.22 Win Rimfire
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.22 Win Rimfire: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Rimfire |
| Used For | Small Game Hunting, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimmed, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 1890 |
.22 Win Rimfire: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Very low recoil
- ✔ Quiet report compared to centerfire cartridges
- ✔ Inexpensive ammunition
- ✔ Suitable for small game hunting
- ✔ Good for training new shooters
Cons
- ✘ Limited effective range
- ✘ Less powerful than centerfire cartridges
- ✘ Not suitable for medium or large game hunting
- ✘ Less reliable ignition than centerfire primers
- ✘ Limited bullet weight options
.22 Win Rimfire: A Comprehensive Overview
The .22 Win Rimfire, also known as the .22 Winchester Rimfire or .22 WRF, is a rimfire cartridge introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1890. It was designed to bridge the gap between the .22 Long Rifle and the more powerful .22 Winchester Centerfire. The .22 WRF offers improved ballistics over the .22 LR while maintaining the simplicity and low cost of rimfire ammunition.
History and Development
The .22 Win Rimfire was developed by Winchester in 1890 to provide a more powerful rimfire option for small game hunting and target shooting. It was initially designed for use in Winchester's Model 1890 pump-action rifle, which became highly popular for its reliability and smooth action.
The cartridge features a longer case than the .22 Long Rifle, allowing for more powder and a heavier bullet. This results in higher muzzle velocity and improved terminal performance, making it more suitable for hunting small to medium-sized game at moderate ranges.
Despite its initial popularity, the .22 WRF was eventually overshadowed by the .22 Long Rifle due to the latter's lower cost and wider availability. However, the .22 WRF maintained a loyal following among hunters and target shooters who appreciated its enhanced ballistics.
Today, the .22 WRF is considered somewhat of a niche cartridge. While not as widely produced as other rimfire options, it continues to be manufactured by select ammunition companies and remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts who own firearms chambered for this round.
Performance Characteristics
The .22 Win Rimfire typically fires a 45-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of around 1,300 feet per second (fps). This results in muzzle energy of approximately 170 foot-pounds, which is significantly higher than that of the .22 Long Rifle. The increased velocity and energy translate to improved accuracy at longer ranges and enhanced terminal performance on small game.
The .22 WRF's trajectory is flatter than that of the .22 LR, making it easier to achieve accurate shots at varying distances without significant holdover adjustments. This characteristic, combined with its low recoil, makes it an excellent choice for small game hunting and target shooting at ranges up to 150 yards.
Timeline of .22 Win Rimfire Development:
.22 Win Rimfire Performance
The .22 Win Rimfire offers improved performance over the .22 Long Rifle, making it suitable for small game hunting and target shooting at moderate ranges. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 45 grains Standard bullet weight for .22 WRF |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,300 fps Higher velocity than .22 LR for improved ballistics |
| Muzzle Energy | 170 ft-lbs Provides sufficient energy for small game hunting |
| Effective Range | Up to 150 yards Suitable for small game hunting and target shooting |
| Recoil | Low Allows for quick follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .22 Win Rimfire loads.
.22 Win Rimfire: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .22 Win Rimfire ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Varmint Hunting | 0-100 | Effective for small varmints within 100 yards |
| Small Game Hunting | 0-75 | Suitable for squirrels, rabbits, and other small game |
| Target Shooting | 0-150 | Accurate for target shooting, especially with match-grade ammunition |
| Plinking | 0-50 | Ideal for casual recreational shooting |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .22 Win Rimfire is known for its low recoil and relatively quiet report. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .22 Win Rimfire
The .22 Win Rimfire's performance profile makes it suitable for several applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .22 Win Rimfire's place in the rimfire world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .22 Win Rimfire with other rimfire cartridges. (Based on a 5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .22 Win Rimfire with other rimfire cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .22 Win Rimfire with other rimfire cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .22 Win Rimfire with other rimfire cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .22 Win Rimfire
The .22 Win Rimfire, also known as .22 Winchester Rimfire, is a rimfire cartridge introduced by Winchester in 1890. It was designed for use in rifles and has a slightly higher velocity than the .22 Long Rifle.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .22 Win Rimfire | 45 | 0.128 |
| .22 Win Rimfire | 40 | 0.114 |
Note: The .22 Win Rimfire is an obsolete cartridge and is no longer in production. Modern firearms are not chambered for this round. The sectional density values provided are based on the typical bullet weights used in this cartridge during its production period.