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.22 mag recommendations?
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I am seeking the wisdom of the AR membership. I want to pick up a .22 magnum rifle (bolt or lever). Price is not a concern, only accuracy. What would you buy and why?
 
Posts: 10505 | Location: Texas... time to secede!! | Registered: 12 February 2004Reply With Quote
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My CZ 455 shoots very well. The walnut on the ones I have seen are fine. Anschutz may make a 22MAG not seen one.
 
Posts: 2674 | Location: Lone Star State | Registered: 12 November 2010Reply With Quote
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You might think about buying a rifle with a good action and then be prepared to have it rebarreled with a barrel with a custom chamber.
The SAAMI chamber is way too long and oversize when you compare the maximum chamber vs min ammo.

.22 mag thread

To quote DenisB
"Its almost like a rabbit was given the job of designing the 22WMR specs & gave itself the best chance of being missed."

Another .22 WMR thread
 
Posts: 13978 | Location: http://www.tarawaontheweb.org/tarawa2.jpg | Registered: 03 December 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by dogcat: I want to pick up a .22 magnum rifle (bolt or lever). Price is not a concern, only accuracy. What would you buy and why?


Is there any reason you you are selecting the .22 WMR as your choice of chambering instead of something like the 17 HMR or one of the small centerfire calibers like the 5.7 x 28 or one of the Hornet based centerfires?

Not trying to stir........ just asking.
 
Posts: 2864 | Registered: 06 August 2012Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by rdharma:
quote:
Originally posted by dogcat: I want to pick up a .22 magnum rifle (bolt or lever). Price is not a concern, only accuracy. What would you buy and why?


Is there any reason you you are selecting the .22 WMR as your choice of chambering instead of something like the 17 HMR or one of the small centerfire calibers like the 5.7 x 28 or one of the Hornet based centerfires?

Not trying to stir........ just asking.


I'd guess it's because the 17hmr sucks ass compared to the 22mag.
 
Posts: 1144 | Location: utah | Registered: 07 March 2003Reply With Quote
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Highly recommend the Marlin 982VS (heavyweight stainless barrel, glass bedded composite stock, etc). Mine has great trigger...topped with Burris 2-10 scope. Have taken rock chucks out to 200 yards (Snake River, ID) Prefers CCI ammo...you'll have to experiment.

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Posts: 80 | Location: Colo Spgs, CO & Sterkrivier, RSA | Registered: 29 July 2010Reply With Quote
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I'm afraid that you are pissing in the wind. The 22 mag ammo is just not that good. If you search on this forum you should find some threads on the topic of 22 mag accuracy. 50 yards is great but once you get to 100 accuracy falls off.
Just MHO, Peter.


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
 
Posts: 10515 | Location: Jacksonville, Florida | Registered: 09 January 2004Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Peter:
I'm afraid that you are pissing in the wind. The 22 mag ammo is just not that good. If you search on this forum you should find some threads on the topic of 22 mag accuracy. 50 yards is great but once you get to 100 accuracy falls off.
Just MHO, Peter.


Peter unlike you I don't need to search the forum to find out what I know from first hand experience. Yes you may need to experiment with different loads to find what a particular 22 mag rifle likes. But I will tell you this from shooting thousands of prairie dogs with both platforms side by side. The 22 mag hits harder and kills much better than the 17hmr. I am talking first hand comparison between the two calibers on thousands of prairie dogs, not just a handful of kills. At longer distances it was common to see 17hmr hit p-dogs drag themselves into their hole, while with the 22 mag they would just tip over stone cold.

I will grant you there is some inferior 22mag ammo out there. But there is some great stuff as well. There are several different loads that shoot great in my guns at 100 yards and beyond. I've owned several of each caliber and burned up many cases of ammo on both. I will never buy another 17hmr. In my opinion it is the most overrated cartridge on the market.

So you sir are pissing in the wind and ya got some on ya Big Grin But keep reading those threads and you might learn something. I'll continue to discover it firsthand.
 
Posts: 1144 | Location: utah | Registered: 07 March 2003Reply With Quote
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I really like my Henry frontier for small game.
Most accurate 22WMR I've owned.



And BTW,,,, I don't have to search for examples of the 22WMR's efficiency either.
For small game, I'll take it over the HMR every time.



