Why I Hate 22 Long Rifle For SHTF

Published on August 7, 2022
Duration: 12:24

This video critically analyzes the .22 Long Rifle cartridge for SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) scenarios, arguing against its common perception as a primary survival round. The presenter, Magic Prepper, highlights significant drawbacks including low energy, poor penetration, unreliability, susceptibility to environmental damage, and limited effective range. He contrasts it with more capable rifle calibers like 5.56 NATO and .308 Winchester, emphasizing that while .22 LR has its uses for pest control, it is ill-suited for self-defense or serious survival situations.

Quick Summary

.22 Long Rifle is generally considered a poor choice for SHTF scenarios due to its low energy (around 135 ft-lbs muzzle), poor penetration against cover or body armor, and susceptibility to malfunctions and environmental damage. Its effective range is limited, and it's significantly outmatched by more powerful calibers like 9mm, 5.56 NATO, and .308 Winchester.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: The .22 LR Problem
  2. 00:11Why I Hate .22 Long Rifle for SHTF
  3. 00:28Common Talking Points (Lightweight, Inexpensive, Thousands of Rounds)
  4. 01:06Why .22 LR is Not So Good (Pest Control Example)
  5. 01:37Comparing .22 LR to 9mm (Energy Comparison)
  6. 02:55Downsides: Malfunctions and Inefficiency
  7. 03:28Downsides: Extremely Dirty Ammunition
  8. 04:21Downsides: Unreliability and Fragility
  9. 05:16Downsides: Fragile Ammunition (Susceptible to Elements)
  10. 06:23Accuracy Limitations and Ballistic Coefficient
  11. 07:19Energy at 100 Yards (Less Than a Punch)
  12. 07:53The Flaw in the 'Feed Myself for Years' Argument
  13. 09:31Penetration and Defeating Cover Issues
  14. 10:39Penetration Issues Even on Rodents
  15. 11:14Stop Simping for .22 LR: Better Alternatives
  16. 12:13Conclusion: Use Real Rifle Cartridges

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is .22 Long Rifle considered a poor choice for SHTF scenarios?

.22 Long Rifle is often criticized for SHTF due to its low muzzle energy (around 135 ft-lbs), poor penetration capabilities against cover or body armor, susceptibility to environmental damage and malfunctions, and limited effective range. Its effectiveness diminishes rapidly beyond 50 yards.

How does the energy of .22 Long Rifle compare to 9mm?

A typical .22 Long Rifle round like CCI Mini Mag (40 grain at 1235 fps) produces about 135 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. In contrast, a standard 9mm round (115 grain at 1180 fps) generates approximately 356 foot-pounds of energy, more than double that of .22 LR.

What are the main reliability issues with .22 Long Rifle ammunition?

.22 Long Rifle ammunition is known for being dirty, leading to firearm fouling and increased maintenance. It's also prone to malfunctions such as failure to ignite, inconsistent powder charges, and feeding problems. The ammunition itself is fragile and can be easily damaged by moisture or physical stress.

Can .22 Long Rifle penetrate cover or body armor?

No, .22 Long Rifle lacks the necessary penetration power to defeat common forms of cover like walls, vehicles, or body armor. It is also not effective against windshields, making it unsuitable for self-defense scenarios where an adversary might be behind such protection.

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