CCI Stingers vs. 22 Magnums

Published on April 11, 2025
Duration: 9:22

This video compares the ballistics of CCI Stingers and .22 Magnum ammunition, tested in various Heritage Rough Rider revolvers. The experiment reveals that while manufacturer claims for both are often based on rifle performance, actual velocities and energy in short-barreled revolvers can differ significantly. The Hornady 30-grain V-Max .22 Magnum proved to deliver the highest energy output from a 16-inch barrel, surpassing standard .22 Magnum and CCI Stingers.

Quick Summary

Manufacturer claims for .22 Magnum and CCI Stinger velocities are based on rifle barrels. In short revolvers, factors like barrel length and cylinder gap reduce performance. For maximum energy from a Heritage Revolver, Hornady's 30-grain V-Max .22 Magnum is recommended, delivering 163 ft-lbs from a 16-inch barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Stinger vs .22 Magnum
  2. 00:17Manufacturer Specs vs. Real World
  3. 00:37Testing in Short & Long Barrel Revolvers
  4. 00:42Heritage 16-inch Revolver
  5. 00:48Chronograph Setup (Caldwell)
  6. 01:08CCI Stinger Test - 6-inch Barrel
  7. 01:23CCI Stinger Test - 6-inch Tactical Cowboy
  8. 01:43CCI Stinger Test - 16-inch Barrel
  9. 02:30CCI Stinger Advertised Velocity
  10. 02:41.22 Magnum Test Setup
  11. 03:04.22 Magnum Test - 2-inch Barrel
  12. 03:32Reasons for Low Velocity in Short Barrels
  13. 04:30.22 Magnum Test - 6-inch Tactical Cowboy
  14. 05:02.22 Magnum Test - 16-inch Barrel
  15. 05:36Magnum vs. Stinger Results (6-inch Barrel)
  16. 05:53Stinger Ballistics (6-inch)
  17. 06:07.22 Magnum Ballistics (6-inch)
  18. 06:16Energy Comparison (6-inch)
  19. 06:29Correction: Testing Other .22 Magnum Brands
  20. 06:51Hornady 30gr V-Max .22 Magnum Test
  21. 07:09V-Max Ballistics (16-inch Barrel)
  22. 07:45V-Max vs. Stinger Energy Advantage
  23. 08:00Practical Energy for Revolver Use
  24. 08:18Maximum Energy from Heritage Revolver
  25. 08:43Conclusion: Don't Skimp on .22 Magnum Ammo
  26. 08:52Outro & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .22 Magnum more powerful than CCI Stinger ammunition?

While manufacturer specs suggest .22 Magnum is more powerful, real-world testing in short-barreled revolvers shows a smaller difference. Standard .22 Magnum (40gr) from a 6-inch barrel yielded about 133 ft-lbs of energy, while CCI Stingers (32gr) produced around 106 ft-lbs. However, specialized .22 Magnum like Hornady's 30gr V-Max can significantly outperform both.

Why do manufacturer claims for .22 Magnum and CCI Stinger velocities differ from real-world tests in revolvers?

Manufacturer velocity claims are typically based on testing in long-barreled rifles (16-18 inches). In short revolvers, factors like insufficient barrel length for complete powder burn and gas loss through the cylinder gap significantly reduce muzzle velocity and energy.

Which .22 Magnum ammunition provides the most energy from a Heritage Revolver?

For maximum energy from a Heritage Revolver, especially with a 16-inch barrel, the Hornady 30-grain V-Max .22 Magnum ammunition is recommended. It delivered 163 ft-lbs of energy, outperforming standard .22 Magnum and CCI Stingers in testing.

What are the average velocities and energies for CCI Stinger and .22 Magnum in a 6-inch revolver?

In a 6-inch revolver, CCI Stingers averaged 1221 fps with 106 ft-lbs of energy (32gr bullet). Standard .22 Magnum averaged 1223 fps with 133 ft-lbs of energy (40gr bullet). The energy difference is approximately 30 ft-lbs.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from DEUCE AND GUNS

View all →