Author Topic: .22 Mag Sportster v. .22 Mag Ultra (Read 3905 times)

Mainer · « **on:** February 05, 2005, 04:29:09 PM »

I'm trying to decide between the two.

The only real downside to the Ultra is that at 7lbs it seems heavy for a rimfire (it also is SLIGHTLY more expensive and SLIGHTLY longer than the Sportster, but those factors aren't significant).

On the other hand, I'm wondering how much of an advantage the heavy barrel is. How fast does a .22 Mag rifle barrel heat up when shooting groups at the range?

If the heavy barrel saves me from having to wait 5 min between 100yd shots to get good accuracy, then that would be the deciding factor. However, if the standard .22 Mag barrel can shoot good 3 or 5 shot 100yd groups without waiting between shots, then I'd purchase the Sportster.

getom59 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2005, 05:29:04 PM »

Good question, I am interested in hearing the the responses to this one too. I've got the bug for a 22 mag and am considering the Sportster and Ultra. as well.

shaner · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2005, 01:41:57 AM »

mainer , i have owned both , and currently have a sporter 22 mg and a ultra in 17hmr i like the lighter wieght barrel myself , since i do a lot of walking around hunting mainly varmints here in ohio , the heavy barrels do make a diff , you carry it for an hour you will decide real quick now if iam shooting in the back yard range , bench type hey heavy is good as for accurate??? i dont see any difference in them , except the light guns are easierto pull the shot ,but whos fault is that?

?

MSP Ret · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2005, 02:14:48 AM »

Hi Mainer, I also have both barrels. A .22 Mag in a regular barrel set up with a Red Dot sight and Survivor stock set I use for coyote hunting in Maine as well as a .17 HM Bull Barrel with a Laminate stock set for bench and target work. I use the .17 for crows and other hunting also but most often when we are riding the roads in the NMW's. I like the Bull barrel for many reasons and lugging through the woods is not one of them..It seems the most often gun grabbed is the .22 Mag with the regular barrel. It will consistently shot 1" groups or slightly under at the range with Winchester Silver or Black box ammo or just a hair larger groups with the CCI Maxi Mags. It will not shoot the 50 grain CCI Maxi Mag Gold Dots at all, looks like a shotgun pattern, but it does shoot the Federal 50 grainers almost as well as the Winchester and just about on a par with the lighter CCI Maxi Mags. If your looking for a gun for the Maine woods and all day carry I suggest a setup similar to my .22 Mag, or better still, buy both over time!!!!....<><.... :grin:

Mainer · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2005, 02:44:19 AM »

Thanks for the replies.

MSP: You're welcome to come to Maine to shoot coyotes. There's lots of anecdotal evidence that they're doing a job on the deer herd. But keep the coyote hunting somewhat quiet. I'm worried that the next anti-hunting referendum question in Maine will be to ban coyote hunting (remember the recent, narrowly-defeated referendum to ban most forms of bear hunting).

Back to .22 Mags: My question boils down to barrel heating. Does a .22 Mag barrel heat up rapidly so that accuracy quickly falls off? If so, my assumption is that the bull barrel will take longer to heat up and will suit me better. The overwhelming majority of my shooting is done at the range.

If accuracy fall off is not nearly as big a problem with the .22 Mag as it is with centerfire rifles, then I'll opt for the standard barrel.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2005, 03:27:20 AM »

I have not seen any appreciable fall off in "hunting accuracy" at the range with my .22 Mag Sportster with the Survivor stock set and Red Dot but I don't do a lot of range shooting with it for tiny groups, it is primarily a hunting weapon. However, if I was going to get a .22 Mag specifically for the Range I would definitely go with the Bull barrel and the heavier Laminate stock set as in the Ultra Varmit .22 Mag, it also has a 2" longer barrel. The .22 Mag Sportster goes for $103.62 at Wal Mart with a standard configuration 20" barrel and synthetic stock set. The .22 Mag Ultra Varmit with 22" Bull Barrel and laminated stock set costs $134.xx at Wal Mart. I would definitely buy the .22 Mag Ultra Varmit for your needs with out even considering the Sportster. For lugging through the woods all day and hunting the Sportster would get the nod...very easy and straightforward, no mixing the 2 options..my thinking on the subject for whats it's worth, get the .22Mag Ultra Varmit you will be VERY happy with it and it is WELL worth the difference in price for what you want it for. I do not think you would be happy with the Sportster...<><.... :grin:

Mainer · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:24:05 PM »

Arrggghhhh!! Arrggghhh!! :x Sports South has NO Ultras in .22 Mag in stock! Nor does Davidson's. I may have to opt for the .22 Mag Sportster to get my fix.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2005, 05:11:08 PM »

No Problem Mainer, I plan to be up north Millinocket way in the next week or two with my .22 Mag Sportster coyote rig, it shoots great but for strict range work I still think the Ultra Varmit in .22 Mag still would be a bit better....How close to Millinocket are you? If you want we could get together and you could try my Sportster with the Red Dot sight....<><.... :grin:

ScatterGunner · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2005, 05:25:57 PM »

ugh ! the red dot ......

sg

Mainer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2005, 04:27:14 PM »

MSP: Thanks for the invite to try your .22 Mag Sportster!

