The .22 WMR and the .22 Magnum are the same cartridge.
Winchester Magnum Rimfire and .22 Magnum are two names used interchangeably for the same round. A separate article exists on this site for the .22 mag, so this article focuses on the same scope recommendations with additional detail on the specific use cases where the .22 WMR earns its keep over a standard .22 LR.
The .22 WMR pushes a 40-grain bullet at 1,875 fps, compared to the .22 LR’s 1,060 to 1,100 fps standard velocity. That velocity advantage produces a flatter trajectory, better terminal performance on small game at distance, and more energy at 100 to 150 yards than any .22 LR load can deliver.
The practical result is a rimfire cartridge that handles prairie dogs, rabbits, squirrels, and small predators at 125 to 175 yards with authority. A .22 LR struggles at those distances. The .22 WMR does not.
The scope requirements reflect that extended capability.<
Higher magnification than a standard .22 LR hunting scope is justified on a .22 WMR used for varmint shooting at 150 yards. A 4-12x or 4-16x covers the range the cartridge uses, while a 3-9x underserves a .22 WMR varmint shooter working past 100 yards.
These five picks are matched to the practical applications of the .22 WMR.
Best Vortex Scope for 22 WMR Comparison
| # | Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 | Dead-Hold BDC, adjustable parallax, 4-12x range | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 | Dead-Hold BDC, 16x ceiling, extended varmint range | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 | V-Brite option, proven format, lightweight | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 | XD glass, 4-inch eye relief, Dead-Hold BDC | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Wide FOV, compact, V-Brite option | Check Price |
#1 Vortex Crossfire II 4-12×44 – Best Overall
The Crossfire II 4-12×44 is the scope that best matches the .22 WMR’s practical use case. At 12x you have enough magnification to resolve a prairie dog or ground squirrel at 125 to 150 yards and make a confident shot placement decision.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides holdover references at .22 WMR varmint distances.
The adjustable objective corrects parallax at the 50 to 100 yard distances where .22 WMR shooting happens, which improves precision accuracy compared to scopes with fixed 100-yard parallax settings.
The 4x low end handles close-range hunting shots in brush and farmland. At 14.4 oz, the scope adds modest weight to a .22 WMR rifle that is light and handy.
Multi-coated glass handles standard shooting conditions well for a rimfire application. This scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-12x |
| Objective Lens | 44mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC (SFP) |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 oz |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime |
Pros
- 12x ceiling gives the magnification to work at 125 to 150 yards on varmints
- Adjustable parallax corrects for .22 WMR distances
- Dead-Hold BDC provides practical holdovers at varmint distances
- VIP warranty is unconditional and lifetime
Cons
- 12x ceiling limits shooting past 150 yards compared to 16x options
- No illuminated reticle option
- 14.4 oz is heavier than the compact 2-7x options
Our Take
The Crossfire II 4-12×44 is the right overall scope for a .22 WMR used for varmint shooting and small game hunting inside 150 yards. The magnification, parallax adjustment, and BDC reticle are all matched to the cartridge’s practical application.
#2 Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16×42 – Best for Extended Range
The .22 WMR, in the right conditions, is capable of consistent varmint shooting at 175 yards and to 200 yards. The Diamondback HP 4-16×42 gives the magnification to work at those outer distances.
At 16x on a target at 175 yards, the image is better than 12x for reading target size and making a placement decision. The Dead-Hold BDC provides holdover references at extended .22 WMR distances.
Multi-coated glass handles standard varmint shooting conditions adequately in morning and midday light. The 4x low end covers close-range hunting use.
Build quality and zero retention are solid. Vortex backs this scope with a VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-16x |
| Objective Lens | 42mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC (SFP) |
| Eye Relief | 3.8 inches |
| Weight | 15.7 oz |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime |
Pros
- 16x extends practical varmint shooting reach to 175 to 200 yards on .22 WMR
- Same zoom range as the Viper HS at a lower price
- Dead-Hold BDC provides holdover references at extended rimfire distances
- VIP warranty is unconditional and lifetime
Cons
- Glass quality steps down from the Viper HS in variable light conditions
- 1-inch tube
- 15.7 oz is heavier than necessary for most .22 WMR builds
Our Take
The Diamondback HP 4-16×42 is the right scope for a .22 WMR varmint shooter who regularly pushes shots to 175 yards. The 16x ceiling and BDC reticle cover the outer range of this cartridge at a practical price.
#3 Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 – Best Budget Pick
The Crossfire II 3-9×40 is the honest budget option for a .22 WMR hunter who works inside 125 yards. The 3-9x format covers practical small game and varmint hunting within the realistic range where most .22 WMR hunters operate.
The V-Brite illuminated option adds a center dot for low-light small game hunting. At 11.9 oz, it keeps the rifle light and easy to carry.
The Dead-Hold BDC provides holdover references at .22 WMR distances. This scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC or V-Brite (SFP) |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 11.9 oz |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime |
Pros
- Entry-level price with Vortex reliability and VIP warranty
- V-Brite illuminated option for low-light small game hunting
- 9x covers practical .22 WMR hunting inside 125 yards
- Lightweight at 11.9 oz
Cons
- 9x ceiling underserves the .22 WMR for varmint shooting past 100 yards
- Glass is entry-tier
- Missing the magnification to use the .22 WMR’s full varmint capability
Our Take
The Crossfire II 3-9×40 is the right budget scope for a .22 WMR used for small game hunting inside 100 to 125 yards. For varmint shooting at the cartridge’s full range, the 4-12×44 is the better investment.
