22 LR vs 22 Magnum

So, you’re in the market for a new rimfire but just can’t decide between the 22 LR or the 22 magnum? While they are both 22-caliber rimfire cartridges, they are very different in most aspects. In this article, we will be going over some of these differences to help make your decision a little easier.

Physical Attributes

Other than being rimfire cartridges, the 22 LR and the 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) do not share much in common. While they both fire 22-caliber projectiles, the 22 LR and the 22 magnum do not use the same diameter projectiles. In fact, the 22 LR uses 0.223-inch diameter projectiles, whereas the 22 Mag uses 0.224-inch diameter projectiles. You cannot notice this small difference as pictured. However, you will probably notice that both have what appears to be copper jackets. While copper jackets are present on nearly all 22 magnum projectiles, they are not present on most 22 LR projectiles. In fact, CCI’s uppercut load offering is currently the only factory-produced 22 LR featuring a true jacket at the time of writing this article.

Instead, nearly all 22 LR projectiles featuring a copper appearance are merely lead bullets that have gone through a copper wash process. This wash produces an extremely thin layer of copper, which can help reduce any corroding that occurs on exposed lead, though it does not act as a jacket. On the other hand, nearly all 22 magnum loads utilize jacketed projectiles, much like those found in the 22 Hornet (centerfire cartridge). These jacketed projectiles can be fired at much higher velocities than traditional lead projectiles, which is ideal for the 22 magnum.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between these cartridges, however, is their length. With an overall length of 1.350 inches, the 22 magnum stands nearly 3/8ths of an inch taller than the 22 LR’s overall length of 1 inch. This additional length is the primary reason for the larger powder capacity of the 22 magnum, though it is not the only reason. Stood side by side, you may also notice that the 22 magnum is wider than the 22 LR. Like other old rimfire cartridges, the 22 LR uses a case diameter (0.226 inches) very close to its bullet diameter. This case is then crimped around the base of the projectile instead of the projectile being seated into the case.

Unlike the 22 LR, 22 magnum projectiles are seated into the case, much like any centerfire cartridge. To accommodate this seating, the case of the 22 magnum is much wider than that of the 22 LR, leading to the second reason for its increased capacity. This additional width is the primary reason why a 22 LR cannot be fired directly from a 22 magnum chamber. If you wish to shoot the cartridges out of the same firearm, however, some options do exist. For example, many single-action revolver models, such as the Ruger Single Six, offer interchangeable cylinders to accommodate either cartridge.

Power

Although you probably aren’t buying either of these cartridges for their power factors, there is a considerable difference between the 22 LR and the 22 magnum. While it’s true that both cartridges have the same maximum pressure rating of 24,000 psi, and both are loaded with a similar range of bullet weights (typically between 30 – 45 grains), the 22 magnum uses considerably more powder. As you can imagine, this additional powder translates to 22 magnum producing substantially more muzzle energy than the 22 LR. If we look at CCI’s 40-grain Mini-Mag offering in 22 LR, for example, we see that it produces 135 ft/lbs. at a muzzle velocity of 1,235 feet per second.

With the same bullet weight, CCI’s Maxi-Mag TMJ offering in 22 magnum produces 312 ft/lbs. at a muzzle velocity of 1,875 feet per second. This equates to just over 2.3 times the muzzle energy of the 22 LR. While this is a substantial increase in muzzle energy, we must realize that the Mini-Mag is a standard (high-velocity) 22 LR offering. Because the 22 LR’s case is nearly the same diameter as its projectiles, manufacturers can increase the length of the case when shorter, lighter-weight bullets are used. This allows more powder to be used while remaining at the same overall length, leading to much higher velocities. 22 LR loads in this configuration are often labeled as hyper-velocity offerings.

A perfect example of this load designation is CCI’s 32-grain Stinger offering, which produces 191 ft/lbs. at a muzzle velocity of 1,640 feet per second. This equates to an increase of just over 41 percent more muzzle energy and nearly 33 percent more muzzle velocity than the Mini-Mag load referenced. As you can see, the case used in the Stinger load is noticeably longer than the one used in the Mini-Mag, yet they have the same overall length. It should be noted, however, that it is not generally recommended that these loads be fired from match-grade chambers due to their dimensions.

With a similar weight bullet, CCI’s 30-grain Speer TNT offering in 22 magnum, produces 322 ft/lbs. at a muzzle velocity of 2,200 feet per second. While velocity may have increased by over 17 percent, muzzle energy only increased by just over 3 percent when compared to the Maxi-Mag load referenced. Compared to the CCI Stinger, this 22 magnum load produces 1.69 times the muzzle energy, which is considerably closer than the loads referenced before. Even with hyper-velocity loads, however, the 22 LR does not compete with the muzzle energy figures produced by the 22 magnum (at least out of rifles).

Cost

The question is, how much more are you willing to pay for this extra power? Although the 22 LR and the 22 magnum are very cheap cartridges to shoot overall, there is a substantial difference in price between them. In fact, cheap 22 LR loads can often be had for one-fifth (sometimes cheaper) the price of the cheapest 22 magnum offerings. But why is there such a big difference in price? The first thing we must realize is that the 22 LR is the most popular cartridge in the world. With its high popularity comes extremely large production volumes that help to lower the overall cost of each round, especially when those rounds are bulk packaged.

Not only does 22 LR pricing benefit from large production volumes, but its component prices (projectiles, powder charge, etc.) are often much cheaper than alternative cartridges. When combined, these large production volumes and lower component prices lead to the 22 LR being the cheapest cartridge currently available (with some configurations). Although the 22 magnum is a very popular rimfire cartridge, it is nowhere near as popular as the 22 LR. With its decreased popularity, the 22 magnum suffers from lower production volumes, ultimately leading to higher manufacturing costs. When combined with the higher component prices of the 22 magnum, we see substantially higher prices than those of the 22 LR.

It’s not until we start getting into high-end, match-grade ammo (much lower standard deviations between shots) that we start to see 22 LR prices that reflect those of the 22 magnum. Most of us, however, will not be plinking with these match grade 22 LR bullets, let alone even firing them out of our setups.

Which One Should I Choose?

The 22 LR and the 22 Mangum have long been the most popular rimfire cartridges on the market, with no signs of slowing down. Although they are both popular 22 caliber rimfire cartridges, the 22 LR and the 22 magnum are very different overall, so which one should you choose?

If power is at the top of your list, the 22 magnum is your answer. With most loads producing more than 300 ft/lbs. of muzzle energy, the 22 magnum is substantially more powerful than even the fastest 22 LR offerings (at least out of rifles). Realize, however, that you will be paying for this increased performance. Although the 22 LR may not compete with the 22 magnum in terms of power, it is far superior when it comes to price. In fact, some 22 LR offerings make for the cheapest ammunition of any cartridge currently available. For those willing to spend a bit more for increased performance, rounds like the CCI Stinger are game-changers for the 22 LR.

Perhaps the biggest question you need to answer is whether you want power or price. Regardless of which one you choose, hopefully, this article makes your decision a little easier.

--Banana Ballistics