CCI & Federal .22lr Shotshell Ballistic Gel Penetration Test - Rifle & Pistol #12 Shot

Published on February 2, 2021
Duration: 12:49

This video details a ballistic gel penetration test comparing CCI and Federal .22LR shotshells fired from both a rifle and a pistol. The test reveals extremely limited penetration, with most shot pellets embedding within the first 1-2 inches of the gel block, particularly when fired from a pistol. The presenter concludes these shotshells are suitable for small pests like mice and bugs but not for larger targets.

Quick Summary

CCI and Federal .22LR shotshells exhibit very limited penetration in ballistic gel, typically 1-2 inches from a rifle and less than an inch from a pistol. This makes them suitable only for very small pests like mice or bugs, not for self-defense or larger game.

Chapters

  1. 00:27Introduction to .22LR Shotshell Test
  2. 00:40CCI .22LR Shotshell Overview
  3. 00:45Federal .22LR Shotshell Overview
  4. 01:19CCI Shotshell Rifle Test (Ruger 10/22)
  5. 03:16Federal Shotshell Rifle Test
  6. 04:49Preparing for Pistol Test & Gel Cutting
  7. 05:31Pistol Test Setup (Heritage Rough Rider)
  8. 06:33CCI Shotshell Pistol Test
  9. 07:40Federal Shotshell Pistol Test
  10. 08:38Gel Dissection: CCI Rifle Entry
  11. 09:27Gel Dissection: Federal Rifle Entry
  12. 10:04Gel Dissection: CCI Pistol Entry
  13. 11:02Gel Dissection: Federal Pistol Entry
  14. 12:05Conclusion: .22LR Shotshell Effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical penetration depth of .22LR shotshells in ballistic gel?

When fired from a rifle, CCI and Federal .22LR shotshells typically penetrate about 1-2 inches into 10% ballistic gelatin. Pistol penetration is even shallower, often less than an inch.

Can semi-automatic firearms reliably cycle with .22LR shotshells?

Due to their low recoil, .22LR shotshells often do not have enough power to cycle the action of semi-automatic firearms, potentially causing malfunctions or requiring manual cycling.

Are .22LR shotshells effective for self-defense or hunting larger game?

No, .22LR shotshells are designed for very small targets like mice, bugs, or snakes at close range. Their extremely limited penetration makes them ineffective and unsuitable for self-defense or hunting larger animals.

What are the differences between CCI and Federal .22LR shotshells in penetration tests?

In rifle tests, CCI .22LR shotshells showed slightly more penetration than Federal .22LR shotshells. Federal shotshells were also noted as being louder when fired from a rifle.

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