.22 WMR vs. 9mm Quick Facts<\/h2>\n\n- .22 WMR is a rimfire round while 9mm is a centerfire round<\/span><\/li>\n
- The .22 WMR is also known as .22 Mag, .22 Magnum, .22 Winchester Magnum, .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire<\/span><\/li>\n
- The .22 WMR uses a fast-traveling, light bullet, while the 9mm uses a heavier bullet that travels slower<\/span><\/li>\n
- 9mm packs more punch than the .22 WMR<\/span><\/li>\n
- Snub nose revolvers chambered in .22 WMR are popular for self defense because of their higher capacity and lesser recoil compared to .38 snubbies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n
![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/0\/e\/0e12f920587a1c1d9899c22ed30fda73.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Hornady Varmint Express 22 WMR Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 30 Grain V-MAX <\/div>\n \n \n $17.00 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/a\/6\/a6240249facc5088643d6a6919dab658.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Federal Champion 22 WMR Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 40 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $17.00 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/2\/9\/29030b4e538f9be103af548a35fb7479_1.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Winchester USA 22 WMR Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 45 Grain CPHP <\/div>\n \n \n $16.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/b\/5\/b567f4a2e17a0fb4a370d2c2afd6b828.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Hornady Varmint Express 22 WMR Ammunition - 500 Rounds of 30 Grain V-MAX <\/div>\n \n \n $149.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/0\/d\/0d08029865a5b5f4944c7f923765d038.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n CCI Maxi-Mag TNT 22 WMR Ammunition - 500 Rounds of 30 Grain JHP <\/div>\n \n \n $199.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/0\/a\/0a9496e4a07b464b41d1f4acf1e77c6c.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Fiocchi Range Dynamics 22 WMR Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 40 Grain TMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $20.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/b\/1\/b1dc251c6a1cb7169170e35bdc43fb48_4_1.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Winchester Super-X 22 WMR Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 40 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $13.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n ![\"left](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"right](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\")
\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/a\/5a88422e3944a20c4db3f2f170c0334f_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $15.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/a\/6\/a6e8c39c6e07643c3e39b14dd11b826b_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Blazer Aluminum 9mm Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $14.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/5\/5522596c9e039b51c89a20587781ea90_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $258.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/c\/a\/ca49b4e59eafa8af42d421cfa2c9147a_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Fiocchi 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $14.75 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/d\/0\/d0080d110306af16f6cdd11b93acd3c4_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $271.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/f\/7\/f7b0f6b3e35036ba8b3c6123ad8f6724_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Blazer Aluminum 9mm Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $249.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/9\/1\/91f0ece6a1cce3e42c4221102ef1790d_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Blazer Brass 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $269.99 <\/div>\n \n $264.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/1\/0\/10be7655a75cc4d4e8e76c8bdfa726ea.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n PMC 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $15.75 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/a\/6\/a6ea9e9edb398c54de5904506339a45c_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 124 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $277.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n ![\"product\"](\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/6\/8\/683b3f4b03d9e0a203a23682ab1cf89e_3.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n \n \n Federal American Eagle 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 124 Grain FMJ <\/div>\n \n \n $15.99 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n.22 WMR vs. 9mm Specifications<\/h2>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/22wmrvs9mm.jpg\" "\\".22")
<\/p>\n\n
