CCI Stingers vs. 22 Magnums

Published on April 11, 2025
Duration: 9:22

This video compares the ballistic performance of CCI Stinger .22 LR ammunition against .22 Magnum rounds, specifically within Heritage Rough Rider revolvers of varying barrel lengths. The experiment utilizes a chronograph to measure muzzle velocity and calculate energy, revealing that while manufacturer claims often assume rifle-length barrels, actual performance in short-barreled revolvers can differ significantly. The comparison highlights how specific ammunition choices, like the Hornady 30-grain V-Max .22 Magnum, can yield higher energy output from these platforms than standard .22 Magnum or CCI Stingers.

Quick Summary

Manufacturer muzzle velocity claims for ammunition are often based on long rifle barrels. In short revolvers, factors like cylinder gap and barrel length reduce actual velocity and energy. While standard .22 Magnum offers slightly more energy than CCI Stingers, specialized loads like Hornady 30-grain V-Max can provide significantly higher performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Stinger vs .22 Magnum
  2. 00:17Manufacturer Specs vs Real-World Testing
  3. 00:37Testing Methodology: Revolver Barrel Lengths
  4. 00:42The 16-inch Heritage Revolver
  5. 00:48Chronograph Details (Caldwell)
  6. 01:08CCI Stinger Testing (Various Barrels)
  7. 01:17Stinger Results: 6-inch Revolver
  8. 01:43Stinger Results: 16-inch Revolver
  9. 02:30Stinger Advertised vs Actual Velocity
  10. 02:41.22 Magnum Testing Begins
  11. 03:09.22 Magnum Results: 2-inch Barrel (Implied)
  12. 03:32Reasons for Lower Velocity in Short Barrels
  13. 04:30.22 Magnum Testing: 6-inch Revolver
  14. 05:02.22 Magnum Testing: 16-inch Revolver
  15. 05:36Magnum vs Stinger Results Summary (6-inch)
  16. 05:53Stinger Performance Data (6-inch)
  17. 06:04.22 Magnum Performance Data (6-inch)
  18. 06:16Energy Conclusion (Initial)
  19. 06:29Correction: Re-testing .22 Magnum Brands
  20. 06:51Testing Hornady 30-grain V-Max .22 Magnum
  21. 07:09V-Max Results: 16-inch Barrel
  22. 07:18V-Max Performance Data (16-inch)
  23. 07:45Choosing V-Max for Maximum Energy
  24. 08:00Practical Energy for Revolver Use
  25. 08:18Maximizing Energy from Heritage Rough Rider
  26. 08:43Final Moral: Don't Skimp on .22 Magnum
  27. 08:50Conclusion and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference in performance between CCI Stinger .22 LR and .22 Magnum ammunition when fired from revolvers?

While manufacturer specs suggest .22 Magnum is more powerful, testing in revolvers shows varied results. CCI Stingers averaged 1221 ft/s and 106 ft-lbs from a 6-inch barrel. Standard .22 Magnum averaged 1223 ft/s and 133 ft-lbs. However, specialized .22 Magnum like Hornady 30-grain V-Max can significantly outperform both, especially from longer barrels.

Why do ammunition velocities often differ significantly between manufacturer claims and real-world tests in short-barreled revolvers?

Manufacturer velocities are typically measured from long rifle barrels (16-18 inches). In short revolvers, factors like the cylinder gap allowing gas escape and insufficient barrel length for complete powder burn significantly reduce muzzle velocity and energy compared to advertised figures.

Which .22 Magnum ammunition performed best in the Heritage Rough Rider revolver tests?

The Hornady 30-grain V-Max .22 Magnum ammunition demonstrated superior performance, particularly from the 16-inch barrel. It achieved an average velocity of 1565 ft/s and produced 163 ft-lbs of energy, outperforming both standard .22 Magnum and CCI Stinger ammunition in this test.

What factors influence muzzle velocity and energy in revolvers compared to rifles?

Key factors include barrel length, the cylinder gap (which allows gas to escape), and the type/burn rate of the gunpowder. Shorter barrels and larger cylinder gaps inherently reduce velocity and energy compared to a rifle with a sealed breech and longer barrel.

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