#4 Vortex Viper HS 4-16×44 – Best Premium Option
The Viper HS 4-16×44 is the premium option for a .22 WMR used as a serious precision varmint tool. The XD glass delivers better image quality at high magnification than any other scope on this list.
At 16x in afternoon light on a varmint shooting session, XD glass clarity and edge definition make identifying and targeting a small animal at 150 to 175 yards easier than standard multi-coat glass at the same power.
The 4-16x range covers the full practical capability of the .22 WMR. The Dead-Hold BDC provides field holdovers at extended rimfire distances.
The 4-inch eye relief gives comfortable use. This scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 4-16x |
| Objective Lens | 44mm |
| Tube Diameter | 30mm |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC (SFP) |
| Eye Relief | 4 inches |
| Weight | 16.7 oz |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime |
Pros
- XD glass delivers the best optical quality on a .22 WMR varmint build
- 4-16x covers the full practical varmint range of the .22 WMR
- 4 inch eye relief for comfortable use
- VIP warranty: unconditional and lifetime
Cons
- Price exceeds what most .22 WMR builds justify
- 16.7 oz is heavier than necessary for a standard rimfire rifle
- XD glass advantage is subtle in good daylight conditions
Our Take
The Viper HS 4-16×44 is the premium answer for a serious .22 WMR varmint shooter who wants the best glass quality available. The XD glass at 16x earns its price in variable light varmint conditions.
#5 Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Best for Hunting
The Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the right scope for a .22 WMR used for small game hunting in brush and close terrain where shots are opportunistic and fast. At 2x the field of view is wide and natural for rabbit and squirrel hunting in cover.
The 7x ceiling handles shots at 100 to 125 yards on small game. The compact profile and 9.9 oz weight keep the rifle light and fast handling.
The V-Brite illuminated option is available for low light hunting. This scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle | V-Plex or V-Brite (SFP) |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Weight | 9.9 oz |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime |
Pros
- 2x low end is wide and practical for close-range small game hunting
- Lightest scope on this list at 9.9 oz
- V-Brite illuminated option for low light hunting
- VIP warranty: unconditional and lifetime
Cons
- 7x ceiling underserves the .22 WMR for varmint shooting past 100 yards
- Not the right choice for a dedicated .22 WMR varmint build at 150 yards
- Small 32mm objective
Our Take
The Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the right scope for a .22 WMR used as a compact hunting rifle for small game in close terrain. For varmint shooting at the .22 WMR’s full range, the 4-12×44 is the better tool.
Did You Know? The .22 WMR was designed by Winchester in 1959 to provide a rimfire option capable of reliable varmint control at distances beyond the .22 LR’s effective range. Winchester engineers worked with Winchester-Western ammunition division to develop a larger case that could hold enough powder to push a 40 grain bullet past 1,800 fps. The resulting cartridge was introduced alongside the Winchester Model 61 pump-action rifle and has been the top-tier rimfire option for varmint hunters ever since, despite competition from the .17 HMR introduced in 2002.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Vortex Scope for 22 WMR
What is the difference between a scope for .22 WMR vs .22 LR?
The .22 WMR’s longer effective range — 125 to 175 yards versus 75 to 100 yards — justifies higher magnification on the scope. A 4-12x or 4-16x matches the .22 WMR’s varmint shooting range better than the 3-9x that suffices for .22 LR.
What magnification works best for .22 WMR varmint shooting?
A 4-12x covers the practical varmint range to 150 yards well. For regular shooting at 150 to 175 yards, a 4-16x gives the additional resolution to work at the cartridge’s outer range.
Is parallax adjustment important on a .22 WMR scope?
Yes. Most .22 WMR shooting happens at 50 to 125 yards. A scope with adjustable parallax set for those distances removes the parallax error that fixed-parallax scopes create at close rimfire ranges, improving group precision.
Does the .22 WMR need a magnum-rated scope?
No. The .22 WMR produces very low recoil. Any quality Vortex scope handles .22 WMR without specialized magnum mounting or construction requirements.
What is the practical effective range of the .22 WMR on prairie dogs?
A skilled shooter with quality ammunition can work prairie dogs to 150 yards.
Past 150 yards, wind sensitivity increases and terminal performance on a small target becomes less consistent. The Crossfire II 4-12×44 or Diamondback HP 4-16×42 gives the magnification to work at that range.
Verdict
The .22 WMR earns its place above the standard .22 LR at the 100 to 175 yard varmint range where the .22 LR runs out of reliable capability. A scope that matches that range makes the cartridge what it was designed to be.
For most .22 WMR varmint hunters and small game shooters, the Crossfire II 4-12×44 is the right answer. The 12x ceiling, adjustable parallax, and BDC reticle match the cartridge’s practical application at the best budget value.
For regular shooting at 150 to 175 yards, the Diamondback HP 4-16×42 extends the reach. Budget-conscious buyers inside 125 yards, the Crossfire II 3-9×40 with V-Brite covers the range.
For premium glass quality on a serious varmint build, the Viper HS 4-16×44 delivers XD optical quality at 16x. And for small game hunting in close cover, the Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the compact, lightweight option.
Match the magnification to the distance you shoot, and the .22 WMR delivers everything it promises.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me