Q: Last year I bought a CZ 455 Classic in .22 Magnum, mainly because of your writings which showed a preference for the .22 WMR over the .17 HMR. Like you I find it better for all around use on everything from foxes to goats and even mid-size pigs. Obviously, shots must be well-placed, but I’ve found it performs well out to about 125 metres or so. What is the best distance to zero a .22 Magnum? What can you tell me about the .22 WMR?
Rodney Powell
A: During its 55 year existence the .22 WMR has been loaded with bullets as heavy as 50 grains and as light as 30 grains, but I’ve found the 40gn the most versatile. The .22 WMR extends the maximum effective range beyond that of the .22 Long Rifle to about 125 metres. While 70 metres is the best range to zero a .22 LR, the .22 WMR is best sighted in for 100 metres. Then the 40 gn bullet is about 25mm high at 50 metres and down 64mm at 150. That’s a very satisfactory trajectory for small to medium game. Starting out with 325 ft/lb of energy, the 40gn bullet hits as hard at 125 metres as the .22 LR at the muzzle. Larger animals such as goats and pigs are not beyond the .22 WMR’s capabilities at ranges out to 100 metres. For picking off rabbits and whistling foxes, however, I like the extra shocking power of the Winchester Supreme 30gn bullet at 2250fps; it really lowers the boom on them.
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