From "Tossing Rocks" by Jesse's Hunting and Outdoors:
"At a time when American shooters crane their collective necks to get a glimpse of the newest and particularly the fastest cartridges on the market I find myself suddenly taken by the idea of s-l-o-w. I’m referring to sub-sonic 22LR rounds and for the past few months they have positively fascinated me. For the longest time they seemed to me to be the ballistic equivalent of a slingshot, and why they seem to work so well was a mystery."
Read more
The author goes on to describe the performance of these rounds in a Marlin 880 and a Chinese JW-15. The subsonics didn't perform well for him in the Marlin's Micro-groove barrel. That is why I am happy to have my ancient pre-Microgroove Model 81. It shoots everything well, substantially better than my 39A Mountie with its Microgroove rifling; and its 24" barrel is noticeably quieter with subsonics than any of my shorter-barrelled .22s. And it stabilizes and shoots the 60 grain Aguila Sniper Subsonic well, which would make it a keeper even in the absence of all its other great qualities. So that old M81 has become my primary subsonic .22 rifle.
The subsonics have worked well for me on a variety of small game, too. I haven't noted any lack of killing power. My grandfather, along with many other hunters of his generation, usually hunted with .22 Shorts. He never found the .22 LR ammo to be necessary. These .22 LR subsonics have more killing power than a .22 Short, while not destroying as much meat as a hi-speed .22 LR. That is a good thing, because those small critters don't have much meat to begin with.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
.22 Winchester Rimfire
.22 Winchester Rimfire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.22 Winchester Rimfire | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Rifle | |
Place of origin | USA | |
Production history | ||
Designed | 1890 | |
Specifications | ||
Bullet diameter | .224 in (5.7 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .242 in (6.1 mm) | |
Base diameter | .243 in (6.2 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .295 in (7.5 mm) | |
Case length | 0.96 in (24 mm) | |
Overall length | 1.17 in (30 mm) | |
Primer type | rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
45 gr (2.9 g) standard velocity | 1,050 ft/s (320 m/s) | 105 ft·lbf (142 J) |
45 gr (2.9 g) | 1,450 ft/s (440 m/s) | 210 ft·lbf (280 J) |
40 gr (2.6 g) hollowpoint (high velocity) | 1,440 ft/s (440 m/s) | 185 ft·lbf (251 J) |
Source(s): Barnes & Amber 1972 |
Introduced in the Winchester M1890 slide rifle, it had a flat-nose slug, and is identical to the .22 Remington Special (which differed only in having a roundnosed slug).[1] It uses a flat-based, inside-lubricated bullet, which differs from the outside-lube slug of the .22 Short, Long, LR, and Extra Long rounds.[1]
When introduced, the .22WRF "was the first notable improvement in the killing power" over the .22LR,[2] and was able to kill cleaner at up to 75 yd (70 m). It is somewhat less accurate than the .22LR.[1] and is most suited to hunting small game, such as rabbits or prairie dogs.[2]
A variety of Winchester, Remington, and Stevens single-shots and repeater rifles were offered from 1890 onward, but new rifles are not made for this cartridge. .22 WRF ammunition is periodically offered by commercial makers for use in the old guns.[1] It can be fired in any rifle chambered for the more powerful .22 WMR.[1]
References
Sources
- Barnes, Frank C., ed. by John T. Amber. ".22 Winchester Rimfire", in Cartridges of the World, pp. 275 & 282-3. Northfield, IL: DBI Books, 1972. ISBN 0-695-80326-3.
- This page was last modified on 24 August 2010 at 08:16.
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.22 CB
.22 CB
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A .22 CB cap, .22 short, and .22 Long Rifle | ||
Type | rimfire, target | |
Place of origin | USA | |
Production history | ||
Produced | 1888 | |
Specifications | ||
Parent case | .22 BB | |
Bullet diameter | .222 in (5.6 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Base diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .271 in (6.9 mm) | |
Rim thickness | .040 in (1.0 mm) | |
Case length | .420 in (10.7 mm) | |
Overall length | .520 in (13.2 mm) | |
Primer type | Rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
29 gr (1.9 g) RN | 727 ft/s (222 m/s) | 33 ft·lbf (45 J) |
30 gr (1.9 g) RN | 725 ft/s (221 m/s) | 34 ft·lbf (46 J) |
Source(s): Cartridges of the World, 11th Edition[1] |
The original .22 CB cartridge has the same case as the .22 BB, but there are now low-power .22 rounds sold as .22 CB Short and .22 CB Long which come in the more common .22 rimfire cartridge cases. The longer cases will allow the rounds to be fired in magazine fed firearms, in which the tiny CB Cap cases would jam. So while having the same length, the modern .22 CB Short and the .22 Short are two different cartridges. The CB has a reduced powder load and is kept (as mentioned above) between 350 and 700 ft/s, while the Short with an increased powder amount launches the same 29gr bullet around and above 1000 ft/s.
