.22 Rem. Jet Mag. Load Data

The .22 Remington Jet Magnum, commonly known as the .22 Jet, emerged in the early 1960s, a product of collaboration between Remington Arms and Smith & Wesson. Introduced in 1961, this caliber was designed specifically for revolvers, most notably debuting in the Smith & Wesson Model 53. Its origins trace back to a period where innovation in high-velocity handgun cartridges was at its height, aiming to bridge the gap between rimfire and centerfire magnum cartridges. The .22 Jet's design began with a .357 Magnum case, necked down to accept .22 caliber bullets, thus creating a bottlenecked centerfire cartridge that promised impressive velocity and flat trajectory. The .22 Rem. Jet Mag. quickly stood out for its futuristic approach to revolver ballistics, though it remained somewhat niche due to challenges such as case setback and limited revolver compatibility.

In terms of application, the .22 Rem. Jet Mag. was marketed primarily for varmint hunting and small game, offering handgun hunters a flat-shooting, low-recoiling round with powerful terminal performance at moderate ranges. Its high muzzle velocity and accuracy in appropriate platforms made it attractive for shooters interested in both field use and metallic silhouette competitions. Over the years, some lever-action rifles and single-shot pistols have been chambered for the .22 Rem. Jet Mag., although revolvers remain its primary platform. While it never achieved mainstream commercial success, the round holds a loyal niche following among reloaders and specialty handgun enthusiasts who appreciate its unique characteristics and performance benefits for things like rural pest control and recreational shooting.

For ammunition reloaders, the .22 Rem. Jet Mag. offers an intriguing blend of challenges and opportunities. Its bottleneck design, derived from the .357 Magnum case, requires careful attention during case resizing and bullet seating. Bullet weights typically range from 40 to 45 grains, with 40 grains being the most common; these projectiles are usually jacketed soft points or hollow points optimized for expansion on small game. Factory velocities commonly reach between 1,700 and 2,200 feet per second from revolver-length barrels, though results may vary depending on the firearm and custom handloads. The caliber’s performance is highly dependent on the correct use of lubricants and careful crimping, as revolver cylinder setback can otherwise cause reliability issues. Reloaders who invest in the right dies and take time to experiment with bullet seating depths and overall length can unlock the full potential of the .22 Jet, creating a cartridge that rivals some small rifle rounds in ballistic performance—though always within the pressure limitations of their chosen firearm.

Another defining characteristic of the .22 Rem. Jet Mag. is its flat trajectory and light recoil, making follow-up shots quick and intuitive, even for less experienced shooters. The cartridge’s small diameter and relatively high speed allow for deep penetration and consistent accuracy out to 100 yards in the right hands and platforms. While not recommended for larger game due to its limited bullet mass, the .22 Jet excels in dispatching pests such as groundhogs, squirrels, and rabbits, and it has even found occasional use in coyote hunting with well-placed shots. For handloading enthusiasts, the .22 Rem. Jet Mag. remains an intriguing and enjoyable project—an example of intricate revolver engineering that continues to reward those who appreciate both history and ballistic performance.