Introduction

Rimfire ammunition has earned its place as one of the most versatile and widely used categories of small-caliber cartridges in the shooting world. From casual backyard plinking to pest control and target competition, rimfire rounds are popular for their low recoil, affordable cost, and generally quieter performance. Among the rimfire family, three calibers dominate the market: .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR), .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR or .22 Magnum), and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR). Each offers a different balance of power, precision, and effective range.

 What Makes Rimfire Different?

In a rimfire cartridge, the priming compound is located inside the rim of the case. When the firearm’s firing pin strikes the rim, the compound ignites the powder inside. This design allows for:

• Simplified manufacturing
• Lower cost per round
• Thinner brass cases
• Generally smaller calibers

However, rimfire ammunition has limitations — particularly case strength — which restricts how much pressure it can safely handle. That’s why rimfire rounds are typically found in low to medium-power calibers.

22 LR — The Universal Rimfire Standard

Overview

Introduced in the late 1800s, .22 Long Rifle has become the most-produced cartridge in the world. It appears in everything from single-shot rifles to semi-automatic pistols, competitive match rifles, and compact training firearms.

Typical Performance

• Bullet weight: 30–40 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 1,000–1,300 fps (standard)
• Effective range: ~50–100 yards for practical accuracy
• Recoil level: Extremely low

Special ammunition types — such as subsonic, hyper-velocity, and shotshell loads — add more versatility.

Best Uses

Strengths

Cheapest rimfire ammo
Works in many firearm platforms
Quiet options available
Minimal barrel wear

Limitations

Limited power beyond ~75 yards
Sensitive to wind and drop over distance                                                             

Performance varies significantly between ammo types

Bottom line: The most flexible choice for budget shooting and general rimfire use.

🔹 .22 WMR — More Power, Same Diameter

Overview

Introduced in 1959, .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire — often called .22 Magnum — is designed to deliver a stronger and longer-range option than .22 LR. While the bullet diameter is nearly identical, the cartridge is significantly longer and uses more powder.

Typical Performance

• Bullet weight: 30–50 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 1,800–2,200 fps (from rifles)
• Effective range: ~100–150 yards
• Recoil level: Still light, though noticeably more than .22 LR

This boosts both kinetic energy and penetration, improving performance on tougher small animals.

Best Uses

Strengths

✅ Faster and more powerful than .22 LR
✅ Flatter trajectory at mid-range distances
✅ Available in convenient lightweight rifles and handguns

Limitations

❌ Higher cost — often 2×–3× .22 LR
❌ Not as accurate as .22 LR or .17 HMR at longer distances
❌ Slightly louder

Bottom line: Excellent power upgrade when you need more reach and impact than .22 LR.

17 HMR — The Precision Rimfire Speedster

Overview

Created by Hornady in 2002, .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire quickly became a favorite for long-range rimfire shooters who want accuracy above all else. It uses a necked-down .22 WMR case fitted with a .17-caliber bullet — typically lightweight and pointed for reduced drag.

Typical Performance

• Bullet weight: 17–20 grains
• Muzzle velocity: 2,400–2,650 fps
• Effective range: 150–200 yards (with skill)
• Recoil level: Extremely light

These high velocities lead to flat shooting and remarkable precision out of quality rifles.

Best Uses

Strengths

✅ Fastest and flattest rimfire trajectory
✅ Outstanding long-range accuracy
✅ Very consistent factory ammo

Limitations

❌ More expensive than .22 LR and often .22 WMR
❌ Fragile bullet — designed for rapid expansion, not penetration
❌ Can be affected by wind due to light projectile

Bottom line: The go-to rimfire for longer-range pest work and precision target shooting.

Side-by-Side Specs Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

If you want the cheapest practice and widest options → .22 LR

No contest — the most affordable path to shooting more often.

If you need more reliable power for pests → .22 WMR

Better retained energy and penetration at practical ranges.

If long-range precision matters most → .17 HMR

The flattest shooter for hunting small varmints over fields or open property.

Interchangeability Notes

A common beginner question:

Can a .22 WMR firearm shoot .22 LR?

No — the cartridges are different in size, pressure, and case diameter.
Only guns specifically designed for multiple calibers (rare specialty models) allow interchangeability.

Similarly:

• .17 HMR cannot be fired from .22 WMR firearms, despite sharing a parent case
• Doing so could cause dangerous pressure issues

Matching ammunition to the marking on the barrel is the rule.

Choosing Firearms for Each Caliber

Bolt-actions are particularly popular for .17 HMR to maximize precision.

🔍 Practical Ammo Considerations

Availability

• .22 LR is stocked virtually everywhere
• .22 WMR and .17 HMR are widely available, but with fewer choices

Barrel Fouling

• Lead .22 LR bullets may require more frequent cleaning
• Jacketed .22 WMR/.17 HMR help maintain consistency at higher speeds

Environmental Noise

• Subsonic .22 LR options are best for noise-sensitive areas
• The other two calibers almost always operate supersonically

✅ Final Summary: Rimfire for Every Shooter

Rimfire cartridges continue to dominate the market because they satisfy so many needs without complexity or excessive recoil. Here’s the clean takeaway:

• .22 LR → Best all-around and most affordable
• .22 WMR → Power upgrade for practical hunting ranges
• .17 HMR → Long-range accuracy specialist

None of these cartridges is “better” in every situation — they simply excel at different jobs. Understanding what matters most for your experience, budget, and intended use will guide you to the right rimfire choice.

Whether you’re teaching a beginner, protecting a garden from pests, or dialing in precision at 200 yards, one of these rimfire options has you covered.

More Technical Detail & Practical Knowledge

Internal Ballistics: How They Behave in the Barrel

.22 LR uses fast-burning powder, making pistol-length barrels surprisingly effective.
.22 WMR and .17 HMR benefit more from rifle-length barrels due to higher powder volume.

External Ballistics: Drop and Wind Drift Comparison

At 100 yards (typical zero):

Key takeaway:
✅ .17 HMR remains flatter and more stable in wind — a major advantage in open environments.

Terminal Performance: What Happens on Impact?

• .22 LR: Mushrooming with expanding hollow points; penetration varies a lot depending on load
• .22 WMR: Better balance of penetration and expansion; capable of handling larger, tougher targets
• .17 HMR: Rapid fragmentation — ideal for varmints where quick energy dump is desired

Strong Closing Section

In the end, choosing the right rimfire cartridge isn’t about chasing the newest trend or the biggest velocity number — it’s about matching the tool to the task. .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR each earned their reputation by excelling in different roles. One offers incredible economy and versatility, one delivers dependable field power, and one brings true precision performance to the rimfire category.

What they all share is simple: they make shooting more accessible and more enjoyable. Whether you’re teaching someone their very first trigger press, keeping pests away from the garden, or dialing in shots across hundreds of yards, rimfire cartridges remain one of the most useful and rewarding ways to shoot.

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with .22 LR — and let your experiences guide your next step. Chances are, as your skills grow, your rimfire collection will grow too. With these three calibers in your toolbox, you’ll be ready for almost any rimfire shooting challenge that comes your way.