According to MapQuest, I live a mere 185 miles from miles from Millinocket. :-D Thanks in advance for your effors to manage the coyote population. :grin:

MSP Ret · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2005, 01:54:08 AM »

, S.G., My .22 Mag has gone from the Simmons 30mm to the Millett 1" Red Dot. The Millett has a 3 moa dot as opposed to the Simmons 4 moa dot. After comparing the parallax between the Millett 1", the Simmons 30mm, and the much larger NcStar 45mm Red Dots I have come to the conclusion there is a definite correlation between the Diameter of the tubes and the increased parallax, the smaller 1" having the least and the largest 45mm having the most, so much so that it is problematic to shoot small groups with it unless you are very careful in the placement of you eye in relation to the center of the rear lens. It is currently on a Shotgun where I have moved it to try with slugs and I am considering trying it with shot shells also. Many experiments left!!! Thanks!!!....<><.... :-D

getom59 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2005, 03:47:34 PM »

I too am trying to decide between the Sportster and Ultra in .22 mag. I plan on using the rifle primarily for hunting purposes and so today , I am leaning towards the Sportster (yesterday it was the Ultra) for the weight consideration. However, before I finalize my decision and order one I'd like to get a couple questions answered.

Will the forearm of the .22 mag standard barrel Sportster fit with the .17 HMR or .22 mag bull barrels in the accessory barrel program? If not, how do you order a new synthetic forearm for the Sportster to fit the bull barrels? H&R's website lists the pistol grip and monte carlo stocks but I don't see the forends anywhere.

Coastwatcher · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2005, 05:41:26 AM »

The forends are mostly interchangeable as most of the barrel taper is in the area between the forearm and the muzzle.

Here are some dimensions.

Ultra .22wmr muzzle is .660" and barrel at the front of the forend is .850.

Sportster .17hmr muzzle = .80" and at the forend = .885"

Handi .223 muzzle = .650" and at the forend = .835"

The forends seem to fit the largest diameter tightly and have .020-.030 gap on the smallest.

Although the H&R website doesn't show the forends if you phone them they have them available. Available in 2 laminate colors or hardwood.

getom59 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2005, 07:49:21 AM »

Thanks Coastwatcher. I am going to go and order the Sportster this afternoon. I am sure I'll be very happy with it and will probalby end up getting a couple more barrels for it over time. I was hoping I could use the same forend with the different barrels and it sounds like I can from your post. By the way, I've called all around trying to find an Ultra in case I decided to go that way but nobody seemed to be able to get one. I guess all the distributors are out of them right now. The Sportster's are available though.

One other question if you don't mind. I currently have an SB2 in .223 that has a 3-9 X 40 scope mounted on it. The rings for it are approximately 10 mm [.4 inches] from the top of the base to the bottom of the ring. The hammer and extension just barely miss the scope.

My question is the SB1 frame and scope rail basically the same dimensions as the SB2?

I'll be ordering a Mueller 3-9 X 40 to go on top of the and wondered if I should go ahead and get some new rings too. I have extra 4 and 7 mm high rings sets around the house but after looking at my .223 I don't think they'll be high enough.

Coastwatcher · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2005, 04:17:32 PM »

All my receivers have the same external dimension. All my scope rails are the same height, but some are longer than others. Your scope and 10mm rings should fit any model.

Normally the Ultra rails are longer, although my Ultra has a short rail. My 15 year old Handi has a long rail. I suspect that the reality is they sometimes install whatever is in stock or lying on the bench at that moment.

dannyk · « **Reply #15 on:** February 18, 2005, 02:43:46 PM »

I ordered the Ultra 22 mag today, I have a 223 ultra and really like the feel of the gun compared to my 17hmr, I don't do a lot of walking with either, mostly just walk to a set and sit, also use a sling so just my opinion but the ultra feels like a lot more quality in my hands with the laminate stock and it seems to be better balanced with the heavy barrel.

dakota rifleman · « **Reply #16 on:** April 09, 2005, 08:43:35 AM »

I may have to try the 22 Mag Sportster. I have not tryed a NEF rimfire yet.

ironglow · « **Reply #17 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:33:36 AM »

I have the Sportster with 3 barrels. My .17 HRM is a bull barrel; I wish all three were.
The bull barrel handles and "drops into place" for accurate shooting much better.
Yes, the .17 shoots more accurately...but I can't attribute it all to the bull barrel since the .17 HRM is inherently more accurate..

