22 WMR Ammo Prices

.22 WMR Ammunition Pricing Trends: Market Analysis

The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) holds a special place in the shooting world as a versatile rimfire cartridge offering improved performance over standard .22 LR. Whether you're varmint hunting, target shooting, or considering it for small game, understanding the pricing trends of .22 WMR ammunition is essential for making cost-effective purchases. At BlackBasin.com, we're dedicated to providing you with comprehensive ammunition price tracking. Let's examine our exclusive analysis of .22 WMR ammo prices over the past five years.

Interpreting the .22 WMR Price Chart

Our chart tracks daily average prices for new .22 WMR ammunition from June 2020 through March 2025. This data offers a detailed view of how .22 WMR ammunition prices have fluctuated, providing valuable insights for both casual and dedicated rimfire enthusiasts.

Key .22 WMR Pricing Statistics

Based on our tracking data, we've identified these important price points:

• Current best price: $0.19 per round
• All-time high: Approximately $0.97 per round (during 2020-2021 peak)
• All-time average: Approximately $0.29 per round
• Today's price is 36.67% lower than the all-time average

These figures highlight the significant price fluctuations that the .22 WMR market has experienced in recent years.

The .22 WMR Price Journey: Five Years of Market Changes

The 2020-2021 Price Surge

The most dramatic feature of our chart is the steep price increase beginning in late 2020, with .22 WMR ammunition reaching nearly $1.00 per round at its peak in early 2021. This unprecedented spike can be attributed to several converging factors:

• COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to manufacturing and distribution
• Increased interest in rimfire shooting during lockdown periods
• Supply chain challenges affecting component availability
• Political uncertainty driving overall ammunition demand

The Extended Descent (2021-2023)

Following the dramatic peak, .22 WMR prices began a prolonged, uneven decline. Unlike some other calibers that saw rapid price corrections, .22 WMR experienced a more gradual return to lower pricing levels, with several plateaus along the way. This pattern suggests:

• Slower production scaling for specialty rimfire ammunition
• Sustained popularity of .22 WMR during ammunition shortages
• Persistent raw material constraints for rimfire production

Recent Stability and Value (2023-Present)

The most recent portion of our chart shows .22 WMR prices stabilizing around $0.20 per round, with the current best price of $0.19 representing excellent value compared to historical averages. This price is:

• 9.52% lower than both 3-month and 12-month averages
• 36.67% below the all-time average price
• Approaching pre-pandemic pricing levels

Unique Factors Influencing .22 WMR Ammunition Prices

Understanding the specific factors affecting .22 WMR pricing can help you make more strategic purchasing decisions:

Rimfire Production Complexity

Unlike centerfire ammunition, rimfire cartridges like .22 WMR require specialized manufacturing processes. The unique production requirements for rimfire primers create additional constraints during supply chain disruptions, often resulting in more pronounced price fluctuations than some centerfire calibers.

Seasonal Hunting Demand

As a popular varmint and small game hunting cartridge, .22 WMR experiences seasonal demand fluctuations tied to hunting seasons. This cycling demand can create minor price variations throughout the year, particularly for premium hunting loads.

Limited Manufacturing Base

Fewer manufacturers produce .22 WMR ammunition compared to mainstream calibers like 9mm. This limited production base means that when demand increases, the market cannot respond as quickly, potentially leading to more sustained price elevations.

Copper and Lead Market Influences

While all ammunition is affected by raw material costs, the specific composition of .22 WMR bullets and cases creates unique sensitivity to certain commodity price changes. Recent stabilization in copper and lead markets has contributed to the more consistent pricing we now observe.

What This Means for .22 WMR Shooters

The pricing trends for .22 WMR ammunition offer several actionable insights for shooters:

Favorable Buying Conditions

Current prices represent some of the best values seen in the past five years. With prices 36.67% below the long-term average, now presents an opportune time for stocking up on .22 WMR ammunition.

Strategic Purchasing

While prices have stabilized, the historical volatility shown in our chart suggests maintaining a reasonable inventory during favorable pricing periods may be prudent. The current price of $0.19 per round represents exceptional value compared to the peaks of nearly $1.00 per round.

Price-Performance Consideration

Even at current prices, .22 WMR remains more expensive than .22 LR but offers significant performance advantages. Shooters should consider the specific application when choosing between rimfire options, as the ballistic benefits of .22 WMR may justify the premium for certain uses.

Conclusion: Navigating the .22 WMR Ammunition Market

The .22 WMR ammunition market has demonstrated remarkable resilience following the unprecedented volatility of 2020-2021. After reaching nearly $1.00 per round during peak shortages, prices have gradually returned to more accessible levels, with today's best price of $0.19 representing excellent value.

At BlackBasin.com, we're committed to helping you navigate these market trends with our continuous price tracking. By staying informed about pricing patterns and the factors that influence them, you can make smarter purchasing decisions for your .22 WMR ammunition needs.

Remember to check our website regularly for updated pricing information and special deals on .22 WMR ammunition. Whether you're preparing for varmint season, target practice, or adding to your emergency supplies, we're here to help you find the best value in today's rimfire ammunition market.