When it comes to small game hunting, most folks talk about the .22 Long Rifle or maybe even the zippy 17 HMR. But tucked quietly between those two rimfires sits a cartridge that punches well above its weight – the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, better known as the .22 Magnum. It doesn’t get the same love or recognition, but it probably should. This little round offers serious capability in a surprisingly versatile package.
Whether you’re protecting chickens from pests, putting squirrels in the pot, or just plinking on the back forty, the .22 Magnum is one of those cartridges that does more than you’d expect. It’s accurate, hard-hitting, easy to shoot, and just plain fun. Here are 12 of the most important and interesting reasons why the .22 Magnum is criminally underrated as a small game cartridge.
1. More Energy, Same Pressure
The .22 Magnum produces significantly more energy than the .22 Long Rifle, yet both operate at the same average pressure – about 24,000 psi. The difference is how long that pressure lasts and how it transfers energy to the target. This means the .22 Magnum hits much harder downrange while maintaining low recoil, making it a potent yet easy-to-handle round.
2. Outstanding Versatility in the Field
Whether it’s rabbits, squirrels, possums, raccoons, foxes, or even the occasional coyote, the .22 Magnum handles them all with ease. It’s not overkill for small game and still retains enough energy to ethically take down larger varmints at closer ranges. That wide range of usefulness makes it one of the most flexible rimfire cartridges available.
3. Better Penetration Than 17 HMR
While the 17 HMR might shoot flatter, the .22 Magnum usually offers better penetration due to its heavier bullets. That means more effective shots on tough small game and less worry about bullets fragmenting or failing to go deep enough. It may not explode on impact, but it gets the job done cleanly and consistently.
4. Huge Variety of Bullet Options
From 25-grain screamers to 50-grain deep punchers, the .22 Magnum has an impressive variety of bullet weights. There are also shot shell options for snakes and rats, and even lead-free rounds for hunting in restricted states. No matter what you’re after, there’s probably a .22 Mag load for it.
5. Simple, Cheap Bolt Actions Available
Some of the best rimfire bolt guns in the world are chambered in .22 Magnum, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great one. Models from Savage, Rossi, Ruger, and CZ offer accuracy and reliability without breaking the bank. These rifles are rugged, dependable, and perfect for field use.
6. It Works When Ammo Supplies Dry Up
During recent ammo shortages, .22 Magnum was one of the few calibers that stayed on store shelves. While everyone else scrambled for 9mm and .22 LR, smart hunters kept on shooting. That kind of availability can be a huge bonus when times get tight or supply chains break down.
7. Ethical at Realistic Hunting Distances
The .22 Magnum is ideal for small game hunting within 100 yards. While it’s capable of reaching farther, most ethical shots on critters like rabbits and squirrels happen well within that range. It hits harder than the .22 LR, without shredding meat like a centerfire varmint round. For hunters who care about quick, humane kills, it strikes the perfect balance.
8. Flatter Shooting Than You’d Expect
While it may not beat the 17 HMR in trajectory, the .22 Magnum still shoots surprisingly flat out to about 125 yards – especially when zeroed at 90. With a properly dialed-in rifle, you can make fast and confident hits without constantly adjusting for drop, particularly inside 100 yards.
9. Quiet Enough for the Backyard
Despite its increased power, the .22 Magnum still retains relatively mild report and recoil. It’s far quieter than a centerfire and is often a great choice for rural or semi-rural areas where noise could be an issue. It also doesn’t scare off other game the way a louder rifle might.
10. It Doesn’t Beat Up Beginners
Because it’s so light recoiling and easy to shoot, the .22 Magnum is perfect for introducing kids or new hunters to small game hunting. It builds confidence, reinforces good shooting habits, and lets them focus on marksmanship – not flinching. And thanks to its increased power, they’ll be more successful in the field too.
11. Bolt-Action and Lever Guns Shine
While .22 Magnum semi-autos can be tricky due to case length and pressure duration issues, bolt-action and lever-action rifles chambered in .22 Magnum are rock-solid. A good bolt gun like the CZ 457 or a classic lever-action Henry provides consistent feeding, accuracy, and reliability – without the dangers or frustrations of finicky semi-autos.
12. It Balances Power and Control Perfectly
Some rimfires are too weak for larger varmints. Others are too expensive, explosive, or hard to control for routine small game. The .22 Magnum sits in that sweet spot – it gives you the punch and reach to go after more serious targets, while still being tame enough for all-day rabbit and squirrel hunts.
A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
The .22 Magnum might not get the hype of the .22 LR or the flashy speed of the 17 HMR, but in real-world hunting situations, it proves its worth again and again. It’s the rimfire that does the most without demanding much in return. It can drop a fox at 80 yards, pop a squirrel out of a tree at 40, and still make for a great plinker on the range.
Plenty of rimfires have their strengths, but few combine them all like the .22 Magnum. It’s a cartridge with practical roots, field-proven performance, and just enough punch to make it interesting. The only real knock against it is the challenge of finding a good semi-auto rifle chambered for it – but with excellent bolt-action and lever-action options on the market, that hardly feels like a deal-breaker.
Stuck in the Shadows
So why does the .22 Magnum remain underrated? Maybe it’s stuck in the shadow of the .22 LR’s affordability or the 17 HMR’s target appeal. But out in the woods, where the animals are real and the shots count, the .22 Magnum quietly delivers. It’s not the loudest or fastest, but it might just be the most dependable small game cartridge you’ll ever use.
If you’ve never hunted with a .22 Magnum, now might be the time to give it a chance. And if you already have one in your gun safe, you probably know exactly why it made this list.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.