Bottlenecked revolver cartridge achieving rifle-like velocity from a handgun. The .357 Magnum case necked to .22 caliber. Suffered from a critical flaw: the steep shoulder caused cases to set back and stick in the cylinder after firing, often preventing rotation.
Type: Revolver
Introduced: 1961, United States
Parent case: .357 Magnum (necked down)
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.223" (5.66 mm)
Case length: 1.28" (32.51 mm)
Overall length: 1.58" (40.13 mm)
Max pressure: 33,500 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Small Pistol
Typical twist rate: 1:14
Muzzle velocity: 2460–2500 fps
Muzzle energy: 538–555 ft-lbs
Effective range: 100 yd
Common bullet weights: 40 gr
Primary use: Varmint, Hunting
Production status: Discontinued
Also known as: .22 Centerfire Magnum Rimfire (CFMR) · 5.6x33mmR
History: Developed jointly by Remington and Smith & Wesson for the S&W Model 53 revolver. The concept — varmint-hunting velocity from a revolver — was sound, but the tapered bottleneck case design caused chronic case-setback problems under recoil, often requiring a mallet to open the cylinder. Smith & Wesson discontinued the Model 53; Remington ended factory ammunition production. Handloaders occasionally…
Notable firearms: Smith & Wesson Model 53
Similar cartridges: .22 Hornet, .357 Magnum