If I were to do it over, I would spring the extra bucks for the Ultra.

rickt300 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 08, 2005, 04:03:14 PM »

Well it's my birthday the 15th of this month and I happen to need an Urban coyote rifle so I decided to order a 22 mag Ultra because of you guys. My reasoning is that the longer barrel will be a bit quieter and maybe give more velocity and I just like the laminated stock better. I am hoping the CCI TNT hollow points shoot well in it but surely one of the faster loads will and the coyotes are mostly at 50-70 yards standing still till they hear a shot. I thought about a 17 HMR I feel the 22 mag is better on coyotes, just feel it don't know.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #19 on:** May 16, 2005, 01:57:03 AM »

rickt300, Happy birthday!! I have both thjose calibers and I agree with you, between the .17 HMR and the .22 Mag I feel the .22 Mag is better for coyotes. Great choice....<><.... :grin:

DanielWGriggs · « **Reply #20 on:** September 01, 2005, 03:21:31 AM »

I have asked for the ultra for christmas and santa was listening. I will order the other barrels 17hmr,17m2,and 22 in march for my birthday. this rifle will bu used for pest control and squirrel hunting. 22 for short early season, 17m2 for late season squirrels, the 22mag and the hmr for the night time pest that makes the dog bark all night might need a night vision scope on the hmr for that task when it needs done. I guess I could always shoot the dog. :shock: Yes I want it all and I want it now.

ironglow · « **Reply #21 on:** September 02, 2005, 02:57:45 PM »

I have the Sportster model with 3 barrels, .22LR, .22 mag & .17 HMR.
The HMR is the only one with a bull barrel and is more accurate than the mag...and I don't believe it is just the difference in the rounds....I think the heavy barrel has much to do with it..
That being said, from my experience on live game (mostly groundhogs), the .22 mag is more likely to cleanly drop the coyote.

BTW, now I'm going to the centerfire forum to see if there is any quality difference between the Handy and Ultra in centerfires...

MSP Ret · « **Reply #22 on:** September 02, 2005, 04:00:35 PM »

, Ironglow, did you notice after 3 more posts and you get your 5th and final "bullet"? Congratulations in advance!!!....<><.... :grin:

ironglow · « **Reply #23 on:** September 03, 2005, 02:22:42 PM »

Didn't notice it MSP...but I guess this leaves two more to go. As far as forums go...this is where I "hang out" only visiting others sporadically..

MSP Ret · « **Reply #24 on:** September 04, 2005, 03:41:52 AM »

OK Ironglow, it looks as if you now have a full compliment of "bullets"!!! One to shoot your deer with, three to signal your buddies with to come and help you drag it out, and one in reserve....<><.... :grin:

sdeyoun · « **Reply #25 on:** September 19, 2005, 09:18:36 AM »

I have no experience with the Sportster, but I have a .22 magnum Ultra and it is very accurate. Using CCI Maxi Mags it will put three rounds into one ragged hole at 50 yards consistently. If you don't mind the added weight, the bull barrel should add rigidity. Ths stocks also look better than the standard hardwood IMHO.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #26 on:** September 24, 2005, 02:29:18 AM »

I have been a 22 mag fan for years, its great medicine for woodchucks, fox and coyotes. But accuracy has never been stellar. Accurate enough for the job at hand but not stellar. Not until I got a 17HMR and 17M2 bull barrels. I have no problems with the weight, but I also have a Ultra slug for white tails and dont mind the weight there either. :eek: Both of these will shoot circles around the best 22 mag groups I have ever shot! I swapped the ultra wood and sold my 22mag! The M2 is hands down the most accurate rimfire I have ever seen.

To date I have shot three coyotes with my 17HMR and one with the M2, all went down in a pile. Here in New England these critters have become quite plentiful and rather large. My biggest was just over 90 lbs and smallest still better than 50. The farthest was about 175-180 with the HMR he is the only one to take a step. Head and shoulder shots on all, exit holes on all but one head shot.

I was skeptical of the little bitty bullet as well but I have no quams about the lethality of this round on song dogs!

getom59 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 24, 2005, 04:18:43 AM »

I've got a Sportster 22M that I bought for hunting purposes. At the range shooting paper it's not satisfying as shooting my 17 HMR or 10/22 Ultimate but out in the field it's performed flawlessly. My Sportster has turned into my goto gun. I like it because it's light and easy to carry around, it's plenty accurate for hunting, and it's able to dispatch critters from squirrels to coyotes within a reasonable range. I don't have anything against the other calibers or the Ultra but I am liking my Sportster more and more every time I use it.