Specifications
- Case length:
- Cap: 0.284 in (7.2 mm)
- Short: 0.423 in (10.7 mm)
- Long: 0.595 in (15.1 mm)
- Bullet weight:
- typically 20 to 29 grains (1.30 to 1.88 g)
References
- ^ Cartridges of the World 11th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, Edited by Stan Skinner, Gun Digest Books, 2006, ISBN 0-89689-297-2 pp. 490, 492
- ^ Cartridges of the World 11th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, Edited by Stan Skinner, Gun Digest Books, 2006, ISBN 0-89689-297-2 p. 476
- This page was last modified on 14 December 2010 at 20:03.
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.22 BB
.22 BB
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.22 BB | ||
---|---|---|
A .22 CB cap, .22 short, and .22 Long Rifle; the BB cap is the same length as the CB cap, but uses a round ball | ||
Type | target | |
Place of origin | USA | |
Production history | ||
Designer | Flobert | |
Designed | 1845 | |
Specifications | ||
Parent case | tapered percussion cap | |
Bullet diameter | .222 in (5.6 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .224 in (5.7 mm) | |
Base diameter | .224 in (5.7 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .270 in (6.9 mm) | |
Rim thickness | .040 in (1.0 mm) | |
Case length | .284 in (7.2 mm) | |
Overall length | .343 in (8.7 mm) | |
Primer type | Rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
20 gr (1.3 g) rn | 780 ft/s (240 m/s) | 26 ft·lbf (35 J) |
18 gr (1.2 g) rn | 780 ft/s (240 m/s) | 24 ft·lbf (33 J) |
16 gr (1.0 g) rn | 750 ft/s (230 m/s) | 20 ft·lbf (27 J) |
Source(s): Cartridges of the World [1] |
For the spherical air gun ammunition, see BB (ammunition).
.22 BB Cap (Bulleted Breech Cap) is a variety of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. .22 BB cap and .22 CB refer to cartridges that are low velocity and project reduced noise. These rimfires closely resemble a .22 caliber air rifle in power and are often used for indoor shooting and close range pest control. Developed for indoor shooting galleries with special "gallery guns", the .22 BB Cap was the first rimfire cartridge, dating back to 1845. It has no separate propellant charge, relying on the impulse created by the primer alone to fire a round lead ball. This results in a low muzzle velocity of around 700 ft/s (210 m/s) or less. More common is the .22 CB ammunition, which fires a slightly heavier conical bullet and is available in a variety of cartridge lengths.Specifications
- Length:
- Case: 0.284 in (7.2 mm)
- Overall: .343 in (8.7 mm)
- Bullet weight: 18 gr (1.17 g)
References
- ^ Cartridges of the World 11th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, Edited by Stan Skinner, Gun Digest Books, 2006, ISBN 0-89689-297-2 pp. 490, 492
- This page was last modified on 27 December 2010 at 20:16.
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.22 Extra Long
.22 Extra Long
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
.22 Extra Long | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Rifle | |
Place of origin | USA | |
Production history | ||
Produced | 1880?-1935 | |
Specifications | ||
Bullet diameter | .223 in (5.7 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Base diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .275 in (7.0 mm) | |
Case length | .750 in (19.1 mm) | |
Overall length | 1.16 in (29 mm) | |
Primer type | rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
40 gr (2.6 g) (late smokeless) | 1,050 ft/s (320 m/s) | 98 ft·lbf (133 J) |
Source(s): Barnes & Amber 1972 |
Introduced around 1880, the .22 Extra Long was used in Remington, Ballard, Wesson, Stevens, and later (1916) models of Winchester's M1903 and M1904 single shot bolt action rifles,[1] as well as in Smith & Wesson revolvers.[1]
Using the same 40 gr (2.6 g) outside-lubricated bullet later adapted for the very much more common .22 Long Rifle,[1] the Extra Long was loaded with 6 gr (389 mg) of black powder.[1] Originally, it slightly outperformed the .22LR, but was "not noted for great accuracy",[1] while later smokeless loads achieved about the same muzzle velocity as the .22LR.
As with the .22 Winchester Automatic[2] and .22 Remington Automatic,[3] the .22 Extra Long will not chamber correctly in .22 Long Rifle weapons.[1] Because it is very dimensionally-similar, however, the shorter .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR will chamber in weapons designed for it[1] (in the same way .38 Special ammunition can be fired in .357 Magnum weapons, or .44 Special rounds in .44 Magnums).
