The latest solution to a problem that probably does not exist.
Winchester decided to make a skinny 22, which is the same load for a 22, but without the heel. The bullet is the same diameter as the inside of a standard 22lr case. So far, only Winchester and Savage
The new cartridge is supposed to solve a couple problems, it comes off as a zippy rimfire hunting round for lead free states, and arguably, better aerodynamics for more accurate shooting.
I’m betting plenty of American Hunter readers never considered that the .22 LR could be improved, much less that it needs to be. But that’s not how the gun geeks at Winchester Olin look at such things.
Evidently they ask, “Can we do it better?” and “Should we do it better?” and “Will the shooting public buy it?” … in that order. Over time, this line of questioning by professional ballisticians and marketers is how American hunters and shooters—indeed the world at large—is offered new and improved calibers from which to choose each year. Whether those calibers stick around is up to us as consumers, and that is how it should be in a capitalist economy.
Click here for the full review. —> Review: Winchester 21 Sharp | An Official Journal Of The NRA
MSRP per box: $15-$25/100-rnd. box
AKA, 15 - 25 cents per round, versus 5-10 cents per round for regular .22LR.
.22 hunters will like it, but I’m not sure it’s going to make major inroads on the plinking market at that price jump.
New cal. requires new barrel
I’m thinking the kind of people who would want this cartridge are the PRS22 shooters, but the rules would have to be amended to allow for a non .22LR cartridge.
Likewise, I don’t see a new rimfire cartridge catching on unless Ruger gets onboard making a 10/22 (10/21?) and a RPR chambered in it.
I have the Savage Mark II in 21 Sharp when I purchased it the only available ammo was 25 gr . I took it to the range it was very windy but the rifle showed some promise even in the wind with the factory Tupperware stock so I bought a Boyds Varmint stock and bottom metal and took it to the range again another very windy day and it performed better. Even with the wind pushing this 25 gr around. Winchester is making this round in 25, 34, 37 and 42 grains. They are releasing these load one at a time very slowly. They have since released the 34 gr but not the 37 and 42 gr yet. I have gotten some 34 gr their advertised hunting round but haven’t gotten back to the range yet. If anyone is interested I can publish that info after my next range trip.
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Wow! Thats some impressive shooting. Do you know what kind of velocities your getting from the 25gr?
They advertise 1700 for the 25 gr I think its hotter