\n\n\n\t<\/td> .22 WMR<\/th> 9mm<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\n\tPlace of Origin<\/td> United States<\/td> German Empire<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tDesigned<\/td> 1959<\/td> 1901<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tManufacturer or Designer<\/td> Winchester<\/td> Georg Luger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tParent Case<\/td> .22 Winchester Rimfire<\/td> 7.65x21mm Parabellum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tCase Type<\/td> Rimmed, straight<\/td> Rimless, tapered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tBullet Diameter<\/td> .224\"<\/td> .355\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tBase Diameter<\/td> .2455\"<\/td> .391\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tCase Length<\/td> 1.055\"<\/td> .754\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tOverall Length<\/td> 1.350\"<\/td> 1.169\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tPrimer Type<\/td> Rimfire<\/td> Berdan or boxer small pistol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tMaximum Pressure<\/td> 24,000 psi<\/td> 35,000 psi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tCommon Pistol Velocities<\/td> 1100-1500 fps<\/td> 900-1200 fps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\tCommon Rifle Velocities<\/td> 1700-2200 fps<\/td> 1000-1700 fps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\nTo start, we should note that the .22 WMR also goes by the names .22 Mag, .22 Magnum, .22 Win Mag, .22 Winchester Magnum, and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. These names are used interchangeably, however we most often use .22 WMR and .22 Mag.<\/span><\/p>\nWinchester initially introduced the .22 WMR cartridge as a solution to varmints in agricultural settings out of rifles, though revolvers in the caliber were also available. The rimfire round was more powerful and effective than the .22 LR, while being cheaper than centerfire rounds available at the time.<\/span><\/p>\nOn the other hand, the 9mm is a centerfire cartridge developed by Georg Luger for the German Army who wanted a pistol cartridge larger than the .30 cal.<\/span><\/p>\nThe visual difference between the .22 WMR vs. 9mm is very obvious. The .22 WMR is taller and skinnier than the 9mm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe .22 WMR typically uses bullets with weights ranging from 28gr. to 50gr. traveling anywhere from 1100 fps to 2200 fps, depending on barrel length. The 9mm, on the other hand, generally contains bullets weighing between 115gr. to 147gr. traveling at 900 fps to 1700 fps.<\/span><\/p>\n.22 WMR vs. 9mm Range Performance<\/h2>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/22wmrsnubbie.jpg\" "\\".22")
<\/p>\n
How do the .22 WMR vs. 9mm compare at the range? I hit the range to see how the .22 WMR vs. 9mm stack up in regards to recoil and reliability.<\/p>\n
Recoil<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re a newer shooter debating between the two rounds, you might be concerned about recoil.<\/span><\/p>\nThe .22 WMR has less recoil than the 9mm. Even when fired out of a short-barreled revolver, the .22 WMR has fairly light felt recoil and is quite enjoyable to shoot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSome shooters find that the 9mm\u2019s recoil out of a small handgun can be snappy. This can be mitigated by improving grip strength and technique. While the 9mm certainly does not have the worst recoil out of the popular centerfire handgun calibers, it can still be an issue for newer shooters or those with hand dexterity issues.<\/span><\/p>\nReliability<\/h3>\n![\"holding](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/lightprimerstrike-1.jpg\" "\\"light")
This .22 WMR round had two light primer strikes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nReliability of the cartridge is another important factor when it comes to comparing the .22 WMR vs. 9mm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLike the .22LR, the .22 WMR unfortunately has more frequent ignition failures due to its rimfire primer. While testing rounds at the range, I had a handful of light primer strikes when using the Ruger LCR. Modifying your revolver with lighter springs may help fix this issue, but it may also cause other reliability issues.<\/span><\/p>\nWhile, generally speaking, the 9mm is prone to less light primer strikes, it is still not totally infrequent, especially for shooters with weak grips. <\/span><\/p>\n.22 WMR vs. 9mm for Self Defense<\/h2>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmpistol.jpg\" "\\"canik")
<\/p>\n
Now, let\u2019s compare the .22 WMR vs. 9mm for self defense.<\/span><\/p>\nWhile the .22 WMR is traditionally a varmint round for use in rifles, there are many shooters who see its practicality for self defense out of a snub nose revolver. While .38 Special snubbies typically have a capacity of five rounds, .22 WMR snubbies give you six or seven rounds. The round also offers less recoil than the .38 Special, making follow up shots easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nShooters often debate about whether rimfire rounds are adequate for self defense. The .22 WMR packs more of a punch than the .22LR and tends to penetrate well in ballistic tests.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n.22 WMR vs. 9mm Specifications<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n\n
