22lr for Defense? Ballistics gel test

Published on January 22, 2021
Duration: 13:52

This video tests the effectiveness of .22 Long Rifle ammunition for self-defense scenarios by conducting ballistics gel tests and velocity measurements across three different firearm platforms: a Ruger 10/22 rifle, a 5-inch barrel Ruger 22/45 handgun, and a Beretta 21A Bobcat micro-pistol. The tests evaluated three popular .22 LR loads: CCI Stinger 32-grain, Federal 38-grain hollow points, and Federal 36-grain bulk pack hollow points. The results indicate significant velocity drops with shorter barrel lengths, impacting bullet expansion. The CCI Stinger 32-grain rounds generally performed better in terms of expansion and wound channel creation compared to the Federal loads across all platforms, though overall penetration remained limited.

Quick Summary

For self-defense with .22 Long Rifle, prioritize quality ammunition like CCI Stingers and ensure your firearm cycles them reliably. Velocity drops significantly with shorter barrels, impacting bullet expansion. While not ideal, it's better than no firearm, but understand its limitations and potential for duds with bulk ammo.

Chapters

  1. 00:10Introduction: .22 LR for Self-Defense
  2. 00:33Ammunition Tested: CCI Stinger, Federal HP
  3. 01:14Firearm Platforms: Rifle, Handgun, Micro-Pistol
  4. 01:43Chronograph Testing Begins
  5. 01:55Ruger 10/22 Velocity Results
  6. 03:44Handgun Velocity Testing: Ruger 22/45
  7. 05:23Micro-Pistol Velocity Testing: Beretta 21A Bobcat
  8. 07:27Analysis: Velocity vs. Barrel Length
  9. 08:35Ballistics Gel Testing Begins
  10. 08:52Gel Test Results: Ruger 10/22
  11. 10:06Gel Test Results: Ruger 22/45 Handgun
  12. 11:10Gel Test Results: Beretta 21A Bobcat
  13. 12:14Final Recommendations: Quality Ammo & Reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is .22 Long Rifle effective for self-defense?

.22 Long Rifle has limited effectiveness for self-defense due to low energy and expansion potential. While better than no firearm, quality ammunition like CCI Stingers and reliable cycling are crucial. Velocity drops significantly with shorter barrels, impacting performance. It's generally considered a last resort or for specific situations where larger calibers are not feasible.

Which .22 LR ammunition performed best in ballistics gel tests?

The CCI Stinger 32-grain .22 Long Rifle ammunition generally performed best in the ballistics gel tests, showing better expansion and creating a more substantial wound channel compared to Federal 38-grain and 36-grain hollow points across different firearm platforms.

How does barrel length affect .22 LR velocity and performance?

Shorter barrel lengths significantly reduce the velocity of .22 Long Rifle ammunition. This velocity loss can hinder bullet expansion and overall terminal performance, making longer barrels on rifles or handguns more advantageous for this caliber.

What are the risks of using bulk pack .22 LR ammunition for defense?

Bulk pack .22 Long Rifle ammunition carries a higher risk of duds due to differences in priming compound and manufacturing processes compared to premium or centerfire rounds. This unreliability makes it a poor choice for critical self-defense situations.

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