Winchester DynaPoint, .22 WMR, CPHP, 45 Grain
Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Small game hunting, pest control, target shooting |
| Bullet Type | Copper-Plated Hollow Point (CPHP) |
| Bullet Weight | 45 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Rimfire |
| Packaging | 50 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $14.24/box — $0.28/round |
| Closest Competitors | CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr TMJ, Hornady V-MAX .22 WMR 30gr, Federal Premium .22 WMR 50gr JHP |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 1550 | Winchester / Brownells |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 240 | Winchester / Brownells |
| Bullet Weight | 45 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Copper-Plated Hollow Point (CPHP) | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published by manufacturer |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | USA22M | Winchester catalog |
| UPC | 020892101579 | Winchester / retailers |
| Reloadable | No | Rimfire case |
Note: Winchester does not publish muzzle velocity or muzzle energy for the DynaPoint line in the product data available at time of writing. The ballistics table below uses a calculated estimate based on typical published performance for 45-grain .22 WMR copper-plated hollow point loads from comparable manufacturers. All calculated values are labeled accordingly and should be treated as estimates only. Community-submitted chronograph data will be incorporated as it becomes available.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison.
Zeroed at 50 yards. Sight height: 1.5″ above bore. Estimated muzzle velocity: ~1,550 fps (typical for 45 gr .22 WMR CPHP from a 24″ test barrel).
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~1,550 | ~240 | -1.5 |
| 25 | ~1,440 | ~207 | +0.5 |
| 50 | ~1,340 | ~179 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 75 | ~1,250 | ~156 | -1.8 |
| 100 | ~1,170 | ~137 | -5.4 |
| 125 | ~1,105 | ~122 | -11.0 |
| 150 | ~1,050 | ~110 | -18.8 |
| 175 | ~1,005 | ~101 | -28.9 |
| 200 | ~965 | ~93 | -41.6 |
| 225 | ~930 | ~86 | -57.2 |
| 250 | ~900 | ~81 | -75.8 |
Key takeaway: The 45-grain DynaPoint holds a practical effective range of roughly 100 yards for small game, where energy retention remains adequate for clean, ethical kills on squirrel- and rabbit-sized targets. Beyond 125 yards, the trajectory drop becomes significant enough that holdover compensation is required, and terminal energy begins to fall below levels recommended for reliable expansion. Shooters using shorter-barreled rifles or handguns should expect meaningfully lower muzzle velocities than the estimates shown here, which are based on a 24-inch test barrel. A 50-yard zero represents a solid practical choice for most field applications with this cartridge.
The DynaPoint Bullet Design
The Winchester DynaPoint designation refers to Winchester’s proprietary approach to the copper-plated hollow point format in rimfire magnum ammunition. The copper plating serves a dual purpose: it provides a harder outer surface that reduces barrel fouling compared to bare lead projectiles, while the hollow point cavity is engineered to initiate expansion upon impact at the moderate velocities typical of the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire cartridge. At 45 grains, this load sits at the heavier end of the .22 WMR bullet weight spectrum, which prioritizes retained energy and penetration depth over the flat trajectory offered by lighter, faster loads such as 30-grain or 33-grain offerings. The heavier 45-grain construction makes this load particularly relevant for hunters who prioritize anchor performance on small game rather than maximum velocity figures.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Squirrel and rabbit hunting inside 100 yards where hollow point expansion is desired
- Prairie dog and ground squirrel control at moderate ranges
- Pest control applications where copper-plated construction reduces barrel fouling during extended shooting sessions
- Plinking and informal target shooting where cost-per-round is a priority
- Semi-automatic .22 WMR rifles and revolvers where copper plating aids reliable feeding and cylinder gap performance
Not the right tool for:
- Varmint shooting beyond 125 yards, where trajectory drop and reduced velocity compromise both accuracy and terminal performance
- Applications requiring lead-free projectiles for compliance with California condor zone regulations or other non-toxic hunting mandates
- Precision benchrest or competition shooting where tighter BC and velocity consistency are required
- Larger varmints such as coyotes, where the 45-grain .22 WMR class generally lacks sufficient energy for reliable, humane performance
- Situations where subsonic or low-noise performance is required — this is a full-velocity load
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source user feedback, the Winchester DynaPoint line has a long production history in the .22 WMR market and is generally described as offering consistent ignition and reliable cycling in both bolt-action and semi-automatic platforms. The copper-plated hollow point design is noted in open sources as feeding more reliably than exposed lead hollow points in tubular magazines and semi-automatic actions. Winchester’s rimfire manufacturing reputation is well-established, though as with all rimfire ammunition, lot-to-lot velocity variation is an inherent characteristic of the rimfire priming process rather than a product-specific deficiency. All notes here reflect manufacturer claims or open-source information, not structured performance data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr TMJ | 40 gr | Total Metal Jacket | ~0.110 | ~1,875 fps | ~$13–$16 | Budget-friendly; no expansion; higher velocity |
| CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr JHP | 40 gr | Jacketed Hollow Point | ~0.110 | ~1,875 fps | ~$13–$16 | Direct functional competitor; lighter bullet |
| Hornady V-MAX .22 WMR 30gr | 30 gr | V-MAX Polymer Tip | ~0.200 | ~2,200 fps | ~$15–$18 | Premium option; significantly flatter trajectory; better BC |
| Federal Premium .22 WMR 50gr JHP | 50 gr | Jacketed Hollow Point | ~0.140 | ~1,530 fps | ~$14–$17 | Heavier bullet; similar velocity class; deeper penetration emphasis |
| Remington Premier .22 WMR 33gr AccuTip-V | 33 gr | AccuTip-V Polymer Tip | ~0.180 | ~2,000 fps | ~$16–$20 | Premium; polymer tip; better long-range performance |
| Winchester Super-X .22 WMR 40gr JHP | 40 gr | Jacketed Hollow Point | ~0.110 | ~1,910 fps | ~$12–$15 | Same manufacturer; lighter load; budget alternative within Winchester line |
Price Reality
- At $14.24 per box of 50, the Winchester DynaPoint sits at approximately $0.28 per round, which places it in the mid-range tier of the .22 WMR market.
