Firearms Facts: "The .22 Confusion..."

Published on June 24, 2016
Duration: 32:01

This video provides an expert-level breakdown of the vast and often confusing world of .22 caliber cartridges, from rimfire variations like .22 Short, .22 Long Rifle, and .22 WMR to centerfire options like .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO. The speakers, recognized subject matter experts, use technical data and visual aids to explain cartridge construction, compatibility, and historical context, offering valuable insights for firearm enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge is unique due to its 'heeled bullet,' where the bullet diameter matches the case's outer diameter. This differs from most modern cartridges and is crucial for understanding .22 caliber variations, including safety concerns like not firing .22 LR in .22 Magnum chambers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .22 Caliber Variations
  2. 01:28.22 Rimfire Construction and Heeled Bullets
  3. 03:01Flobert and Gallery Cartridges
  4. 04:00Rimfire Family: Short, Long, and Magnum
  5. 06:02Chamber Compatibility and Safety
  6. 07:52Colibri and Pest Control Rounds
  7. 09:08Transition to Centerfire .22s
  8. 13:50Specialty Centerfire: Blanks and Accelerators
  9. 15:24.22 TCM and 5.45x39mm
  10. 18:20High-Velocity Sporting Cartridges
  11. 19:40Historical Small Bores and 25-45 Sharps

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition unique in its construction?

The .22 LR cartridge features a 'heeled bullet,' meaning the bullet's diameter is the same as the outside diameter of the cartridge case. This construction is uncommon in modern ammunition and allows for specific manufacturing processes and firearm designs.

Why is it dangerous to fire .22 Long Rifle in a .22 Magnum firearm?

Firing .22 LR in a .22 Magnum chamber is unsafe because the .22 Magnum case is wider and lacks the heeled bullet design. This mismatch can cause the .22 LR case to split upon firing, potentially damaging the firearm and causing injury.

What are 'Accelerator' cartridges?

'Accelerator' cartridges are specialized rounds designed to fire a sub-caliber projectile (like a .22) from a larger case (such as .30-06 or .308) using a plastic sabot. This setup achieves extremely high velocities for the smaller projectile.

What is the significance of the 5.45x39mm cartridge?

The 5.45x39mm cartridge, sometimes referred to as the 'Poison Bullet,' is noted for its aerodynamic instability upon impact. It tends to tumble and yaw, creating significant wound channels despite its small caliber.

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