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.22 LR Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.22 LR: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle, Pistol, Revolver
Primer Type Rimfire
Used For Target Shooting, Small Game Hunting, Training
Case Design Rimmed, Straight
Year Introduced 1887

.22 LR: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Extremely low recoil, ideal for beginners
  • ✔ Very affordable ammunition
  • ✔ Widely available and versatile
  • ✔ Excellent for small game hunting and pest control
  • ✔ Quiet report, making it neighbor-friendly

Cons

  • ✘ Limited effective range compared to centerfire cartridges
  • ✘ Not suitable for medium or large game hunting
  • ✘ Less reliable ignition compared to centerfire ammunition
  • ✘ More susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges
  • ✘ Not recommended for self-defense due to limited stopping power

.22 LR Ammo: In Depth

The .22 Long Rifle, commonly known as .22 LR, is one of the most popular and widely used ammunition types in the world. Renowned for its low recoil, affordability, and versatility, this rimfire cartridge has become a staple for recreational shooters, small game hunters, and competitive marksmen alike. The .22 LR offers an impressive combination of accuracy and low noise, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from target practice to pest control and introductory firearms training.

History and Development

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge was developed in the United States during the late 19th century. It was introduced in 1887 by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, evolving from earlier rimfire cartridges. The .22 LR was designed to be a low-cost, low-recoil round that could offer good accuracy for small game hunting and target shooting.

The development of the .22 LR was a significant milestone in firearms history. It combined the best attributes of its predecessors, the .22 Long and .22 Extra Long, creating a cartridge that offered improved performance in a compact package. This led to its rapid adoption and enduring popularity.

The .22 LR's design incorporated a heeled bullet, where the bullet diameter is the same as the case diameter, with a heel that fits inside the case. This unique feature, combined with its rimfire ignition system, contributed to its reliability and ease of manufacture, factors that have played a crucial role in its longevity.

Throughout the 20th century and beyond, the .22 LR gained immense popularity. It saw extensive use in Olympic shooting events, small game hunting, and as a training round for novice shooters. The cartridge's low cost and mild report made it ideal for high-volume shooting and indoor ranges.

In the civilian market, the .22 LR has experienced continuous growth in popularity. The widespread adoption of both bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles and pistols chambered in this caliber opened up new possibilities for shooters of all skill levels. Advancements in bullet design and manufacturing processes have further improved the .22 LR's performance, making it an even more versatile option for various shooting applications.

Today, the .22 LR remains one of the most produced and consumed ammunition types globally. Its widespread use has led to continuous innovation in ammunition design, with manufacturers offering a wide range of options from standard velocity target rounds to high-velocity hunting loads and subsonic variants for suppressed firearms. The .22 LR's enduring popularity is a testament to its versatility, affordability, and the pure enjoyment it brings to shooting sports.

Complete Timeline of .22 LR Development:

Year Event
2020s Continued innovation in .22 LR ammunition technology, including more consistent manufacturing processes and specialized loads.
2000s Surge in popularity of suppressed firearms leads to increased demand for subsonic .22 LR ammunition.
1980s Widespread adoption of .22 LR for competitive shooting sports, including rapid-fire pistol and smallbore rifle events.
1930s Introduction of high-velocity .22 LR loads, expanding its effectiveness for small game hunting.
1896 The .22 LR is used in Olympic shooting events for the first time.
1890s The .22 LR gains widespread popularity for small game hunting and target shooting.
1887 Commercial release of the .22 Long Rifle cartridge by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company.
1887 Development of the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, combining features of the .22 Long and .22 Extra Long.
1871 Introduction of the .22 Long cartridge, a precursor to the .22 LR.
1857 Development of the .22 Short cartridge, the first American metallic firearm cartridge.

.22 LR Performance

The .22 LR offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for small game hunting, target shooting, and firearms training. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
► Velocity 1,000-1,200 fps (standard velocity)
1,200-1,400 fps (high velocity)
Varies based on barrel length and load type
→ Trajectory Relatively flat trajectory at short to medium ranges
Effective for small game hunting and target shooting up to 100 yards
⚡ Energy 100-150 ft-lbs at the muzzle
Suitable for small game and pest control at close ranges
↕ Recoil Extremely low, allowing for quick follow-up shots
Ideal for new shooters and high-volume practice
⦿ Accuracy Capable of excellent accuracy in quality firearms
Popular for precision shooting competitions at short to medium ranges

.22 LR: Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .22 LR loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.22 LR: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .22 LR ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Plinking/Target Practice 0-100 Ideal for recreational shooting and skill development
Small Game Hunting 0-50 Effective for rabbits, squirrels, and other small game
Pest Control 0-25 Suitable for rodents and other small pests
Competition Shooting 0-50 Used in various disciplines, including smallbore rifle competitions
Training 0-25 Excellent for firearm familiarization and basic marksmanship training

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .22 LR is known for its low recoil and affordability, making it ideal for high-volume practice. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

.22 LR: Barrel Length Effects on Performance

Barrel length can affect .22 LR performance, though to a lesser extent than centerfire cartridges. This chart illustrates the impact of different barrel lengths on velocity.

