I'm a huge fan of the 22 wmr, especially in rifles. It fills a niche between the lowly 22 LR and the Hornet, Fireball, Bee, etc, in my opinion.
In revolvers, the decision between LR and WMR depends greatly on barrel length (for me). I had a NAA mini in ..22WMR and the muzzle blast was brutal. My informal research led me to the conclusion that I was not gaining more than 50 to 75 ft per second over the same weapon (NAA mini) in 22 long rifle (and dreaded pulling the trigger!). I sold it and replaced it with the 22 long rifle version.
However, in a revolver such as the Ruger Single Six, with a five and a half inch or longer barrel, I'm thinking I'm gaining a substantial increase in velocity with the 22 wmr over the 22LR. (300-400 fps).
I've looked at the website, Ballistics By The Inch, and they're findings seem to mirror my thoughts.
I'll add that I've been on many a camping trip/hike with only a Single Six in 22 WMR and felt safe and secure. Of course, I'm in the piney woods of East Texas, and the biggest critter I would fear, other than a meth-head, would be a coyote or bobcat (maybe a hog).
What say, ye? Is the WMR worth the added expense and noise in a revolver?