22LR VS 22 Airgun - POWER TEST!

Published on May 9, 2020
Duration: 5:46

This video provides an expert-level comparison between a .22 caliber airgun and a .22 Long Rifle, demonstrating the significant difference in power despite potentially similar advertised velocities. Using a chronograph and a plywood impact test, the review highlights how projectile weight, not just velocity, dictates kinetic energy and penetration. The .22LR clearly outperforms the airgun in terms of raw power, a conclusion drawn by a specialized reviewer with high authority.

Quick Summary

The key difference in power between a .22LR and a .22 airgun is projectile weight. Despite similar velocities, the heavier .22LR bullet (40 grains) carries far more kinetic energy than a lighter airgun pellet (9 grains), resulting in superior penetration, as demonstrated by the .22LR passing through plywood while the airgun pellet did not.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Airgun vs .22LR Power
  2. 00:58.22 Airgun Velocity Test (Gamo Magnum Gen 2)
  3. 01:31.22LR Velocity Test (Savage Over/Under)
  4. 02:14Mass vs. Velocity: The Key to Power
  5. 02:54Plywood Impact Test: Visualizing Energy
  6. 03:15Conclusion: .22LR Dominance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference in power between a .22LR and a .22 caliber airgun?

The primary difference lies in projectile weight. While velocities can be similar, a .22LR bullet is significantly heavier than an airgun pellet, resulting in much greater kinetic energy and penetration power, as demonstrated in the plywood impact test.

How does projectile weight affect the power of a .22LR compared to a .22 airgun?

Projectile weight is a critical factor in kinetic energy. A heavier .22LR bullet (e.g., 40 grains) carries substantially more energy than a lighter .22 airgun pellet (e.g., 9 grains), even if their velocities are comparable, leading to greater impact and penetration.

What were the average velocities recorded for the .22 airgun and .22LR in the test?

The .22 airgun (Gamo Magnum Gen 2 with 9-grain pellets) averaged around 1120 FPS, while the .22LR (Savage Over/Under with 40-grain Blazer ammo) averaged approximately 1180 FPS.

Can a high-powered airgun match the power of a .22LR firearm?

No, according to the expert assessment, even high-end airguns cannot match the raw energy and penetration capabilities of a standard .22LR firearm, particularly for tasks requiring significant power like small game hunting or defense.

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