Since 1960, hunters have been able to hunt the beast with 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire ammunition. In the technical documentation, they are still listed as 22 Magnum or 22 Mag. Information about the history of creation, features and technical characteristics of caliber 22 WMR cartridges is contained in this article.
Introduction
22 WMR is a low-impulse rimfire cartridge. It is very popular with the civilian consumer. Designed for 5.6 mm cartridges caliber 22 WMR for hunting. Also, this ammunition can be equipped with rifle units for self-defense.
About the history of creation
The caliber 22 WMR was developed by the American arms firm Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The cartridge was designed back in 1959, but the company organized mass production in 1960. At this time, they began to make weapons of caliber 22 WMR using this ammunition. Soon, the release of rifle units for this caliber was also established by other leadingAmerican arms companies. According to experts, the caliber 22 WMR is the first rimfire cartridge that was mass-produced in the 19th century. Other ammunition of this type appeared only in the XX century.
Description
22 Mag is somewhat different from other small caliber ammunition. Unlike cartridges 22 Long, 22 Short, 22 Long Rifle, etc., 22 WMR is slightly longer (26.7 mm), and its case is thick-walled.
In addition, a larger diameter (6.1 mm) is provided for the sleeve. Thus, the use of this ammunition implies the presence of increased pressure inside the cartridge. For this reason, 22 WMR cannot be loaded with weapons adapted to fire other small-caliber cartridges. Otherwise, the rifle unit will become unusable and injure the owner.
At the same time, 22 WMR weapons are adapted to fire other 5.6mm ammunition. However, in this case, the shooter may have difficulty extracting the already fired cartridge case. The fact is that if you equip a 22 WMR shotgun with a short cartridge, then the sleeve will inflate and it will be difficult to get it out. For this reason, some manufacturers have established the production of interchangeable drums. As a result, the owner has the opportunity to shoot from a gun chambered in caliber 22 WMR small-caliber 22 Long, 22 Short, 22 Long Rifle. It is enough just to install the desired drum.
About shells for 22 Mag
Unlike other small-caliber ammunition, 22 WMR does not use lead caulkedbullets. In 22 Magnum, the manufacturer is forced to use copper-plated. The fact is that 22 WMR is much more powerful. If you shoot a cartridge with a lead shellless bullet, reaching speeds of up to 600 m / s, it will fly off the rifling in the barrel channel. Also, due to high friction, it can simply melt. The head parts in copper-plated projectiles in 22 Magnum have expansive cavities. In specialized stores, you can also get special cartridges 22 WMR. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that in place of the bullet there is a capsule, inside of which there is a small fraction. This ammo is effective for shooting rats and mice.
About specifications
22 WMR has the following parameters:
- Refers to the type of rimfire cartridges.
- Fitted with a 5.6mm caliber bullet weighing 1.9 to 3.2g.
- In a second, a projectile can cover a distance from 500 to 670 m.
- The muzzle energy is 450 J.
- The sleeve is equipped with a flange with a diameter of 7.4 mm.
About application features
If we compare the 22 WMR with the 22 Long Rifle cartridge, then the "Winchester" is much more powerful. This is explained by the fact that in the 22 WMR sleeve the powder charge fits one and a half times more, which noticeably affects the combat range. For example, the projectile has a fairly high muzzle velocity (over 650 m/s), and the effective range varies from 180 to 200 m. Despite the high performance, the recoil is very weak when firing from a 22 WMR carbine. Judging by the reviews of the owners, sheso minimal that it is not felt at all. The sound of the shot is not loud, which is also highly appreciated by consumers.
Who uses 22 WMR ammunition?
According to experts, 5.6 mm cartridges are ideal for individual shooting training. For training shooting, ammunition is good because they are relatively cheap. Due to the fact that during training beginners consume a large number of cartridges, their low price is undoubtedly a plus. Due to the increased velocity of the bullet, sport shooting was not an area in which the 22 WMR would be in demand. According to experts, to hit the target, ballistic performance is enough, which can provide 22 Long Rifle, and not a more powerful cartridge.
For this reason, the manufacturer is focused primarily on hunters. It was they who realized all the strengths inherent in 22 WMR. Judging by the reviews, the "Winchester" is one of the few rimfire ammunition that is often used for hunting purposes. Targets for shooting are small rodents, rabbits and birds. When using 22 WMR, the hunter should take into account the fact that at close range the projectile can damage the game carcass. If you load a weapon with a bullet in which there is an expansive cavity, then the muzzle energy of 22 WMR is enough to hit a coyote or a jackal.
About weapons under the "Winchester"
According to experts, you can shoot 22 WMR from carbines, fittings and pistols, the chambers of which are adapted for this ammunition. For example, the Czech-made rifle unit Varmint CZ 455 received a lot of positive feedback.
This carbine can be used for hunting with 22 WMR and 22 LR cartridges. A weapon with an elongated forged barrel and a wooden stock. Detachable magazines are designed for 5 and 10 rounds. The material for the manufacture of the bed was walnut. The receiver is equipped with a dovetail rail. Its width is 1.1 cm. Thanks to it, you can install an optical sight on the carbine. Price: 45 thousand rubles. Anyone who wants to save money can recommend the American-made Marlin 925 hunting carbine. A bolt-action weapon with a wooden stock.
The chamber is adapted for cases of caliber 22 WMR. Regular sights are represented by an adjustable whole and a front sight. Additionally, the rifle unit can be equipped with an optical sight. His hunter will have to buy separately, since the scope is not included. To become the owner of this rifled semi-automatic carbine, you will have to pay 30 thousand rubles.
