How To Choose The Best Rimfire Cartridge

The best rimfire cartridge depends on who you are, where and how you shoot, and what species and situations you hunt. Picking between 22 LR, 22 WMR, 22 Short, 17 HMR and others shouldn’t be stressful, so we’re making your buying experience more enjoyable with this guide to the most popular rimfire cartridge offerings.

22 Long Rifle

After being introduced in the 1880s, the 22 LR has been used for small-game hunting, competition and just shooting fun. A great all-around cartridge, ammunition is usually affordable and available. Those looking to teach a newcomer to shoot should look to the 22 LR, as the recoil is nearly non-existent and it’s offered in many styles. Considered by many to be the most popular cartridge in the U.S., the 22 LR is also an ideal choice for varmint control and for filling the freezer with small game. Great varmint loads include CCI’s Stinger and Mini-Mag HP. For small game, opt for the speedy Velocitor or Quiet-22 Segmented HP. Target shooters will want to check out Green Tag, Standard Velocity and Clean-22.

One common question of potential 22 LR buyers is, “Can I shoot a 22 Short from my 22 LR?” The short (no pun intended) answer is yes, but semi-auto shooters might experience feeding problems and accuracy issues. Because it takes the shorter bullet a tad longer to reach the barrel rifling, spot-on accuracy is harder to achieve. Those in the market for a 22 Short—ideal for traplines, plinking and more—should look to 22 Short-specific firearms. Great CCI loads include Short Hollow Point and CB 22 Short.

22 WMR

Released 75 years after the 22 LR, the 22 WMR sports a longer case, which means added propellent. The result was a round that was considerably faster than the 22 LR, which reduced drop and boosted energy at longer ranges.

For example, CCI’s VNT 22 WMR has a muzzle velocity of 2,200 fps—a good 1,000 fps advantage over most 22 LR—and a 100-yard velocity of 1,571 fps. While the 22 WMR is used for target shooting, most who tote this caliber use it for small game hunting, as well as varmints, foxes and even called-in-close coyotes.

17 HMR

Growing in popularity, mostly due to its sizzling velocity and solid downrange accuracy is the 17 HMR. Designed in 2002, the 17 HMR was developed by necking down a 22 WMR case to take a .17 caliber bullet. Those seeking a no-recoil round capable of dropping coyotes and other varmints at distances up to 200 yards have become enamored with the caliber. It’s even an option for turkeys in states that allow the use of rimfire cartridges during fall turkey seasons. Great CCI load choices include TNT Green for varmints and predators, and FMJ for small game.

Due to the velocity 17 HMR rounds produce, drop loss and wind drift are reduced. The round, being a rimfire, is affordable and still offers an intrinsic accuracy standard of 1 MOA or better. Impressive. Often fitted with a polymer tip, the 17 HMR promises flat shooting and better downrange energy than the 22 WMR. Top yours with a quality scope and experience exceptional rimfire accuracy.