THE DEADLIEST BULLET IN AMERICA! [It’s Not What You Expect]

Published on August 25, 2025
Duration: 18:32

This video explores the surprisingly lethal nature of the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, challenging the common perception of it as a beginner's round. It details the .22 LR's historical significance, technical specifications, and its disproportionate involvement in civilian gun deaths, suicides, and criminal acts due to its extreme accessibility and affordability. The video also examines specific ammunition types designed for hunting and self-defense, highlighting their performance characteristics.

Quick Summary

The .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge is involved in more civilian gun deaths in America than any other caliber, primarily due to its unparalleled accessibility and affordability. While often perceived as a beginner's round, its tendency to tumble and fragment inside the body can cause significant internal damage, and its low cost makes it a common choice for criminal acts and suicides.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The .22 LR Myth
  2. 00:38History and Technical Specs of .22 LR
  3. 01:19Internal Damage: Tumbling and Fragmentation
  4. 02:06.22 LR vs. Large Animals (Grizzly Bear, Elephant)
  5. 03:34.22 LR in High-Profile Human Deaths (RFK, Reagan)
  6. 04:50.22 LR in Mass Shootings (Columbine, Burlington)
  7. 05:49.22 LR and Suicides
  8. 06:13Why the .22 LR is So Dangerous: Accessibility
  9. 07:16.22 LR on the Black Market and Crime Statistics
  10. 08:10.22 LR and Youth Shooters: Accidents and Risk
  11. 09:19.22 LR in Lower-Profile Crimes
  12. 10:08Quiet Operation and Suppressors
  13. 10:32.22 LR in American Firearms Culture
  14. 11:24Arguments Against .22 LR Lethality
  15. 12:09Summary of .22 LR Dangers
  16. 12:17Best .22 LR Ammo for Hunting: Norma Hunter
  17. 13:24Best .22 LR Ammo for Self-Defense: Federal Punch
  18. 14:44Best Hyper-Velocity .22 LR: CCI Stinger
  19. 16:00Balanced .22 LR Performance: CCI Velocitor
  20. 17:16Varmint Hunting .22 LR: Aguila Interceptor
  21. 18:06Viewer Engagement and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the .22 LR considered the deadliest bullet in America?

The .22 LR is involved in more civilian gun deaths than any other caliber due to its extreme accessibility, affordability, and widespread availability. Its small size and low recoil make it easy to acquire and use, contributing to its high statistical impact on fatalities, including homicides and suicides.

How does a .22 LR bullet cause internal damage?

Unlike larger bullets that create a clear wound channel, a .22 LR round can tumble and fragment inside the body. It may also ricochet off bones, lodge in vital organs, or create multiple wound paths, making it difficult to treat and potentially more lethal than expected.

What are some notable historical incidents involving the .22 LR?

The .22 LR was used in the assassinations of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. It was also present during the Columbine High School massacre and the Burlington, Washington mall shooting, highlighting its use in both high-profile and criminal acts.

What makes .22 LR ammunition so affordable and accessible?

The .22 LR is the most widely produced and distributed ammunition globally. A box of 50 rounds can cost as little as $3-$5, and bulk packs are very inexpensive. This affordability makes it accessible to almost anyone, including those with limited budgets or malicious intent.

What are some recommended .22 LR ammunition types for specific uses?

For hunting, Norma Hunter 22 Power or Aguila Interceptor are noted for energy transfer. For self-defense, Federal Premium Personal Defense Punch aims for penetration. CCI Stinger offers hyper-velocity for varmints, while CCI Velocitor provides a balance of speed and weight.

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