Common Rimfire Gauges: Efficacy and Applications
Rimfire cartridges have been popular among shooters for decades, and for good reason. As one of the most common types of ammunition on the market, rimfire cartridges are used in many different applications from hunting to target shooting. When it comes to choosing a rimfire gauge, there are five that stand out as popular choices: 17 HM2, 22 WMR, 22 Long Rifle, 22 MAG, and 22 Short.
17 HM2
17 HM2 is a relatively new rimfire cartridge that is based on the original .22 Magnum cartridge. It provides higher velocities than other rimfire cartridges and is suitable for small-game hunting and target shooting at short to medium ranges. The light recoil makes it an ideal choice for novice shooters as well.
22 WMR
The 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) is a popular choice for hunters and target shooters alike. It offers greater range than .22 Long Rifle rounds and has more energy downrange as well. It can be used to hunt small game at short to medium ranges, but it does have some limited uses in long-range shooting as well.
22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle is the most popular rimfire cartridge in the world and has been for many years. It is typically used for target shooting and small game hunting at short to medium ranges, but it can also be used for varmint hunting as well. The low-recoil makes it a great choice for novice shooters.
22 MAG
The .22 Magnum is a powerful rimfire cartridge and is suitable for hunting small game at medium to long ranges. It has more energy than the .22 Long Rifle, so it can pack a punch when used in varmint hunting or target shooting. It also has relatively low recoil, making it an ideal choice for novice shooters.
22 Short
The .22 Short is a low-powered rimfire cartridge and is mostly used by target shooters and plinkers. It has very limited range, so it’s not suitable for hunting small game or varmint hunting. However, its light recoil makes it an ideal choice for novice shooters who are just learning the basics of shooting.
No matter what type of rimfire cartridge you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the ammunition and its capabilities so that you can make an informed decision about which is best for your needs. Rimfire cartridges are great for a variety of applications, so there’s sure to be one that will meet your needs. With the five popular rimfire gauges listed above, you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your shooting needs.
