22 WMR handgun for critters

Status
Not open for further replies.
Why I said, "not in my testing". Standard high velocity loads consist of a 36gr soft lead bullet at 1200fps out of a rifle. Still a good ways from a 40gr JHP at 1400fps.
 
Ah, I mistakenly thought you were comparing them all out of 5 1/2” revolvers.

Not in my testing. I was getting nearly 1400fps out of the Winchester 40gr load and struggling to break 1100fps with 36gr .22LR. All out of 5½" revolvers.
 
if 1400fps is doable from a 5.5" gun, id be comfortable with that at 50yds. Ive killed larger stuff with a .22lr farther out than that.
 
Guy's with suppressors on .22 pistols find that high velocity ammo that makes 1200 to 1250 fps in a rifle will do 1050 to 1100fps in a 40 to 6 inch pistol. They will shop for brands that are subsonic, as "standard velocity .22 ammo is usually target ammo, which is more expensive. 40 gr. .22 mag in my 20" rifle makes 1700 to 1800 fps, depending on brand. When i had a single six in .22 mag, 6" it would do 100 to 1250 fps, only tested CCI. The hornady 30gr. tipped bullet was quite a bit faster, but i dont clearly remember numbers. Very accurate in my rifle though. Maybe 2k fps. Didnt test in the single six.
 
In my mind, my .22 WMR 6.5" Ruger is about equal to my 10-22 shooting Velocitors. (just comparing ballistic data). WMR has a better bullet, velocities are about equal over my chrono.
 
I'm as big a fan of the .22 WMR as anybody, but why would you intentionally go for a range of 25 to 50 yards with a small caliber handgun against bobcat and fox when you say you'll be carrying a rifle you consider suitable for coyotes?

Not to question anybody's ability to put rounds on target at any given range/condition, but a humane shot from a handgun at 75 to 150 feet involves hitting a mighty small target, especially in smaller critters.

And I'm speaking as a guy who has put plenty of squirrel away using, among other things, my .22 WMR AMT Automag II with 6 inch barrel.

Out of my Automag, I wouldn't have a problem taking small game at any range I truly felt I could make a clean head shot at.

A revolver would have a bit less muzzle velocity than my Automag, but you're still looking at about .22 LR performance at a respectable distance.

If I were hunting with a rifle, I wouldn't waste my time with a .22 WMR pistol on predators like those.

You certainly ain't saving anything in the noise department, that's for sure!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top