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Posts: 91 | Location: Idaho, Clearwater County | Registered: 07 January 2012Reply With Quote
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filmit, I am trying to understand your post. The OP asked about 22mag. I honestly don't know why you bring the 17HMR into it. I have one, but have not done extensive testing with it, so I don't know how it does accuracy wise compared with the 22mag. I have no knowledge how either performs against live animals. Again, the OP did not ask that. Now, why don't you post some 100 yard 5 shot groups of your favorite 22mag ammo? My statement, in my original post, is that the limiting factor is the ammo and not the rifle. So, building a super precise custom rifle will not necessarily result in superior accuracy.
Peter.


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
 
Posts: 10515 | Location: Jacksonville, Florida | Registered: 09 January 2004Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Peter:
filmit, I am trying to understand your post. The OP asked about 22mag. I honestly don't know why you bring the 17HMR into it. I have one, but have not done extensive testing with it, so I don't know how it does accuracy wise compared with the 22mag. I have no knowledge how either performs against live animals. Again, the OP did not ask that. Now, why don't you post some 100 yard 5 shot groups of your favorite 22mag ammo? My statement, in my original post, is that the limiting factor is the ammo and not the rifle. So, building a super precise custom rifle will not necessarily result in superior accuracy.
Peter.


My bad Eeker It must have been late when I read your post because somehow I thought you were comparing the two. Just now re-reading your post you didn't mention the 17 at all. I must have just read that into it, being used to the comparisons between the two.

I haven't kept any targets to scan but have gotten excellent groups at 100yards with both 34grain winchester supreme and 30 grain vmax loads. Also some good loads with 40 grain cci's.

My apologies for getting sideways in my post.
 
Posts: 1144 | Location: utah | Registered: 07 March 2003Reply With Quote
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It is not clear that the ammo is the sole problem.
The chambers of .22 WMRs are relatively long and sloppy. In addition the slow 16" twist seems to be part of the problem at 100 yards or more.

There was one pretty good US made lever gun - the Marlin 1894. They are scarce and very expensive. Other than that try to find an Anschutz 54.
 
Posts: 13978 | Location: http://www.tarawaontheweb.org/tarawa2.jpg | Registered: 03 December 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by rdharma:
quote:
Originally posted by dogcat: I want to pick up a .22 magnum rifle (bolt or lever). Price is not a concern, only accuracy. What would you buy and why?


Is there any reason you you are selecting the .22 WMR as your choice of chambering instead of something like the 17 HMR or one of the small centerfire calibers like the 5.7 x 28 or one of the Hornet based centerfires?

Not trying to stir........ just asking.


thanks for asking. I have shot the small ones and just prefer the .22 mag ....
 
Posts: 10505 | Location: Texas... time to secede!! | Registered: 12 February 2004Reply With Quote
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I bought a T-Bolt (sporter with wood stock) and like it very much. The new models shoot well and are fun to carry.
I like the straight pull bolt and tang safety opposed to the CZ452 22LR I had.
It also shoots very well.
 
Posts: 2155 | Location: Oklahoma | Registered: 03 October 2006Reply With Quote
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Filmit, not a problem! I too had good results with the 30 gr. VMAX (black tip) bullets, but they opened up at 100 yards.
Peter.


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
 
Posts: 10515 | Location: Jacksonville, Florida | Registered: 09 January 2004Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by rdharma:
quote:
Originally posted by rdharma:
Is there any reason you you are selecting the .22 WMR as your choice of chambering instead of something like the 17 HMR or one of the small centerfire calibers like the 5.7 x 28 or one of the Hornet based centerfires?

Not trying to stir........ just asking.


quote:
Originally posted by dogcat:
thanks for asking. I have shot the small ones and just prefer the .22 mag ....


I thought maybe you were pairing it with a pistol like the Ruger single six convertable.

In pistols, the .22WMR is clearly superior to the .17HMR. In rifles, the .17 HMR generally has a slight accuracy advantage. As far as knock down power, they are about equal out to 100yds. After 100 yds, the .22WMR has a slight advantage.

Something else to consider with the 17 HMR....... if you don't already have something else in .17 cal, you'll have to buy another cleaning rod, brushes, etc.

Having said that, if I were going to get a new rifle in .22WMR, I'd recommend the Browning T-Bolt Target Varmint w/Composite Stock. If you like the looks of nice walnut, they also make a Sporter model.
 
