Firearms Facts: "The .22 Confusion..."

Published on June 24, 2016
Duration: 32:01

This video from Iraqveteran8888 delves into the complex world of .22 caliber cartridges, highlighting the vast differences between rimfire and centerfire options. Experts Eric and Chad explain the unique construction of .22 LR, the historical context of rounds like Flobert and Colibri, and the safety concerns when mixing different .22 calibers. They also explore high-velocity centerfire variants and specialized rounds like the .22 TCM and 5.45x39mm, showcasing the evolution and diversity within the .22 projectile family.

Quick Summary

The .22 caliber family is exceptionally diverse, encompassing both rimfire and centerfire cartridges. Unique designs like the .22 LR's heeled bullet and specialized rounds such as the Aguila Sniper Subsonic (heavy bullet in a short case) and the primer-only Colibri highlight this variety. Safety is paramount, as mixing incompatible .22 calibers can lead to dangerous case ruptures.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .22 Caliber Variations
  2. 01:28.22 Rimfire Construction and Heeled Bullets
  3. 03:01Flobert and Gallery Cartridges
  4. 04:00Rimfire Family: Short, Long, and Magnum
  5. 06:02Chamber Compatibility and Safety
  6. 07:52Colibri and Pest Control Rounds
  7. 09:08Transition to Centerfire .22s
  8. 13:50Specialty Centerfire: Blanks and Accelerators
  9. 15:24.22 TCM and 5.45x39mm
  10. 18:20High-Velocity Sporting Cartridges
  11. 19:40Historical Small Bores and 25-45 Sharps

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition unique in its construction?

.22 LR ammunition is unique because it uses a 'heeled bullet,' where the bullet's diameter is the same as the outside diameter of the cartridge case. This design allows for the efficient repurposing of fired .22 cases into jackets for larger caliber projectiles like those used in .223/5.56 ammunition.

What are the safety risks associated with mixing different .22 caliber cartridges?

Mixing .22 caliber cartridges can be dangerous. For example, firing a .22 Long Rifle (LR) in a .22 Magnum chamber can cause the LR case to split due to the wider chamber. Conversely, attempting to fire .22 Magnum in a .22 LR chamber is impossible and unsafe. Always ensure you are using the correct ammunition for your firearm's chamber.

What are 'Colibri' rounds and what are their specific risks?

Colibri rounds are a type of .22 LR ammunition that uses only the primer's ignition for propulsion, making them extremely quiet. However, their very low velocity poses a significant risk of 'squib loads,' where the bullet can become lodged in the barrel, creating a dangerous obstruction.

How do commercial .223 Remington and military 5.56 NATO cartridges differ?

While both use a .22 caliber projectile, commercial .223 Remington and military 5.56 NATO cartridges have distinct differences in their brass casings. Specifically, 5.56 NATO brass typically has thicker walls and a smaller internal volume compared to .223 Remington brass, which affects pressure and performance characteristics.

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