Rimfire ammo basics: .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR
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Guide reviewed 2026-10-09. Rimfire cartridges are ignited by a firing pin striking the rim of the case. This site tracks three rimfire calibers: .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR.
Pressure and velocity standards
SAAMI publishes the rimfire standard as Z299.1, "Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Pressure and Velocity of Rimfire Sporting Ammunition for the Use of Commercial Manufacturers" (2026 edition). Its table for .22 Long Rifle lists a maximum average pressure of 24,000 psi (the table prints it as 240 in units of psi/100) for the loads it covers, with nominal velocities from 1,100 fps (match rifle load) to 1,435 fps (40 grain hollow point).
CCI, a rimfire maker, defines subsonic loads as "rounds with subsonic muzzle velocities (slower than 1,125 fps)," in contrast to standard or high velocity .22 LR.
Current lowest price per round
Prices exclude shipping and tax.
Open a caliber page for every package, sorted by price per round: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR. Price history: .22 LR.
Buying notes
- Check the cartridge name exactly. .22 LR, .22 WMR and .17 HMR are different cartridges and do not interchange in a chamber.
- Match the load to the firearm. Read the maker's packaging for the firearm types each load is intended for, including semi-automatic and suppressed use.
- Compare by price per round. Rimfire is sold in many package sizes, from single boxes to bricks and cases; see bulk vs boxed.
Cheapest right now
- .22 LR: $0.07/rd at True Shot Ammo. Buy at True Shot Ammo
Sources
Where this comes from.
Sources were opened and read on or before . Quotes are the publisher's own words; the page may have changed since.
- SAAMI Z299.1-2026, rimfire pressure and velocity (PDF) (.22 Long Rifle maximum average pressure)
- SAAMI: ANSI/SAAMI standards (lists Z299.1 rimfire, Z299.3 pistol and revolver, Z299.4 centerfire rifle)
- CCI Ammunition: When Subsonic Ammo Makes A Bang (subsonic is slower than 1,125 fps)
Buyer's guides