A Look Back at Their Roots
Let’s begin by delving into the historical background of each cartridge, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of their characteristics and the circumstances that shaped their paths.
The 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum entered the scene in the early nineteen seventies. Remington, a name synonymous with American firearms, developed the 5mm Remington with the intention of carving out a space for itself in the market, competing directly with the then-dominant .22 WMR, and perhaps even centerfire cartridges used for small game. The project envisioned a cartridge that offered a flatter trajectory and greater muzzle velocity than its rivals, potentially giving it an edge in both accuracy and effective range. It was a product of ambitious engineering and a desire to innovate, but it was ultimately short-lived.
Conversely, the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, birthed in the late nineteen fifties, boasts a richer and more enduring legacy. Winchester designed the .22 WMR to provide a significant step up in performance compared to the traditional .22 Long Rifle, providing hunters with a more effective option for small game and varmint control. This cartridge swiftly gained popularity among hunters and shooters alike. Unlike the 5mm Remington, the .22 WMR was embraced by the shooting community and has continued to be a mainstay, remaining a favorite of both novice and experienced firearm users. Its continued production and widespread adoption are testaments to its enduring appeal.
Examining The Performance Metrics
A comparison of these two cartridges must consider their performance characteristics. These are defined by a series of ballistic metrics that highlight the differences between the two rounds.
A critical point of consideration is the trajectory of the bullet. When a rifle is zeroed (sighted-in) to hit the point of aim at a certain distance, the bullet will begin to drop due to gravity. Both cartridges have a noticeable bullet drop over longer distances, but the magnitude of the drop differs. While specific numbers can vary depending on bullet weight and the specific load, the 5mm Remington, in its initial offerings, showed a potential advantage in flatter trajectories, especially with lighter bullet weights. This can translate to an easier time hitting targets at extended ranges, or simplifying holdover estimations for hunters. The .22 WMR, while possessing a relatively flat trajectory for a rimfire, will generally experience a slightly more pronounced drop beyond a certain point.
The initial velocity of the bullet is another key consideration. The muzzle velocity, the speed at which the bullet exits the barrel, has a direct impact on several things, including range and bullet drop. Again, the performance will depend on the specific ammunition, and this is where some of the historical context of the 5mm Remington’s legacy is important. In many cases, the 5mm Remington was initially loaded with velocities that, in some cases, had the potential to surpass the .22 WMR. This higher velocity translated to potentially more effective range and energy on impact. However, this characteristic was not consistent across all loadings, and, even when present, it did not guarantee dominance in the performance arena. The .22 WMR, on the other hand, consistently delivers a high level of velocity for a rimfire cartridge, allowing for a satisfying level of ballistic performance across a range of different bullets.
Another important factor is the energy that a bullet possesses. The energy level directly affects the stopping power and wounding potential of a cartridge. This energy is typically measured in foot-pounds. The 5mm Remington, if fired with a heavier bullet weight, could, theoretically, generate more energy at different ranges, creating a somewhat larger impact on target. However, the historical differences in bullet design and the currently available ammunition, means that the performance varies significantly. The .22 WMR has consistently demonstrated good energy at medium to longer ranges, making it capable of humanely taking down small game.
When considering accuracy, it is the whole firearm system that has to be taken into account, not just the cartridge. The precision of any shot depends on multiple factors. The quality of the rifle, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skill all play crucial roles. Both the 5mm Remington and .22 WMR are capable of delivering good accuracy, provided that these factors are optimized. However, even with good ammunition and careful shooting, the design of the rimfire system introduces some constraints on accuracy, especially at extreme ranges. Rifles chambered for .22 WMR have a very good reputation for delivering consistent and reliable accuracy.
Impact on the Target: Terminal Ballistics
Beyond the flight of the bullet, we have to consider how it affects the target it impacts. This area is where the differences between the cartridges truly translate to the field. Terminal ballistics encompass the effects the bullet has once it strikes its intended target.
The expansion of the bullet is a primary consideration. A bullet’s ability to expand upon impact is crucial for transferring energy and creating a larger wound channel. Both the 5mm Remington and .22 WMR are designed with bullets that expand upon impact, although the extent of expansion can vary depending on the specific bullet design and the velocity at impact. These designs can range from traditional hollow points, soft points, or even more specialized types. The expansion characteristics of each cartridge can influence their effectiveness on different types of game.
The depth of penetration is another vital aspect. The ability of a bullet to penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs is fundamental to a quick and humane kill. The penetration performance will depend on the bullet design and the density of the target. Both cartridges have sufficient penetration for small game, but this may not always be the case when it comes to larger, tougher animals.
The overall size and shape of the wound channel also play a key role in terminal ballistics. A wider wound channel helps to disrupt tissue and cause more internal damage, increasing the likelihood of a quick and ethical kill. The shape and size of the wound channel are largely dependent on bullet design, the velocity at impact, and the characteristics of the target.
