22mag??

Like with any rimfire, you have to find which ammunition a particular 22Mag shoots best. I've had a bunch of different 22mags and they've all shot well. If you're wanting a 22Mag I'd suggest looking for a Ruger 77/22 instead, had a few of those too. It's a much nicer rifle and and worth the extra cost. Every one I've seen was very accurate, a couple in particular were just outstanding. The Savage and Marlin feel cheap in comparison. But it's a great cartridge that hits much harder than 22lr and can be just as accurate.
 

Originally Posted By: Ackman
(1) Like with any rimfire, you have to find which ammunition a particular 22Mag shoots best.

(2) If you're wanting a 22Mag I'd suggest looking for a Ruger 77/22. Every one I've seen was very accurate, a couple in particular were just outstanding.

(3) The Savage and Marlin feel cheap in comparison.

I agree on all points.

(1) I have found the .22 mag to be much more sensitive to the ammo it likes than any .22 long rifle I've ever shot. Some ammo just won't shoot worth a hoot in my rifle, not worth even considering for hunting, while others shoot very well. You will have some experimenting to do.

(2) The Rugers are very nice, a bit heavy, but that's a good thing in my mind. I love the action and rotary magazine. The Ruger is not cheap, but if you want a fine .22 mag, get that one.

(3) The Marlins I had (3 of them) were nice enough, but just not in the same league as the Ruger. They weren't as heavy, which I think sometimes makes accurate shooting a bit more difficult.

I have never shot a Savage .22 mag, but from what I have seen and had in my hands, I don't like them. I prefer the Marlin over the Savage.

It all boils down to what you want and can afford.

Good luck with it.


 
I have had a Marlin 25mn and currently have a CZ 452 Varmint and a Brno ZKM 611 auto. All very accurate with the CZ being the best. I have hunted yotes since 1989 with the 22 Mag and consider 75 yards the maximum reliable range for humane kills with good shot placement . Ammo is the key : the Federal 50 gr HP is the most reliable as it will completly penetrate a yote broad side and will penetrate through the vitals on a frontal shot. Winchester 40gr hp is almost as good. The Cci loads do not give reliable penatration. The Winchester 34 gr hp is the most accurate I have tried but I have not shot anything but squirrles with it. I am worried it is too lightly construted for a big yote. I have taken countless yotes with one shoot from one of my22 mag guns . Kills with centerfires are more dramatic but the 22mag will dio the job.
 
Last edited:
I have all 3 of the bolt action Ruger 77/22 Magnums and I have the 77/17HMR and the 77/22 Hornet. I just love the Ruger 77/22s My next one will be the 77/22LR.
 
I have a Henry Goldenboy .22 mag and it is so fun to shoot and accurate to boot. It has a heavy octagon barrel and is a tree rats worst night mare!
 
Originally Posted By: RamjetI have had a Marlin 25mn and currently have a CZ 552 Varmint and a Brno ZKM 611 auto. All very accurate with the CZ being the best. I have hunted yotes since 1989 with the 22 Mag and consider 75 yards the maximum reliable range for humane kills with good shot placement . Ammo is the key : the Federal 50 gr HP is the most reliable as it will completly penetrate a yote broad side and will penetrate through the vitals on a frontal shot. Winchester 40gr hp is almost as good. The Cci loads do not give reliable penatration. The Winchester 34 gr hp is the most accurate I have tried but I have not shot anything but squirrles with it. I am worried it is too lightly construted for a big yote. I have taken countless yotes with one shoot from one of my22 mag guns . Kills with centerfires are more dramatic but the 22mag will dio the job.

Excellent post Ramjet.
Anyone interested in the 22mag would be well advised to read this (twice).
 

Both the coyote and bobcat I took with the .22 mag were in the 75 yard range. I too consider ranges much further to be really pushing a moderate cartridge too far. I know some have taken coyotes much further, but for me, I try to limit my shots to shorter ranges. But, having said that, I try to grab a centerfire when predator hunting. The dog and cat I took were targets of opportunity.
 
Since this is Predator Masters we should comment on the use of our guns in the field .many of the responses to this thread discuss lever actiin 22mags . The great thing about these guns compared to bolt guns is the narrow crossection of the receiver at the balance point . Bolt guns are thick and not as confortable for carrying around in the woods. This is important because a good yote hunter will make as many sets as he can during the prime time of the day when the yotes are active. For me gun carry fatigue can be an issue . I often take my Brno ZKM 611 because of it's narrow crossection and light weight. I mostly carry my gun by my side with my right hand around the receiver. Bolt guns usually have to be carried by their sling. This is fine but not as handy in my opinion . A buddy of mine has an H&R Sportster in 22mag and even though it is a single shot it is a very handy gun for a day chasing yellow dogs. He is not hampered by accurscy either . This gun is a shooter and they can be bought for about $160. A guy on a budget would be well served by an H&R.
 
My El Cheapo Marlin bolt in 22mag will shoot the Hornady Vmax in a ragged hole at 100 yards, but it took a rifle basix trigger to make this happen. I don't like the rifle (the rifle basix trigger to be more specific), and would sell it if I could find a buyer.
 
My ruger M77 22 mag. sits unused.The 22 hornet and the 17 rem. have turned the mag into a dust gathering rifle.Won't sell it though, to much history there.I refinished the 22 mag.and it sure looks nice.When I think of the movie Toys I feel sorry for the mag.
 
Originally Posted By: RePeteOriginally Posted By: 2muchgun

I'm going to start charging everyone here a buck every time the word "caliber" is used incorrectly. By the end of the year, I should have a new Sako
grin.gif



I said "cartrige" not "caliber" so don't count on any cash from me.
wink.gif


Yeah, well you spelled it wrong. Twice.
lol.gif


At 50¢ a pop, you are still in for a buck
laugh.gif


(Heck , if we charged for spelling, I wouldn't turn much of a profit. Not that I spell poorly though, I just type poorly)
 
While we are on the subject of 22 mags, has anyone used any aftermarket triggers? My Savage shoots great with 2 different Federal offerings, but the trigger is terrible. I have been meaning to replace it for a very long time. Rifle Basics? Anything else recommended?
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunOriginally Posted By: RePeteOriginally Posted By: 2muchgun

I'm going to start charging everyone here a buck every time the word "caliber" is used incorrectly. By the end of the year, I should have a new Sako
grin.gif



I said "cartrige" not "caliber" so don't count on any cash from me.
wink.gif


Yeah, well you spelled it wrong. Twice.
lol.gif


At 50¢ a pop, you are still in for a buck
laugh.gif


(Heck , if we charged for spelling, I wouldn't turn much of a profit. Not that I spell poorly though, I just type poorly)

Hey,,, nobuddy said eny thing bout a fine for pour spilling.
frown.gif
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunWhile we are on the subject of 22 mags, has anyone used any aftermarket triggers? My Savage shoots great with 2 different Federal offerings, but the trigger is terrible. I have been meaning to replace it for a very long time. Rifle Basics? Anything else recommended?

Not a Savage or 22mag, but I put a RB trigger in my Marlin 917V. It helped much more than the cheap pen spring trick. The sear was rough and it had some burs on it in the package, but is tunable. I used some fine emory paper and slicked everything up and tried to flatten the sear surfaces better. Made another good improvement in my opinion. Price is good on them as well in my opinion, just wish finish QC was a little better. Had to do minor polish around the safety as well to get best function.
 
I hate the over travel it has, I was very disappointed. I had to spend alot of time getting the safety to work correctly as well. It shoots better, but I wouldn't recommend it.
 
Back
Top