.22 v .22 mag?
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Theohazard
New member
Yes, there's definitely an advantage. However, out of a shorter handgun barrel the advantage .22 magnum has over .22 long rifle (.22 long is a different round; I'm guessing you meant .22 long rifle) is relatively small. And .22 LR is a much more plentiful and cheaper cartridge (under normal circumstances) so many people prefer .22 LR to .22 Mag. You can shoot .22 LR out of a .22 Mag revolver, but it's not ideal. However, you mentioned you were looking for a single-action revolver, in which case something like the Ruger Single-Six that has two cylinders - one for .22 Mag and one for .22 LR - might be perfect for you.
newfrontier45
Moderator
300-400fps with a heavier, real jacketed bullet. It's not that the shorter barrel kills .22Mag performance, rather that the .22LR gains very little in rifle length barrels. With most high velocity loads reaching maximum velocity in 12-14".
I've had 22 mags, both revolver and rifle. Not worth it to me. In a handgun there are better options. I haven't priced 22 mag ammo in a while, but I used to be able to buy 223 ammo cheaper than 22 mag. If I needed more power than 22LR I'd use a 223 in a rifle, 38 in a revolver.
newfrontier45
Moderator
To say that the .22Mag has no advantage over the .22LR is to say that the .357 has no advantage over the .38Spl. It features a heavier, tougher jacketed bullet at 300-400fps higher velocity over the .22LR's swaged lead. That's a significant step up. No, it doesn't make much difference if all you're doing is punching paper or tin cans but it makes a big difference in hunting small game and varmints. Last time I bought .22Mag ammo it cost me the same $8/50rds that it costs me to reload .38Spl and the .22Mag shoots a LOT flatter. Not to mention the time I don't have to spend at the reloading bench. IMHO, the .22Mag definitely has a place but some people are too closed-minded to realize it.
PointOneSeven
New member
Both platforms can use a light hollow point to explode squirrels and such. And both platforms have heavier round-nose ammo too for two legged creatures too. Win / win on either one really.
Only hangup being that hollow points might not open up or fragment from the lower velocities from a pistol though. The WMR rounds have the advantage here if a couple fps makes the difference.
Only hangup being that hollow points might not open up or fragment from the lower velocities from a pistol though. The WMR rounds have the advantage here if a couple fps makes the difference.
Since the OP is talking about SA with a 6" barrel I'm assuming he's thinking about a revolver.
If so, the regular .22 has many options ranging from the CB Short all the way to the formidable 40gr Long Rifle Mini-Mag, and beyond for the brave of heart. IOW, more variety and easier to find something that will work with the gun.
With the .22 mag you're pretty much "stuck" with .22 mag ammo.
The two-cylinder conversion guns would be a good option.
If so, the regular .22 has many options ranging from the CB Short all the way to the formidable 40gr Long Rifle Mini-Mag, and beyond for the brave of heart. IOW, more variety and easier to find something that will work with the gun.
With the .22 mag you're pretty much "stuck" with .22 mag ammo.
The two-cylinder conversion guns would be a good option.
Aguila Blanca
Staff
Two companies (Hornady, and ???) have within the past year introduced .22 WMR loads specifically tailored to use in handguns. These new rounds have gotten excellent reviews, and they are a significant boost over any .22 LR loading in a handgun.
bamaranger
New member
field/hunting
I think NewFrontier is on the right track. The mag is a better hunting/field round, a better killer on small game. I'm not sure if the WMR will gain 300-400 fps from revolver length barrels though, comparing equal or similar bullet weights.
I didn't have any use for the .22mag either, but stuck the mag cylinder in my Dad's Single-6 as a novelty and began shooting pests w/ it, mostly armadillo's, a few feral cats, possum, rats, the kind of critters that show up and make a nuisance of themselves around a country place. The mag is a far better killer on that size varmint, and it was apparent right off. The load is the W-W 45 gr JHP.
Mags are expensive, it is not a plinker. And as pointed out, .38's of all description, are a significant step up in power and utility. But, .38 and especially .357 revolvers can be a good bit heavier than a similar .22. My long barreled Ruger Single6 .22mag is significantly lighter than its cousin the .357 Blackhawk w/ the shorter 4-5/8 tube that is in my safe. I've taken to carrying the long barreld .22 mag on scouting jaunts and walks in the woods for opportune type shots on coyote, 'dillos, etc. Fifty rounds weigh nearly moot, but I will never shoot that many on a walk.
The .22mag fills a small niche, but I like it anyway.
I think NewFrontier is on the right track. The mag is a better hunting/field round, a better killer on small game. I'm not sure if the WMR will gain 300-400 fps from revolver length barrels though, comparing equal or similar bullet weights.
