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.22 Short

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 Short: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Pistol, Revolver, Rifle
Primer Type Rimfire
Used For Target shooting, Small game hunting, Plinking
Case Design Rimmed, Straight
Year Introduced 1857

.22 Short: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Extremely low recoil
  • ✔ Very quiet report
  • ✔ Inexpensive ammunition
  • ✔ Suitable for indoor shooting ranges
  • ✔ Excellent for training new shooters

Cons

  • ✘ Limited effective range
  • ✘ Low stopping power
  • ✘ Not suitable for self-defense
  • ✘ Less accurate than larger calibers
  • ✘ Limited bullet weight options

.22 Short: A Comprehensive Overview

The .22 Short is one of the oldest rimfire cartridges still in production. Developed in 1857 for the Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver, it was originally designed as a self-defense round. Despite its age, the .22 Short remains popular for target shooting, small game hunting, and pest control due to its low recoil, minimal noise, and affordability.

History and Development

The .22 Short was introduced in 1857 by Smith & Wesson for their Model 1 revolver. It was the first American metallic cartridge and was initially loaded with a 29-grain bullet and 4 grains of black powder. The cartridge was designed to be a compact, low-recoil option for self-defense, particularly for ladies' pocket pistols.

Throughout its history, the .22 Short has seen various improvements and applications. It was used in the 1896 Summer Olympics as the first cartridge for Olympic shooting events. During World War II, it found use in training rifles and as a survival round in aircraft emergency kits.

Today, the .22 Short is primarily used for target shooting, particularly in indoor ranges where its low noise is advantageous. It's also popular for small game hunting and pest control at close ranges. While no longer considered suitable for self-defense, its historical significance and practical applications ensure its continued production.

Performance Characteristics

The .22 Short is known for its low recoil and minimal muzzle report. It typically fires a 27-29 grain bullet at velocities ranging from 700-1,080 feet per second, depending on the load and barrel length. While not as powerful as its larger counterparts like the .22 Long Rifle, it remains effective for its intended purposes at short ranges.

One of the key advantages of the .22 Short is its compact size, allowing for high capacity in firearms designed for it. This makes it particularly popular in gallery guns and for recreational plinking. Its low power also makes it suitable for use in populated areas where overpenetration might be a concern.

Timeline of .22 Short Development and Usage:

Year Event
2023 The .22 Short continues to be produced by major ammunition manufacturers for target shooting and small game hunting.
1990 CCI introduces the .22 Short CB load, offering reduced velocity for even quieter operation
1960 Production of .22 Short reaches its peak, with widespread use in target shooting and small game hunting
1940 The .22 Short is used in survival kits for aircraft during World War II
1896 The .22 Short is used in the first Olympic shooting events at the Summer Olympics in Athens
1887 Smokeless powder loads for the .22 Short are introduced, improving performance
1857 Smith & Wesson introduces the .22 Short for their Model 1 revolver

.22 Short Performance Characteristics

The .22 Short offers unique performance characteristics that have kept it in production for over 160 years. Here's a breakdown of its key performance attributes:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 27-29 grains
Lightweight bullets suitable for small game and target shooting
Muzzle Velocity 700-1,080 fps
Varies based on load and barrel length
Muzzle Energy 44-72 ft-lbs
Sufficient for small game at close ranges
Effective Range 50-100 yards
Best suited for short-range applications
Recoil Minimal
Allows for comfortable shooting even in small firearms

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

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

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

.22 Short: Effective Range for Different Applications

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

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Plinking 0-50 Ideal for casual target shooting and practice
Target Shooting 0-75 Suitable for indoor and outdoor target practice
Small Game Hunting 0-25 Effective for small rodents and pests at close range
Pest Control 0-30 Useful for controlling small pests in urban or suburban areas

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .22 Short is known for its low recoil and quiet report, making it suitable for close-range applications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .22 Short

The .22 Short's characteristics make it suitable for specific applications:

Recreational Shooting
  • Popular for plinking and casual target shooting
  • Low noise and recoil make it ideal for beginners
  • Inexpensive ammunition allows for extended practice sessions
Target Practice
  • Used in some competitive shooting events
  • Suitable for indoor shooting ranges due to low power
  • Helps develop marksmanship skills at short distances
Small Game Hunting and Pest Control
  • Effective for hunting small rodents and pests at close range
  • Low noise helps avoid disturbing nearby areas
  • Minimal meat damage on small game
Specialty Firearms
  • Used in some pocket pistols and derringers
  • Found in some antique and collectible firearms
  • Occasionally used in specialized Olympic rapid-fire pistol events

Caliber Comparisons: .22 Short

The .22 Short is one of the oldest rimfire cartridges still in production. To understand its place in the firearms world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.22 Short vs. .22 Long Rifle ▼

.22 Short vs. .22 CB ▼

.22 Short vs. .17 HMR ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .22 Short with other rimfire cartridges. (Based on a 4 lb pistol)

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 Short with other 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 Short with other 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 Short with other 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.

Sectional Density Comparison for .22 Short

The .22 Short is one of the oldest self-contained cartridges in existence, first introduced in 1857 for Smith & Wesson's first revolver. It has a low sectional density due to its small bullet size and light weight.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.22 Short 29 0.065
.22 Short HP 27 0.060
.22 Short CB 29 0.065

Note: The .22 Short has a relatively low sectional density compared to larger calibers, which contributes to its limited penetration and energy retention. It is primarily used for short-range target shooting, small game hunting, and pest control.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .22 Short cartridge?

A: The .22 Short is the oldest American metallic cartridge in existence. It was introduced in 1857 for the Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver. It is a rimfire cartridge with a small powder charge and a lightweight bullet.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for a .22 Short?

A: The typical bullet weight for a .22 Short is 29 grains, though some variations exist. This is lighter than the more common .22 Long Rifle, which typically uses 40-grain bullets.

Q: What is the muzzle velocity of a .22 Short?

A: The muzzle velocity of a .22 Short is typically around 1,045 feet per second (fps) with standard velocity loads. High-velocity loads can reach up to 1,105 fps.

Q: What are common uses for the .22 Short?

A: The .22 Short is primarily used for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting at very close ranges. It's also sometimes used in Olympic rapid-fire pistol events and for indoor shooting galleries due to its low noise and recoil.

Q: Can .22 Short be fired from guns chambered for .22 Long Rifle?

A: Yes, .22 Short can be fired from most firearms chambered for .22 Long Rifle. However, semi-automatic firearms may not cycle properly with the shorter cartridge. It's always best to consult your firearm's manual before using any ammunition other than what it's specifically chambered for.

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