.21 Sharp
The .21 Sharp cartridge shoots a .210-caliber bullet launched from a .22 LR case. Initial offerings from Winchester include a 34-grain Jacketed Hollow Point, a 37-grain copper-plated lead bullet, a 42-grain Full Metal Jacket and, very interestingly, a 25-grain all-copper bullet Winchester calls the Copper Matrix. Initial velocity results of 1,300 (42-grain) to 1,750 fps (25-grain) indicate the 21 Sharp is slightly faster than standard-velocity .22 LR loads with more energy. Initial accuracy results are very impressive, as is the round’s terminal bullet performance—the Sharp’s forte.
By using modern bullet designs afforded by the non-heeled bullet, Winchester’s engineers were able to make top-quality projectiles for the 21 Sharp that more closely resemble the premium, controlled-expansion bullets of modern centerfires than the antiquated, round-nose lead bullets of most .22 LR loads. Gelatin tests revealed that the 34-grain JHP bullet expanded in a consistent manner to 173-percent of its original size while retaining 99-percent of its weight! Meanwhile, the all-copper load penetrated nearly three feet of gelatin! Sheer performance aside, the Copper Matrix load will be a viable option for rimfire aficionados and small game hunters in jurisdictions where lead-based bullets have been banned.
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