The overall best 22 WMR ammo is CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP, but I understand that it’s not for everyone or every situation, which is why I’ve added a few of my other top 22 WMR picks below.
If you’re new to 22 WMR and aren’t sure what to look for in a 22 WMR round, check out our buyer’s guide HERE. Otherwise, continue scrolling like the ABSOLUTE HERO you are.
The Best 22 WMR Rounds on the Market
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Best Overall: CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP
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Best for Self-Defense: Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 40 grain JHP
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Hardest-Hitting 22 Mag Ammo: Hornady Critical Defense 45 grain FTX
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Best for Coyotes: CCI Gamepoint 40 grain JSP
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Best for Target Shooting: Federal 40 grain FMJ
Best 22 WMR Ammo Overall – CCI Maxi-Mag 40 Grain CPHP
Specs:
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Case: Brass
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Bullet Type: Copper-Plated Hollow Point (CPHP)
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Bullet Weight: 40 grains
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Muzzle Velocity: 1,875 fps
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Muzzle Energy: 312 ft-lbs
Why I Chose It
If you’re looking for the best overall 22 WMR round, look no further than CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain CPHP. This load does it all, offering shooters the stopping power to take on coyotes while still being affordable enough for high-volume shooting or small game hunting.
This round’s 40 grain bullet delivers the punch requisite for dropping yotes, yet its recoil is gentle and smooth (which, to be fair, is characteristic of all 22 WMR cartridges – not just this one).
CCI’s rimfire ammunition is extremely reliable. This ammo has yet to misfire or otherwise malfunction in any of our team’s many, many pistols or long guns. Accuracy is also excellent in our firearms out to 100+ yards.
If I could only stockpile one type of 22 WMR ammo, then this is the one I’d pick.
The only downside to this ammo is its slightly lower muzzle velocity compared to other 40 grain 22 WMR loads. This makes the arch of its trajectory especially pronounced when compared to lighter offerings, such as Hornady 30 grain V-MAX. However, CCI Maxi-Mag’s low price tag more than makes up for its steeper bullet drop.
Best 22 WMR for Self-Defense – Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 40 Grain JHP
Specs:
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Case: Nickel-Plated Brass
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Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
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Bullet Weight: 40 grains
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Muzzle Velocity: 1,050 fps
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Muzzle Energy: 98 ft-lbs
Why I Chose It
Rimfire ammo’s suitability for self-defense is a hot-button issue. I say a rimfire in the pocket is better than a 1911 on the nightstand when it comes to concealed carry.
At first glance, Speer Gold Dot 40 grain JHP appears to be somewhat of an underperformer. Its 1,050 fps and 98 ft-lbs of muzzle energy would be low if they were recorded using a conventional 20" test barrel, but Speer actually captured them with a 1.9" barrel.
Speer’s Gold Dot label ammo is often carried by law enforcement officers. We don’t know of any cops who carry 22 WMR handguns, but the Idahoan company’s rimfire ammo exhibits the same quality and reliability that made Gold Dot such a big hit with the fuzz.
Designed specifically for handguns with 2" of barrel length or less, Speer Gold Dot 40 grain JHP is a great choice for smaller pocket guns like a NAA Ranger or Pug. We had excellent results when testing this ammo in a Kel-Tec PMR-30: reliable, accurate, and fun.
While it may work well for self-defense, Speer Gold Dot 40 grain JHP is not the best choice for long-range varmint hunting. It’s also a little too expensive to casually burn through at the range or backyard plinking gallery.
If you concealed carry a 22 Mag, then Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel should be your first choice of self-defense ammo.
Continue reading Top 5 Best 22 WMR Ammo on the Market: The Rimfire Powerhouse on Ammo.com
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