Three rimfires, three jobs
All three are rimfire cartridges, meaning the priming compound sits inside the rim of the case instead of in a separate primer. Rimfire cases can't be practically reloaded, and that simpler construction is part of why rimfire ammo is often cheap.
The differences come down to case size and bullet:
- .22 Long Rifle dates to 1887 and is the most widely shot cartridge in the world. Small case, modest speed, low cost.
- .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) arrived from Winchester in 1959. It uses a longer, wider case than .22 LR, with the same bullet diameter, for much more speed.
- .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) came from Hornady in 2002, working with Marlin and Ruger. It's a .22 WMR case necked down to a tiny, fast .17 caliber bullet.
Side-by-side
| .22 LR | .22 WMR | .17 HMR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1887 | 1959 | 2002 |
| Typical bullet weights | 30–60 gr (36–40 gr most common) | 30–50 gr (40 gr most common) | 15.5–20 gr (17 gr most common) |
| Example listed velocity | 1,235 fps (CCI Mini-Mag 40 gr) | 1,875 fps (CCI Maxi-Mag 40 gr) | 2,550 fps (CCI TNT 17 gr) |
| Relative cost per round | Lowest | Higher | Higher |
| Noise and recoil | Lowest | Louder | Louder, sharper crack |
| Best for | Plinking, training, squirrels, rabbits | Larger varmints, close coyotes where legal | Small varmints at longer rimfire range |
Velocities are maker figures as listed by Ammunition Depot, from rifle-length barrels. Pistols and short barrels will be slower.
.22 LR: the cheapest trigger time
If you only buy one rimfire, it's probably this one. .22 LR is inexpensive per round, has almost no recoil and is quiet compared with any centerfire. That makes it the default for teaching new shooters, practicing fundamentals, and plinking for an afternoon without spending much.
It's also a traditional small-game round for squirrels and rabbits at modest distances. Its limits are range and energy: wind pushes the light bullet around, and it drops quickly past about 100 yards.
Our best .22 LR ammo guide covers the main loads, and the Ruger 10/22 ammo guide is useful if you shoot that popular rifle. Browse current options on Ammunition Depot's .22 LR ammo page.
.22 WMR: more punch, same bore
The .22 Magnum pushes similar-weight bullets much faster than .22 LR. That extra energy makes it a better choice for bigger varmints like groundhogs, foxes and close-range coyotes where rimfires are legal. Heavier .22 WMR bullets also hold up better than the ultra-light .17 on tougher animals.
It costs noticeably more than .22 LR, so it's not a high-volume plinking round for most budgets. See the selection on Ammunition Depot's .22 WMR page.
.17 HMR: the flat shooter
The .17 HMR fires a very light bullet at high speed, which gives it the flattest trajectory of the three. That makes hits easier at longer rimfire distances on small targets like prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
The trade-off is that the light bullet is designed to fragment quickly. It's excellent on small varmints but has less margin on larger animals, and it can be pushed by wind more than its speed suggests. Remington has issued a safety warning about .17 HMR in semi-automatic firearms in the past, so follow your gun maker's guidance. Browse the .17 HMR page for current loads.
Example loads
They never swap
This is the safety rule that matters. A .22 WMR round won't fit a .22 LR chamber. A .22 LR round can drop into a .22 WMR chamber, but firing it can split or swell the case and vent high-pressure gas back toward you. A .17 HMR shares its case with the .22 WMR but uses a different bullet diameter; never mix them.
Some revolvers come with two cylinders, one for .22 LR and one for .22 WMR. Use the right cylinder for each, and keep boxes separate. Our dangerous ammo swaps guide covers this and other look-alike mistakes.
How to choose
- Plinking, training, kids, squirrels: .22 LR.
- Groundhogs, foxes, close coyotes, chicken-coop raiders: .22 WMR.
- Prairie dogs and small varmints at longer range: .17 HMR.
- Budget-limited, high-volume shooting: .22 LR, every time.
Check your state's hunting regulations before using any rimfire on game, since some species have caliber or cartridge restrictions.
Noise, ranges and neighbors
Noise is easy to overlook when you choose a rimfire. A .22 LR from a rifle is the quietest of the three by a wide margin, which matters if you shoot on a small property, near neighbors or at a range with noise rules. The two magnums produce a much sharper crack. Hearing protection is still a must with all three, including .22 LR.
Range rules matter too. Some indoor and outdoor ranges allow .22 LR but restrict rimfire magnums, or limit the distances you can shoot them at. Ask before you bring a .17 HMR or .22 WMR to a new range.
Availability and storage
.22 LR is made by more companies and in more varieties than the magnums, from bulk bricks to match ammo. That variety helps when one load is out of stock. The magnums come in fewer flavors, and their shelves can thin out faster during busy seasons.
All rimfire ammo benefits from cool, dry storage. Because the priming compound sits in the rim, moisture and rough handling can cause more misfires than with centerfire ammo. Keep boxes sealed and away from humidity, and buy in quantities you'll actually shoot.
Optics and zero
If you swap between loads in the same rimfire rifle, expect the point of impact to shift. Different bullet weights and velocities rarely land in the same spot, especially past 50 yards. Pick one primary load, zero for it, and note how far other loads land from it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shoot .22 LR in a .22 WMR rifle?
No. The .22 LR can fit loosely, but firing it can split the case and vent gas toward the shooter. Use only the cartridge marked on your barrel.
Is .17 HMR better than .22 WMR?
It's flatter-shooting, which helps on small varmints at longer range. The .22 WMR carries heavier bullets that hold up better on larger animals.
What's the cheapest rimfire to shoot?
.22 LR is usually the least expensive per round by a wide margin. See our cheapest calibers guide for context.
Is .22 WMR good for self-defense?
Some small revolvers are chambered for it, but most guidance favors centerfire cartridges for defense. Choose a load you've tested in your gun if you go this route.
Can a .17 HMR rifle be converted to .22 WMR?
They share a case, and some rifles can switch with a barrel change. Have a qualified gunsmith or the maker handle it.
Editorial note: This comparison draws on manufacturer information, retailer listings and published references. We haven't tested these loads hands-on. Specifications, availability and prices change, so check the current listing and your firearm's manual before buying. We may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.