I didn't have any use for the .22mag either, but stuck the mag cylinder in my Dad's Single-6 as a novelty and began shooting pests w/ it, mostly armadillo's, a few feral cats, possum, rats, the kind of critters that show up and make a nuisance of themselves around a country place. The mag is a far better killer on that size varmint, and it was apparent right off. The load is the W-W 45 gr JHP.
Mags are expensive, it is not a plinker. And as pointed out, .38's of all description, are a significant step up in power and utility. But, .38 and especially .357 revolvers can be a good bit heavier than a similar .22. My long barreled Ruger Single6 .22mag is significantly lighter than its cousin the .357 Blackhawk w/ the shorter 4-5/8 tube that is in my safe. I've taken to carrying the long barreld .22 mag on scouting jaunts and walks in the woods for opportune type shots on coyote, 'dillos, etc. Fifty rounds weigh nearly moot, but I will never shoot that many on a walk.
The .22mag fills a small niche, but I like it anyway.
22 Mag
I have a single six that has cylinders for 22 LR and 22 Mag. Even though I had the revolver for over 20 years, I had never used the mag cylinder and one day I was just curious to see what it would do. Now this was my silhouette gun so it had the 9.5" barrel but I was surprised how fast the mags were so to say a 300-400 fps gain over a 22 LR is very believable. YMMV.
I have a single six that has cylinders for 22 LR and 22 Mag. Even though I had the revolver for over 20 years, I had never used the mag cylinder and one day I was just curious to see what it would do. Now this was my silhouette gun so it had the 9.5" barrel but I was surprised how fast the mags were so to say a 300-400 fps gain over a 22 LR is very believable. YMMV.
I think that a lot of people who discount the .22mag have not had the opportunity to shoot the same gun with the two different ammos. My wife has a revolver with the two different cylinders and I can tell you that there is a substantial difference. No, it's not like jumping up to .380 or .38spcl, but it is noteworthy and does secure its place for those who understand it. Out of a shorter barrel, I'm not sure as I don't have a chrony and I haven't done any testing on it. But, I will say that the higher end ammo for the .22mag does inspire much more confidence than anything the .22lr has to offer.
If I needed ultra deep concealed carry I would probably take a 22mag over any other caliber. Just my unsupported feelings.
If I needed ultra deep concealed carry I would probably take a 22mag over any other caliber. Just my unsupported feelings.
Rifleman1776
New member
The mag. does have increased performance and effectivness. But, for the high price I don't see much advantage. My Ruger Single Six has seen only about 100 rounds of mag. through it in over 40 years compared with countless in long rifle. If I needed more performance I would consider a round that can be reloaded.
I will say, the .22 mag. with shotshells has been useful for me. We had a house that was infested with chipmunks, the shot rounds dispatched them very effectively. For that the extra cost was justified.
I will say, the .22 mag. with shotshells has been useful for me. We had a house that was infested with chipmunks, the shot rounds dispatched them very effectively. For that the extra cost was justified.
I have two .22mag revolvers and a .22LR semiauto ...
One thing I have noticed is that the .22LR fails to fire frequently, maybe once in every 30 rounds or so, while I have never had a .22mag fail to fire. Perhaps the revolver is a better way to touch off a rimfire round ... in any case, I love the magnum round a lot. One huge advantage to me is that my wife dislikes recoil and will only shoot .22s ... with a .22mag, I feel she has a distinct SD advantage over a .22LR, especially given Hornady, Speer and one other maker are producing 40-45 grain JHPs designed to work best in short barrels, IE, handguns ... there's a Ruger LCR in .22mag in her nightstand, loaded with 45-gr Hornady Critical Defense rounds ...
One thing I have noticed is that the .22LR fails to fire frequently, maybe once in every 30 rounds or so, while I have never had a .22mag fail to fire. Perhaps the revolver is a better way to touch off a rimfire round ... in any case, I love the magnum round a lot. One huge advantage to me is that my wife dislikes recoil and will only shoot .22s ... with a .22mag, I feel she has a distinct SD advantage over a .22LR, especially given Hornady, Speer and one other maker are producing 40-45 grain JHPs designed to work best in short barrels, IE, handguns ... there's a Ruger LCR in .22mag in her nightstand, loaded with 45-gr Hornady Critical Defense rounds ...
There's a saying you hear around here; "More deer have been killed with a 22mag than anything else." (usually at night from a truck seat). There is some truth in that statement. Anyone who discounts it's effectiveness has never used it much. If I could have no other weapon a 22mag would do about everything I require in North America. As always accuracy is paramount. One shot in the right place will do it every time.