed specifically for the Browning-designed Winchester Model 1890 slide-action rifle and was loaded with a .224-inch, inside-lubricated lead bullet weighing 45 grains. Muzzle velocity was 1,450 fps. A Super Speed loading with a Kopperclad 40-grain hollowpoint bullet at 1,475 fps came a bit later. Respective energy ratings at the muzzle and at 100 yards were 210 and 123 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). The cartridge was also loaded by Remington with a 45grain bullet at 1,450 fps, but the company called it the .22 Remington Special. At the time, the 40-grain bullet in high-velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition was given energy ratings of 158 and 97 ft-lbs at the muzzle and at 100 yards. In addition to delivering a tad more punch to the target, the 45-grain bullet at higher velocity from the .22 WRF offered more penetration. The .22 WRF is still alive and well at Winchester, where it is presently loaded with a 45-grain, Lubaloy-coated, flatnose bullet at 1,300 fps.