Winchester developed the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in 1959 before the company even developed a firearm for it. By 1961, however, not only had Winchester built a rifle but Ruger and S&W were already in their second year of building handguns for the potent little round. The .22WMR typically has penetrative and accuracy ballistics that rival the centerfire cartridges like the 9mm or .38sp, making it acceptable as a small to mid-level hunting round and even a defense round limited only by the diameter of the bullet. In this ammo, the 40 grain jacketed hollow point bullet by Winchester exits the muzzle at 1910 feet per second with over 300 foot pounds per second. This round provides for any purpose one would consider a .22 Magnum for from varmint hunting out of a rifle to personal defense out of any of the quality handguns chambered in this caliber.
The name Winchester carries with it a reputation of quality and tradition that goes back to the 19th century with the famous lever rifle. The Winchester ammunition line, however, began during WWII and is now manufactured in Clayton, Missouri under the Olin Corporation. The reputation of quality ammunition continues unabated into the 21st century as the brand is sought after by professional and new shooters alike.