2" (Short-barreled pistol) - 850 fps
4" (Standard pistol) - 950 fps
16" (Standard rifle) - 1070 fps
20" (Long rifle) - 1100 fps

Understanding Barrel Length Effects

Barrel length affects .22 LR performance in several ways:

  • Longer barrels generally provide slightly higher velocities, but the effect is less pronounced than with centerfire cartridges.
  • Shorter barrels offer better maneuverability, making them popular for pistols and compact rifles.
  • Velocity increases tend to plateau after about 16 inches of barrel length for .22 LR.
  • Accuracy can be affected by barrel length, with longer barrels potentially offering better sight radius and stability.

The chart above visualizes how velocity increases with barrel length, with the width of each bar representing the relative velocity.

Note: Velocities are approximate and based on standard velocity .22 LR loads. Actual velocities can vary based on specific ammunition, environmental conditions, and individual firearms. Always chronograph your specific gun/ammo combination for precise data.

Applications for .22 LR

The .22 LR's versatile performance profile and low cost make it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Recreational Shooting
  • Ideal for plinking and casual target practice
  • Low recoil makes it suitable for shooters of all skill levels
  • Affordable ammunition allows for high-volume shooting
Small Game Hunting
  • Effective for hunting rabbits, squirrels, and other small game
  • Low noise levels reduce disturbance in hunting areas
  • Minimal meat damage due to low velocity
Competitive Shooting
  • Used in various competitive shooting disciplines
  • Popular for smallbore rifle competitions
  • Low recoil allows for quick, accurate follow-up shots
Training and Education
  • Excellent for teaching firearm safety and basic marksmanship
  • Low recoil and noise make it ideal for new shooters
  • Affordable option for high-volume training
Versatility and Availability
  • Widely available ammunition with numerous load options
  • Used in a variety of firearms, from pocket pistols to precision rifles
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .22 LR's place in the rimfire world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.22 LR vs. .22 Short ▼

.22 LR vs. .22 Magnum ▼

.22 LR vs. .17 HMR ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .22 LR with other popular rimfire and small-bore cartridges. (Based on a 5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .22 LR with other popular rimfire cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 50-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .22 LR with other popular rimfire cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .22 LR with other popular rimfire cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Estimated Barrel Life Comparison

This chart provides a general comparison of estimated barrel life for .22 LR and similar rimfire cartridges. Actual barrel life can vary significantly based on factors such as firing schedule, ammunition quality, and maintenance.

Cartridge Estimated Barrel Life (Rounds)
.22 LR
 
50,000-100,000+
.22 WMR
 
40,000-80,000
.17 HMR
 
30,000-60,000
.17 WSM
 
20,000-40,000
.22 Hornet
 
10,000-20,000

Note: These are rough estimates and can vary greatly depending on usage, load data, cleaning regimen, and individual firearm characteristics. High-volume shooters may see shorter lifespans, while casual shooters might experience longer barrel life. Rimfire cartridges generally have longer barrel life due to their lower pressures and velocities compared to centerfire cartridges.

Sectional Density Comparison

Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration and energy retention.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density Relative SD
.22 LR 40 0.114
 
.22 WMR 40 0.114
 
.17 HMR 17 0.084
 
.17 WSM 20 0.099
 
.22 Hornet 45 0.129
 

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration, but other factors like velocity and bullet construction also play significant roles in overall performance. For rimfire cartridges, the differences in sectional density are less pronounced compared to larger centerfire cartridges.

22LR:  Frequently Asked Questions:

.22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle

Small game only – rabbit, squirrel, and similarly sized animals. Groundhogs and prairie dogs will certainly succumb to this round but you might have trouble hitting them, given the effective hunting range of this round (50-75yds max). Smaller predators like foxes at close range. However, a centerfire rifle cartridge would be a much better choice for this purpose, as .22LR has a higher probability of simply wounding an animal this size if you don’t make a good shot.

This is not the cartridge for self defense – unless you have no other option. .22LR handguns are, for the most part, unreliable. .22WMR is only slightly larger and carries a lot more energy, as do centerfire options like .30 Super Carry, .380 ACP, etc. Consider one of these if your goal is carrying something smaller than 9mm.

Probably not! However, if squirrels are the only likely home invaders in your situation, then maybe.

While you can get fairly reliable results with a well maintained quality rifle and premium ammunition, .22LR still has a higher probability for FTFs (failures to fire) than anything centerfire. This is definitely an instance where you want a boom after every click! Bottom line: stick with a centerfire gun for home defense, unless a .22LR is all you have.

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