The .22 Magnum As A Revolver Cartridge

American Handgunner, Nov, 2001 by Mike Cumpston

Winchester 40 gr. JHP: This is the original JHP load. It is likely still the best for the revolver shooter. It demonstrates good disruption on water-filled targets at 25 yards. Even at 50 yards, the exposed lead tip expands and fragments in paper wetpack leaving a truncated bore diameter bullet. Numerous bullets recovered from wetpack show no tendency to tumble in media and the recovered slug generally presents the classic mushroom. Long range or lower velocity bullet performance can be improved by using a sheep's foot blade or Xacto knife to stress the jacket longitudinally between the lead tip and the bullet ogive. Eight to 10 shallow cuts do the job and, so modified, bullets recovered at 50 yards mushroomed to .30'. A recent five round group with the modified bullets went into 1.1" at 25 yards.

Federal 50 gr. JHP: This load was well received by rifle shooters but is not particularly advantageous as a revolver round. The bullets do not expand, but do tumble in media. The load functioned 100 percent in a 3.5" AMT Auto Mag. The same gun would not function with WW and CCI. However, average velocity was only 777 fps.

CCI Maxi-Mag 40 gr. HP: This load came Out shortly after introduction of the WMR. The lot I clocked several years ago produced impressive velocity. This bullet remains stable in media and tends to fragment rather than mushroom. It also benefits from jacket modification as mentioned with the Winchester load.

My favorite choice for a revolver load remains the original offering from Winchester. This long standing preference is challenged by the new hypervelocity number from Federal. I would like to see future WMR loads tailored for maximum performance in shorter handguns that are handier for general utility. Such a move might also enhance the effectiveness of the mini revolvers and snubs marketed for self-defense.