22 WMR ammo, also known as 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) or 22 magnum, is a powerhouse of an ammo. It is fast, flat-shooting, and extremely accurate. It is popular amongst target shooters, varmint hunters, and weekend plinkers alike.
The WMR cartridge was first released to the public in 1959 by Winchester. It was designed to surpass its predecessor, the .22 LR (Long Rifle), in power and performance. Because of its increased velocity and energy, it quickly became a popular option amongst those who wanted more firepower out of their rifle.
The secret to the WMR’s power lies in its case design. Unlike the .22 LR, which uses a rimmed case, the WMR uses a bottle-necked case which increases pressure when fired. This allows the WMR to reach velocities of up to 2000 fps (feet per second). This is considerably higher than the .22 LR, which reaches velocities of up to 1195 fps.
The higher velocities come with another benefit – flatter trajectories. This makes the WMR ideal for use in target shooting because the shooter has less to worry about for long-range shots.