- Budget alternatives such as the CCI Maxi-Mag TMJ or Winchester Super-X 40gr JHP are often found in the $12–$15 range, making the DynaPoint competitively priced rather than a premium product.
- Premium loads such as the Hornady V-MAX 30gr or Remington AccuTip-V typically run $16–$20 per box, representing a 15–40% premium over the DynaPoint price point.
- Case pricing (typically 500 rounds / 10 boxes) for .22 WMR ammunition in this class generally falls in the $130–$160 range when available, though case quantities are less commonly offered for rimfire than for centerfire.
- A price above $18–$19 per box for this load should be considered overpriced relative to the current market; at that level, premium alternatives with better ballistic coefficients become the more rational purchase.
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Winchester DynaPoint, .22 WMR, CPHP, 45 Grain, 50 Rounds
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FAQ
What does “DynaPoint” mean, and how does it differ from a standard hollow point?
The DynaPoint designation is Winchester’s brand name for this specific copper-plated hollow point rimfire design. The copper plating distinguishes it from bare lead hollow points by providing a harder exterior that reduces leading in the barrel and improves feeding reliability in semi-automatic actions. The hollow point cavity is designed to initiate controlled expansion upon impact at .22 WMR velocity levels, which are lower than centerfire cartridges, making cavity geometry critical to reliable expansion. It is not a bonded or polymer-tipped bullet — it relies on the cup-and-core hollow point mechanism common across the mid-tier rimfire market.
How does the 45-grain DynaPoint compare to lighter .22 WMR loads for small game hunting?
The 45-grain bullet retains more energy at impact than 30-grain or 40-grain loads at comparable ranges, which can translate to better anchor performance on squirrels, rabbits, and similar-sized game. However, the heavier bullet also has a higher ballistic drop beyond 75 yards compared to faster, lighter loads like the Hornady V-MAX 30gr, which travels roughly 650 fps faster at the muzzle. For hunters shooting inside 75 yards, the 45-grain load’s energy advantage is meaningful; beyond 100 yards, the lighter, higher-BC loads become more practical. The choice ultimately depends on whether the shooter prioritizes terminal energy or flat trajectory.
Is the Winchester DynaPoint suitable for use in a .22 WMR handgun or revolver?
Yes, the DynaPoint is a standard pressure .22 WMR load suitable for use in revolvers and pistols chambered for the cartridge. However, handgun users should be aware that shorter barrels — typically 4–6 inches in revolvers versus 20–24 inches in rifles — will produce significantly lower muzzle velocities than the estimates shown in the ballistics table on this page. Reduced velocity may also affect hollow point expansion reliability, as the copper-plated hollow point design is optimized to expand within a velocity window that shorter barrels may not consistently achieve. Rifle-length barrels will deliver the most predictable terminal performance.
Can this ammunition be used where lead-free projectiles are required?
No. The Winchester DynaPoint 45gr CPHP uses a lead core projectile with a copper plating — the copper plating is a surface coating, not a solid copper or copper alloy construction. This load is not compliant with non-toxic or lead-free hunting regulations, such as those required in California condor zones or other jurisdictions that mandate lead-free projectiles for hunting. Hunters subject to these regulations should select a purpose-built lead-free .22 WMR load. Always verify local and state regulations before selecting ammunition for hunting applications.
Why doesn’t Winchester publish muzzle velocity data for the DynaPoint?
Winchester does not consistently publish detailed ballistic specifications for all products in the DynaPoint line across all retail channels, which is a known gap in the available data for this load. This is not unusual for rimfire ammunition at the mid-market price point, where manufacturers sometimes limit published data to bullet weight and bullet type. The ballistics table on this page uses calculated estimates based on typical published performance for comparable 45-grain .22 WMR copper-plated hollow point loads; these are estimates only and are clearly labeled as such. If you have chronograph data from a specific firearm and barrel length, community submissions are encouraged to build a more accurate real-world performance profile for this load.