| <\/td> | .22 WMR<\/th> | 9mm<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|
| Place of Origin<\/td> | United States<\/td> | German Empire<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Designed<\/td> | 1959<\/td> | 1901<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Manufacturer or Designer<\/td> | Winchester<\/td> | Georg Luger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Parent Case<\/td> | .22 Winchester Rimfire<\/td> | 7.65x21mm Parabellum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Case Type<\/td> | Rimmed, straight<\/td> | Rimless, tapered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Bullet Diameter<\/td> | .224\"<\/td> | .355\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Base Diameter<\/td> | .2455\"<\/td> | .391\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Case Length<\/td> | 1.055\"<\/td> | .754\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Overall Length<\/td> | 1.350\"<\/td> | 1.169\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Primer Type<\/td> | Rimfire<\/td> | Berdan or boxer small pistol<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Maximum Pressure<\/td> | 24,000 psi<\/td> | 35,000 psi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Common Pistol Velocities<\/td> | 1100-1500 fps<\/td> | 900-1200 fps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Common Rifle Velocities<\/td> | 1700-2200 fps<\/td> | 1000-1700 fps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n To start, we should note that the .22 WMR also goes by the names .22 Mag, .22 Magnum, .22 Win Mag, .22 Winchester Magnum, and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire. These names are used interchangeably, however we most often use .22 WMR and .22 Mag.<\/span><\/p>\n Winchester initially introduced the .22 WMR cartridge as a solution to varmints in agricultural settings out of rifles, though revolvers in the caliber were also available. The rimfire round was more powerful and effective than the .22 LR, while being cheaper than centerfire rounds available at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, the 9mm is a centerfire cartridge developed by Georg Luger for the German Army who wanted a pistol cartridge larger than the .30 cal.<\/span><\/p>\n The visual difference between the .22 WMR vs. 9mm is very obvious. The .22 WMR is taller and skinnier than the 9mm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The .22 WMR typically uses bullets with weights ranging from 28gr. to 50gr. traveling anywhere from 1100 fps to 2200 fps, depending on barrel length. The 9mm, on the other hand, generally contains bullets weighing between 115gr. to 147gr. traveling at 900 fps to 1700 fps.<\/span><\/p>\n How do the .22 WMR vs. 9mm compare at the range? I hit the range to see how the .22 WMR vs. 9mm stack up in regards to recoil and reliability.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a newer shooter debating between the two rounds, you might be concerned about recoil.<\/span><\/p>\n The .22 WMR has less recoil than the 9mm. Even when fired out of a short-barreled revolver, the .22 WMR has fairly light felt recoil and is quite enjoyable to shoot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some shooters find that the 9mm\u2019s recoil out of a small handgun can be snappy. This can be mitigated by improving grip strength and technique. While the 9mm certainly does not have the worst recoil out of the popular centerfire handgun calibers, it can still be an issue for newer shooters or those with hand dexterity issues.<\/span><\/p>\n Reliability of the cartridge is another important factor when it comes to comparing the .22 WMR vs. 9mm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Like the .22LR, the .22 WMR unfortunately has more frequent ignition failures due to its rimfire primer. While testing rounds at the range, I had a handful of light primer strikes when using the Ruger LCR. Modifying your revolver with lighter springs may help fix this issue, but it may also cause other reliability issues.<\/span><\/p>\n While, generally speaking, the 9mm is prone to less light primer strikes, it is still not totally infrequent, especially for shooters with weak grips. <\/span><\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s compare the .22 WMR vs. 9mm for self defense.<\/span><\/p>\n While the .22 WMR is traditionally a varmint round for use in rifles, there are many shooters who see its practicality for self defense out of a snub nose revolver. While .38 Special snubbies typically have a capacity of five rounds, .22 WMR snubbies give you six or seven rounds. The round also offers less recoil than the .38 Special, making follow up shots easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Shooters often debate about whether rimfire rounds are adequate for self defense. The .22 WMR packs more of a punch than the .22LR and tends to penetrate well in ballistic tests.<\/span><\/p>\n |
![\"showing](\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/22wmrvs9mmgeltest.jpg\" "\\".22")