Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Caliber?

For small game and practise, what should I choose: 22LR or 22 Magnum? Is the ammunition cost worth the money for the magnum or are the calibers almost the same in the field?

For practice, the 22 LR can't be beat. For small game - well, I hear a lot of things called small game. It depends on what you call "small" and how far out.

For most folks who are no better than average handgun shots, the .22 LR will probably be effective as far as you cna hit them on ground squirrels and rabbits without the extra expense of the .22 mag. If you get a Ruger SIngle-Six convertible, however, you can just change the cylinders between the mag and the LR.

The magnum's main advantage in a handgun is that it is going to have velocity about equal to the LR from a rifle barrel - so for bigger game, it will be more effective. As the above poster said, it depends on what you are going to be shooting and to some extent, how far.

The mag is going to cost you at least 4 to 5 times as much per box of ammo, though.

I have one 22 Magnum rifle, and it is an excellent shooter. However, there is little that I need to do with a rimfire firearm that can't be handled with a properly loaded .22LR. YMMV.

Do what any true "gun loonie" would do. Buy BOTH! I would start with a 22LR, then get a 22 magnum, then a 17 HMR!

Another option would be the Sako quad with switch barrels in all four rimfire rounds.

I have several of each, 'cept the 17HMR, so I NEED another....(grin!)

My rimfires are my most used firearms.

Virgil B.

22 LR for sure. Cheap to shoot, accurate, available anywhere and a fairly quiet report. When you need more, then I'd go to a centre fire caliber.

Thanks guys,
If I find a Sako Quad for a reasonable price it will be a option. Otherwise a 22 LR will be bought.