How Accurate Should a 22 Mag be?

[geobru]

I went up on the hill this afternoon and shot a few different types of ammo through my 9422 in 22 mag. I was using a leadsled, and there is a Simmons 3x9 scope on the gun. This is the result that I got.

Winchester 45 grain Dynapoint
I shot what I had left in a box. The first shot was near the bullseye and the others were in a decent grouping, but low.



Next up was Winchester 40 gr JHP. The lighter bullet and higher velocity made quite a difference in the POI, but not a very tight group.



Next was 40 gr. CCI Maxi Mag JHP.



This is my first attempt at 100 yard shooting with the 22 magnum. Is this as good as it gets, or is there anything I can do to get more accuracy out of this rifle? I guess I was hoping for a little more consistency.

What are your experiences with your 22 mags?

[JB]

The 22 WMR isn't the most accurate cartridge in the world even with the much improved current ammo on the market. If I can get 1" average groups at 100 yards, I consider it a darn fine shooting 22 WMR.

[AkRay]

Maybe you should try some other 22 Mag loadings in your rifle. You might be able to find one that it likes well enough to shoot more accurately.

[Mescalero]

I have been a .22 Magnum fan since I was a kid.
That is not acceptable.
Look to your rifle, do not blame the cartridge.

[AJMD429]

The Kel-Tec PMR-30's are very picky with regards to ammo - they all function in mine, but some don't group well at all, and some are ok.

Keep trying different ammo, but of course check all the usual suspects on the gun - loose scope mount, etc...

[rond]

I would take the scope off and shoot at 25yds with iron sights and see what it groups like. If it groups good at 25yds I would try a better scope. If it doesn't group well then you need to look at the rifle.

[shawn_c992001]

My best luck with the 22 mag was with Winchester Super X (grey box) with 40gr solid or HP bullets. I had a Marlin 922M that wouldn't shoot anything but them, accuracy was minute on squirrel at 100 yards, a Coyote Custom barrel for my G2 loved them also, and the current 22 mag, an Excel Arms Accelerator Rifle likes them too.

[crs]

Very accurate with the right ammo and the right shooting conditions:

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... ag#p285588

[BigSky56]

My #1 test for any levergun accuracy is to take the forearm and mag tube off rest the gun on the receiver and shoot for groups thats the only way to find the potential of each gun if it groups then you need to find whats binding on the barrel. And last I heard all rimfire ammo is made by speer for US companies. danny

[Mescalero]

Mine is a Marlin model 25, with the heavier barrel.
It is quite unlike those first 3 targets

[rangerider7]

I have one like yours and it is one of the most accurate rifles I have. I don't use a scope though.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

My (kid's) HK likes the 34 grain Winchester and the 40 grain Winchester JHPs. Some people swear by the 33 grain Remington stuff. I suspect you'll have to try a variety until you hit the one your rifle likes.

[Nath]

Hmmm, I sure would like to shoot it off hand myself!

Nath.

[2ndovc]

Agree with the ohers, it should be better.

I have a CZ 452 that is very accurate with the 40 and 45 grain bullets, most specifically the 45 grain Winchester Dynapoints.
But, shooting anything lighter than 40 grains the group size doubles or even tripples.

Love that little rifle!!!

jb

[geobru]

Thanks for the input and ideas.

I talked to a buddy today about this and came to the conclusion that it has to be a binding problem that is affecting accuracy. He offered to re-torque all of the mounting screws, barrelbands, etc. and to lap the scope mounts while he was at it. In that process, I think that removing the forearm and shooting for groups is a good idea to see what the potential is with this firearm. I've just never run into such erratic results with a modern rifle before.

Will keep you posted as new knowledge comes to light.

[madman4570]

On a sled---------------------that is awful

Yank that scope off(try open sights)
Using just standard Walmart (CCI) 40gr JHP stuff.
Try 3 different 5 shot groups.
Lolly pop very tip of front bead just making contact of bottom(6 o'clock)edge of a 6 inch (dia)black bull.(try this at 50yds)
Sight it the very same each time.

What you had absolutely unacceptable.

Just curious---what yardage was this at (100yds)?

[geobru]

Just curious---what yardage was this at (100yds)?

100 yards.

I'm in agreement that this is awful! I just need to find out why. Something is pulling on that barrel or messing with the harmonics somehow. I'll just have to start being a detective with a gun that I realy didn't expect to have any problems with. When I started this thread, I was wondering if this is how 22 mag ammo performs, which is what I would expect out of cheap 22lr ammo at 100 yards. I'll keep poking and prodding until I find the cause.

gb

[Mescalero]

NO!
That is NOT how .22Mag. performs.
For years I carried a J frame S&W, 3" barrel with adjustable sights as a backup gun on the Rio.
Never felt undergunned.

[Ravenman]

I would try every kind of ammo you can get. My Winchester 9422M XTR is one of my most accurate 22 Magnum guns. See some groups here:

http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/sh ... p?t=348729

[Newtmaker]

I have two rifles in 22 mag, a Savage 93 with stainless bull barrel in a thumbhole stock and a Henry H001TM.
Both will shoot well under 1" at 50 meters and about 1.5 at 100 on calm days. The Savage has a taste for the Hornady 30 g bullets but shoots the CCI solid 40g almost as well.
The Henry definitely likes the 30g, but almost anything I feed it will do well.
What I find intriguing is that almost anything I shoot in the Savage has the same POI within 1/4". The Henry is different with just about every load. The Hornady prints the highest and some Dynapoint's are almost 2" lower.
Both guns are fun to shoot, but I always have a sweet spot for my lever guns!

Walt