Posts: 2864 | Registered: 06 August 2012Reply With Quote
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volquartzen customs , do a google search, they are awesome.
 
Posts: 589 | Location: Austin TX, Mexico City | Registered: 17 August 2005Reply With Quote
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I've had three Marlins and like them. My current one is the heavy barrel stainless steel model with a synthetic stock. I don't think there is anything to be gained by buying a more expensive model.
 
Posts: 3174 | Location: Warren, PA | Registered: 08 August 2002Reply With Quote
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I have a Marlin 25 MN; I think it's about the cheapest .22 mag out there. At 100 yards, I get groups around 1 1/4" with CCI Maxi-Mag +V, which is plenty for groundhogs and other varmints at that range. I've also had good luck with Savage rimfire rifles too, although I don't own one in .22 mag.
 
Posts: 641 | Location: SW Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: 10 October 2003Reply With Quote
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I need to take out my Mossberg Chuckster, if I can just figure out how to get a scope on it.
Peter.


Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
 
Posts: 10515 | Location: Jacksonville, Florida | Registered: 09 January 2004Reply With Quote
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If price is not a concern then you should look hard at Copper model 57 or Anschutz. You will not be disappointed by either one.


The price of knowledge is great but the price of ignorance is even greater.
 
Posts: 777 | Location: Socialist Republic of California | Registered: 27 February 2005Reply With Quote
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If price is not the object, then either the Cooper 57 in a bolt rifle or a Brno ZKM-611 in a semi-auto. The Brno is no longer made and is a bit hard to find, but they show up with some frequency on Gunbroker. Be advised that magazines are pricey for it.

The Anschutz will be accurate, but I don't find the aesthetics of the current models very pleasing.
 
Posts: 121 | Registered: 13 January 2007Reply With Quote
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Not sure where some of you guys get your info from but there are no fleas on the 22 mag. I've owned a bunch in my life and never had one that would shoot worse than 1/2 at 50 yards for 5 shots if I did my part.
Currently own a Cooper that is capable of 3/8ths of an inch at 50 yards with Remington 33 grain ammo and wife has a new model Browning T Bolt that is almost as accurate.
Many a ground hog at ranges up to 150 yards sure wished I never owned a 22 mag. I still own one 17 HMR but can't remember the last time we pulled it out of the safe.
 
Posts: 73 | Location: SW Pa | Registered: 14 March 2012Reply With Quote
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Probably hard to believe, but I've had absolutely stellar accuracy from two different Winchester 9422M lever actions. A third one was so-so, but still pretty good, but the other two were amazing.
Another 'bargain' .22 WMR that always shot well is those ugly old Mossberg 640s. I still have a old single shot that I paid $35 for brand new - amazing accuracy! A couple of the repeater variations also shoot well. Cheap, 4ft. long, and brutally ugly but they do shoot.
 
Posts: 6034 | Location: Alberta | Registered: 14 November 2002Reply With Quote
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You state accuracy is important. You might find a used Anschutz 1720. I have one, not for sale, that is very accurate.


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Posts: 2657 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: 08 December 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by df06:
You state accuracy is important. You might find a used Anschutz 1720. I have one, not for sale, that is very accurate.


What he said!! or a Cooper


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Posts: 1569 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 12 February 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by AK Caster:
Not sure where some of you guys get your info from but there are no fleas on the 22 mag. I've owned a bunch in my life and never had one that would shoot worse than 1/2 at 50 yards for 5 shots if I did my part.
Currently own a Cooper that is capable of 3/8ths of an inch at 50 yards with Remington 33 grain ammo and wife has a new model Browning T Bolt that is almost as accurate.
Many a ground hog at ranges up to 150 yards sure wished I never owned a 22 mag. I still own one 17 HMR but can't remember the last time we pulled it out of the safe.


It is easy to get one to shoot pretty well at 50 yards. My Mossberg clunker will do pretty well at 50 yards. At 100 meters if struggles to stay under 3 inches with better ammo and the 50 grain Federal is more like 4" inches.
 
Posts: 13978 | Location: http://www.tarawaontheweb.org/tarawa2.jpg | Registered: 03 December 2008Reply With Quote
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I have a brno 611 semi-auto. I bought some time ago. I think somewhere in the 1990's It is OK,and really built like a tank. All steel.

The best shooting 22 magnum I ever had was a Marlin 94M lever action. I must have been crazy when I sold that.
 
