.22 MAGNUM For Self-Defense? Hornady Critical Defense .22WMR Ballistic Gel Test! Walther WMP!

Published on June 14, 2022
Duration: 10:29

This video provides a ballistic gel test comparing Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR ammunition fired from a Walther WMP (4.5-inch barrel) and a Heritage Barkeep revolver (2.625-inch barrel). The test evaluates velocity, penetration, expansion, and wound channel characteristics. The Walther WMP demonstrated higher velocities and greater expansion/penetration compared to the Heritage Barkeep, suggesting superior performance in a self-defense context when barrel length is not a primary concealment concern.

Quick Summary

A ballistic gel test comparing Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR from a Walther WMP and Heritage Barkeep revealed significant performance differences. The Walther WMP achieved higher velocities (1312 fps avg.) and greater penetration (15.25" forward momentum) than the Heritage Barkeep (1105 fps avg., 12.5" penetration), with both showing good expansion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:43Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR Specs
  3. 00:56Firearms Used: Walther WMP & Heritage Barkeep
  4. 01:43Velocity Testing: Heritage Barkeep
  5. 02:34Velocity Testing: Walther WMP
  6. 03:30Ballistic Gel Test: Heritage Barkeep Shot
  7. 04:09Ballistic Gel Test: Walther WMP Shot
  8. 04:38Gel Test Results: Wound Channels & Penetration
  9. 06:22Projectile Examination & Expansion
  10. 07:03Projectile Weight & Expansion Measurements
  11. 08:02Performance Comparison & Conclusion
  12. 09:31Outro & Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the performance difference between the Walther WMP and Heritage Barkeep when firing .22 Magnum?

The Walther WMP, with its 4.5-inch barrel, achieved significantly higher velocities (1312 fps average) and greater penetration (15.25 inches forward momentum) in ballistic gel compared to the Heritage Barkeep's 2.625-inch barrel (1105 fps average, 12.5 inches penetration). The WMP also showed slightly more expansion.

How does Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR perform in ballistic gel?

Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR ammunition demonstrated good expansion and penetration in ballistic gel. Projectiles typically turned backward, creating a substantial wound channel. While penetration was adequate, it could be marginal in some scenarios, especially from shorter barrels.

Is .22 Magnum suitable for self-defense based on this test?

Based on this ballistic gel test, .22 Magnum, particularly with modern defensive loads like Hornady Critical Defense, can offer acceptable performance for self-defense, especially from a longer-barreled firearm like the Walther WMP. However, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the specific firearm and ammunition used.

What are the key differences in expansion between the Walther WMP and Heritage Barkeep for .22 Magnum?

The Walther WMP showed slightly more expansion with its .22 Magnum rounds, averaging around 0.336 inches, compared to the Heritage Barkeep's average expansion of approximately 0.316 inches. Both demonstrated notable expansion for the caliber.

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