When considering their suitability for hunting, .22 WMR is a well-known option for small game hunting, with a proven record. It is effective on rabbits, squirrels, prairie dogs, and other similar-sized animals. The 5mm Remington, while promising, often faced limitations in availability which affected its overall hunting potential.
Evaluating the Positive and Negative Attributes
Each cartridge has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to weigh these carefully when making a decision.
The 5mm Remington offers some potential benefits. The cartridge, depending on the specific load and bullet, can exhibit a flatter trajectory than some .22 WMR loads. This can make it easier to hit targets at varying distances. The initial velocity of the 5mm Remington, in some loadings, was also high. This resulted in potentially higher energy levels on impact, although this benefit depended heavily on the availability and the specifics of the ammunition. However, in the end, the cartridge’s limited ammunition options remain a significant drawback. The availability of rifles chambered for the 5mm Remington is restricted. This lack of options, coupled with a generally higher cost per round when it could be found, has restricted its practicality in the modern firearms world.
The .22 WMR boasts several advantages. There is a wide selection of ammunition from various manufacturers and the ammunition can be found at most major gun stores, as well as many sporting goods stores. The rifles chambered for .22 WMR are numerous, ranging from bolt-action and lever-action to semi-automatic designs, offering a wide variety to suit individual preferences. The cost per round is usually less compared to the 5mm Remington, making it a more economical choice for regular shooting and practice. The reliability of ammunition and firearms has been very well-established, and the .22 WMR is a known quantity.
There are few inherent downsides of the .22 WMR. As with any rimfire cartridge, bullet drop over longer distances is inevitable, which requires accurate range estimation. There are also a few very specific situations where the 5mm Remington, in certain loads, might have held a very slight ballistic advantage. However, in most practical hunting situations, these differences have very little effect on the outcome.
Firearms and Their Availability
The choice of cartridge often influences the type of firearm available. The availability of rifles in a particular chambering is a vital consideration.
The 5mm Remington rifles are quite rare these days. When the cartridge was initially released, there were only a few rifles chambered for it. This lack of variety contributed to its eventual demise.
On the other hand, .22 WMR rifles are incredibly common. The cartridge is chambered by almost every major firearm manufacturer, and a wide variety of rifle styles are available. Bolt-action rifles are popular for their accuracy and reliability. Lever-action rifles offer a classic and nostalgic shooting experience. Semi-automatic rifles provide rapid follow-up shots. The variety allows shooters to select a firearm that best suits their hunting style and preferences. There are also revolvers chambered for .22 WMR.
Hunting Applications: Choosing the Right Tool
The practical application of these cartridges hinges on their effectiveness in the field. A comparison of hunting suitability illuminates the real-world strengths of each round.
The .22 WMR is extremely popular for hunting small game animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and other pests. It’s typically effective out to one hundred yards, making it ideal for both hunters and pest controllers. It delivers enough energy to take down these animals ethically while minimizing meat damage.
Although the 5mm Remington was designed for similar purposes, its limited availability has made its practical application somewhat difficult. In theory, its flatter trajectory could have given it an edge in certain hunting scenarios, but the reality is that the .22 WMR has generally supplanted it in that niche.
Ethical hunting practices dictate that hunters choose the right tool for the job. The .22 WMR offers ample power to effectively take down many of the animals it is frequently employed against, so long as the hunter understands its effective range and practices responsible shooting. Always prioritize a clean and humane kill.
Expenses and the Shopping Experience
The cost and ease of acquisition are important factors for any shooter, which includes the availability of ammunition and the overall price.
Ammunition costs play a significant role in the overall cost of ownership. The .22 WMR ammunition is widely available and generally affordable, making it a good choice for shooters who engage in frequent practice. The cost per round varies depending on the brand and type, but it is consistently lower than the rarely found 5mm Remington ammunition.
The ease of finding ammunition is another crucial consideration. The .22 WMR is available in nearly any sporting goods store, gun store, and online retailer. The ease of finding the cartridge, as well as the selection of different bullet weights and styles, makes the .22 WMR a very appealing choice. The 5mm Remington ammunition is almost impossible to find.
Overall, the financial implications of these two cartridges are dramatically different. The cost-effectiveness and availability of .22 WMR are significant factors in its popularity.
Making a Decision
In conclusion, the 5mm Remington and .22 WMR are both rimfire cartridges designed for similar purposes. The 5mm Remington was conceived with the promise of superior ballistics, and while it achieved some of its intended goals, its limited availability has ultimately sealed its fate as a cartridge. The .22 WMR, on the other hand, stands as a testament to the qualities of design, performance, and adaptability that led to its enduring appeal.
While both cartridges may have had their moments, the .22 WMR has firmly established itself as the superior choice. Its wide availability, the extensive selection of firearms, and its affordability make it a far more practical choice for the average shooter. The legacy of the 5mm Remington is now merely a footnote in the history of rimfire ammunition.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities, but the .22 WMR’s overall performance and availability make it the ideal selection in the context of the current firearms market. If you seek a versatile, affordable, and readily available rimfire cartridge for small game hunting or plinking, .22 WMR reigns supreme.