Posts: 930 | Registered: 25 December 2001Reply With Quote
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CZ's have a decent reputation, at least in CF.
Anyone here know the accuracy of the CZ455 in
.22 Mag??
 
Posts: 565 | Location: Walker, IA, USA | Registered: 03 December 2001Reply With Quote
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Cooper for consistant accuracy.
Henry for lever actions.
All other manufacturers some more than others, sometimes produce an exceptionally accurate rifle but not the norm.
 
Posts: 1025 | Location: Brooksville, FL. | Registered: 01 August 2007Reply With Quote
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I have the Sako Quad in 22 mag. Shoots great.
 
Posts: 75 | Registered: 01 August 2009Reply With Quote
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I have found that 17 HMR beats 22 mag in almost every respect. It shoots flatter, has a longer effective range, is more accurate and more explosive on impact. The only case where I would chose 22 mag over 17 HMR is when targeting larger animals where you need penetration such as a coyote.
 
Posts: 15 | Location: Ca | Registered: 03 March 2013Reply With Quote
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dogcat,

Not sure what you want a .22 WMR for?

If a .17HMR would be big enough I favor it. See the post above.

For rifles in either the CZ 455 action is superb, really big and strong and smooth. Consider a switch barrel one.

For show off 'quality' the Brno 611's are fabulous if you can find one.



Get the 'power' or optic that your eye likes instead of what someone else says.

When we go to the doctor they ask us what lens we like!

Do that with your optics.
 
Posts: 980 | Registered: 16 July 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by MyDogsHunt:
I really like my Henry frontier for small game.
Most accurate 22WMR I've owned.


And BTW,,,, I don't have to search for examples of the 22WMR's efficiency either.
For small game, I'll take it over the HMR every time.


+1 for the Henry rifle. exceptionally well made, and made in the USA. Definitely old school quality and accuracy.


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Posts: 1985 | Location: The Three Lower Counties (Delaware USA) | Registered: 13 September 2001Reply With Quote
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all of you are forgetting one of the best. i have a an anschutz and it is awesome. i shot my dad's CZ and it was equally great. can't go wrong with either one. but i was really impressed with the Savage 93 with the fluted bull barrel and accu trigger that Dicks Sporting Goods sell as a package deal(includes a scope). after shooting it. my dad sold his CZ. the savage is really great and about half the price.

the key to the 22Mag is like the 22lr, find the brand of ammo it likes. there are several good options out there now. hornay 30 vmax is my choice.
 
Posts: 83 | Registered: 01 November 2011Reply With Quote
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Finally someone brings up the marvelous Savage! I like the WMR at short distanc, but the 17 HMR kicks it's butt for accuracy. At 100 yards it's no contest.
 
Posts: 16306 | Location: Iowa | Registered: 10 April 2007Reply With Quote
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I purchased one of these Izhmash 7-2 BI KO rifles. For 399.00 and free shipping I doubt you can go wrong.

http://centerfiresystems.com/IZ-144.aspx

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/...wthread.php?t=503926

http://www.gunbroker.com/Aucti....aspx?Item=339138130


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Posts: 858 | Registered: 27 October 2007Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Savage_99:
dogcat,

Not sure what you want a .22 WMR for?

If a .17HMR would be big enough I favor it. See the post above.

For rifles in either the CZ 455 action is superb, really big and strong and smooth. Consider a switch barrel one.

For show off 'quality' the Brno 611's are fabulous if you can find one.



Savage_99

How well does that semiauto shoot at 100 yards?


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Posts: 16134 | Location: Texas | Registered: 06 April 2002Reply With Quote
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I picked up my Russian $400 wonder today.....real slick and fits like a glove.





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375H&H,404J,416DAK,458AFR,416RIG,450RIG,505GIB

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Posts: 858 | Registered: 27 October 2007Reply With Quote
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Cooper 57M, Anschutz 1720 or equivalent with 54 action, or Volquartsen. I have shot thousand of rounds thru each. In my experience they will shoot 1" groups and the 22 mag does hid harder than a 17 HMR. HMR is a 1/2 inch caliber though. I have seen some fantastic shooting with marlins once they had a trigger job performed on them. But since price is not a concern grab the Cooper 57M, a meister grade Anschutz or a fluted barreled Volquartsen and enjoy it!
 
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