.21 Sharp

• Name —.21 Sharp • Origin — United States • Type — Rifle • Designer — Winchester Ammunition • Design Date — 2024 • Manufacturer — Winchester Ammunition • Production Date — 2024–present • Parent —.22 Long Rifle • Case Type — Rimmed, straight wall • Bullet —.2105 • Neck —.226 • Base —.226 • Rim Dia —.278 • Rim Thick —.043 • Case Length — 0.613 • Length — 0.965 in (24.51 mm) • Rifling — 1 in 12 in • Max Pressure — 24000 • Pressure Method — SAAMI • Bw1 — 25 • Btype1 — Game & Target 25 grain, Copper Matrix • Vel1 — 1750 • En1 — 170 • Bw2 — 37 • Btype2 — Game & Target 37 grain, Black Copper Plated • Vel2 — 1335 • En2 — 146 • Bw3 — 42 • Btype3 — Game & Target 42 grain, FMJ • Vel3 — 1330 • En3 — 165 • Bw4 — 34 • Btype4 — Super X® 34 grain, JHP • Vel4 — 1500 • En4 — 170 • Test Barrel Length — 24 in • Balsrc — SAAMI • Primer — Rimfire

.21 Sharp was announced in September 2024 by Winchester Ammunition and was released in 2024. Initial factory loads for the.21 Sharp include a variety of bullet types such as jacketed hollow point, copper‑plated, full metal jacket and lead‑free copper matrix options, demonstrating a broader selection than traditional.22 LR ammunition at launch.

The cartridge was designed to shoot a copper jacketed bullet using a.22 LR case as some jurisdictions ban lead bullets. Winchester marketed the.21 Sharp as offering improved accuracy and reduced felt recoil compared to standard.22 LR ammunition, highlighting its appeal for small‑game hunting and precision shooting.