Has anyone experience with the .22 WMR Federal 50 gr JHP ammo?

How is accuracy?

How is the performance on game?


Would you recommend using it instead of the 40 gr JHP bullet?


Thanks!

I have had some limited experience with the 50gr load you mention, it works well on critters up to around the 50lb mark (Wallabies and Kangaroos here in OZ), but doesn't seem to work any better than the 40gr loads. Maybe on something a bit bigger, or a target which did not allow precise shot placement (all the 'roos were headshot, as the law requires) you might notice a difference.
They did, however, shoot very tiny (.70 MOA) groups in my Ruger 77/22M, and that made it worthwhile for me to use them.
Give them a try, the worst that could happen is they don't shoot well in your rifle.

I consider the Federal 50 grainers a bullet for edible small game. Meat damage is much less than with 40 grain bullets and killing ability is noticeably greater than with .22 lr.

On the negative side, I have not had as good accuracy and bullet drop gets to be a problem much sooner. Shots over 50 yards are rare for me, so I can live with it.

Accuracy was poor in my Kimber. Velocity chronographed about 1550 out of its 22" barrel. I find the Winchester promo 45 grain loads at about 1660 fps (can't remember the trade name, Dynapoint maybe?) superior to the 50 grain Federals for that type of shooting (small game), and cheaper to boot.

However, remember that every gun tends to shoot ammo differently, so the reverse might be true in your gun.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Accuracy was poor in my Kimber. Velocity chronographed about 1550 out of its 22" barrel. I find the Winchester promo 45 grain loads at about 1660 fps (can't remember the trade name, Dynapoint maybe?) superior to the 50 grain Federals for that type of shooting (small game), and cheaper to boot.

However, remember that every gun tends to shoot ammo differently, so the reverse might be true in your gun.

It is! The Dynapoints won't stay in 2" at 50 yards for me.

The 50 grain JHP has proven to be one of the most consistently-accurate of the .22 Magnum loads as it groups well in virtually everything I've tried it in.

On game, it penetrates well and displaces much less tissue than the 40 grain JHPs or the lighter 30 to 34 grain projectiles. I used it for a while for night-hunting 'coons as the bullet always exits but only leaves dime-sized exit holes. With the JHPs, if they exit, the wound at times would be gaping, which did nothing more than reduce the value of the pelt.

The looping trajectory does come into play, however, and that's why I quit using this round. Many times, a called-in 'coon will stick to cover and only give you a shot at its head, so the extra flatness of trajectory afforded by the lighter bullets is advantageous. (Remington makes a pointed soft point in 40-grain format, and it, too, is a tougher bullet that results in minimal pelt damage.)

On coyotes, I've noticed no discernable edge over the 40 grain JHPs. With the .22 WMR, I only take close-range (inside 100 yards) shots on coyotes, and with a JHP to the chest, they generally fold within 15-30 yards.