BIG Bullet....TINY Gun!

Published on February 19, 2023
Duration: 14:22

This expert-level analysis from Tools&Targets details a ballistic test of Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60-grain ammunition fired from short-barreled firearms. The test, conducted by an experienced instructor, utilized ballistic gel and a chronograph to measure velocity, penetration, and bullet behavior. Results indicate that this ammunition experiences significant tumbling and minimal penetration from very short barrels, with only the longest barrel tested approaching FBI minimum standards.

Quick Summary

Short barrel length significantly reduces the velocity and penetration of .22LR subsonic ammunition. For Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr, velocities dropped from advertised 950 fps to 630-710 fps in barrels from 1.125" to 3.6". Terminal ballistics showed tumbling and no expansion, with only the longest barrel meeting FBI penetration standards.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:11Ballistic Gel & Barrier Setup
  3. 00:27Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr Ammo Details
  4. 00:56Short Barrel Firearms for Testing
  5. 02:13NAA Mini Revolver Chronograph Results
  6. 04:28Heritage Barkeep Chronograph Results
  7. 05:36Taurus TX22 Compact Chronograph Results
  8. 06:27Velocity & Energy Summary
  9. 07:06Ballistic Gel Impact - NAA Mini
  10. 07:45Ballistic Gel Impact - Heritage Barkeep
  11. 08:14Ballistic Gel Impact - Taurus TX22
  12. 08:41Gel Performance Analysis & Penetration Depths
  13. 10:50Recovered Projectiles Inspection
  14. 11:26Recovered Projectiles Measurements
  15. 12:26Conclusion & Future Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

How does barrel length affect .22LR subsonic ammunition performance?

Barrel length significantly impacts .22LR subsonic ammunition. Shorter barrels, like the 1.125" NAA Mini Revolver, result in lower velocities (630 fps) and less penetration (6.75"). Longer barrels, such as the 3.6" Taurus TX22 Compact, achieve higher velocities (710 fps) and greater penetration (12.25").

What were the terminal ballistics results for Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr in short barrels?

When fired from short barrels, the Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr ammunition tumbled in ballistic gel and showed no expansion. Penetration depths ranged from 6.75 inches (NAA Mini) to 12.25 inches (Taurus TX22 Compact), with only the latter meeting FBI minimum standards.

Which short-barreled .22LR firearm performed best with Aguila 60gr subsonic rounds?

The Taurus TX22 Compact, featuring a 3.6-inch barrel, demonstrated the best performance with Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr rounds. It achieved the highest average velocity of 710 fps and the deepest penetration of 12.25 inches into ballistic gel among the tested firearms.

Did the Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr bullets expand after passing through a clothing barrier?

No, the recovered Aguila .22 Sniper Subsonic 60gr projectiles showed no signs of expansion or deformation after being fired through a clothing barrier and into ballistic gel. They retained their original weight and shape, indicating a design focused on penetration rather than expansion.

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