The power of the .22 Extra Long is comparable to the standard velocity .22 Long Rifle,[1] which is very much more commonly chambered and sold.
The .22 Extra Long ceased to be offered commercially in 1935.[1]
References
Sources
- Barnes, Frank C., ed. by John T. Amber. ".22 Extra Long", in Cartridges of the World, pp. 274, 282, & 283. Northfield, IL: DBI Books, 1972. ISBN 0-695-80326-3.
- This page was last modified on 29 December 2010 at 12:43.
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.22 Long
.22 Long
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with the more common .22 Long Rifle.
.22 Long | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Rimfire | |
Place of origin | USA | |
Production history | ||
Produced | 1871 | |
Specifications | ||
Parent case | .22 Short | |
Bullet diameter | .223 in (5.7 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .224 in (5.7 mm) | |
Base diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .272 in (6.9 mm) | |
Rim thickness | .042 in (1.1 mm) | |
Case length | .595 in (15.1 mm) | |
Overall length | .798 in (20.3 mm) | |
Primer type | Rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
29 gr (1.9 g) RN | 1,038 ft/s (316 m/s) | 67 ft·lbf (91 J) |
Source(s): Cartridges of the World [1] |
In 1887 the .22 Long case was combined with the heavier 40 grain (2.6 g) bullet of the .22 Extra Long of 1880 to produce the .22 Long Rifle giving a longer overall length, a higher muzzle energy and superior performance as a hunting and target round, rendering the .22 Long and .22 Extra Long obsolete. For a time there was a price difference between the .22 Long and .22 Long Rifle and the .22 Long held on with budget minded shooters until the price advantage finally disappeared. No new firearms are designed specifically to use .22 Long and the largest 3 producers of .22 Long ammunition ceased production (although it continues to be made by CCI, Aguila, and others). Many .22 Long Rifle guns will chamber and fire the shorter round, though the .22 Long generally does not generate sufficient energy to operate semi-automatic guns. The one prominent survivor of the .22 Long is the .22 CB Long, a long-cased version of the .22 CB.
While the original .22 Long loading used the same powder charge as the .22 Long Rifle, the .22 Long bullet was significantly lighter, and the combination did not result in higher velocities for the .22 Long when fired from a rifle. The large barrel volume to chamber volume ratio of a .22 rimfire rifle means that the powder gasses have expanded as far as they can well before the bullet reaches the muzzle of a normal length rifle barrel, and the light .22 Long bullet has less inertia than the .22 Long Rifle. This means that the .22 Long bullet (and to a lesser extent the .22 Long Rifle in most loadings) actually slows down significantly before it exits the barrel.
Since the .22 Long Rifle performs as well in a short handgun barrel as the .22 Long and outperforms it significantly in a long rifle barrel, the development of the .22 Long Rifle assured the .22 Long's path to obsolescence.
In a sense, though, descendants of the .22 Long still live on, though they are not sold as such. Modern Hypervelocity loadings of the .22 Long Rifle use bullets as light as 30 grains (1.9 g), and special blends of powder to make full use of a rifle barrel to generate velocities far higher than normal loads, and chamber pressures high enough to cycle semi-automatic firearms reliably. The most well known of these is the CCI Stinger, which actually goes so far as to stretch the case length slightly, so that with the short, light bullet, the overall length is still within the max overall length for the .22 Long Rifle.
Specifications
- Length:
- Case: 0.595 in (15.1 mm)
- Overall: 0.880 in (22.4 mm)
- Bullet weight: 29 gr (1.88 g)
References
- ^ a b Cartridges of the World 11th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, Edited by Stan Skinner, Gun Digest Books, 2006, ISBN 0-89689-297-2 pp. 490, 492
- This page was last modified on 31 October 2010 at 03:42.
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.22 Magnum
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from .22 Magnum)
Jump to: navigation, search
For other .22 caliber variants, see .22 (disambiguation).
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire | ||
---|---|---|
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire | ||
Type | Rimfire | |
Place of origin | USA | |
Production history | ||
Designer | Winchester | |
Designed | 1959 | |
Manufacturer | Winchester | |
Produced | 1960–Present | |
Specifications | ||
Parent case | .22 WRF | |
Bullet diameter | .224 in (5.7 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .240 in (6.1 mm) | |
Base diameter | .241 in (6.1 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .291 in (7.4 mm) | |
Rim thickness | .046 in (1.2 mm) | |
Case length | 1.052 in (26.7 mm) | |
Overall length | 1.35 in (34 mm) | |
Primer type | Rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
30 gr (1.9 g) HP | 2,200 ft/s (670 m/s) | 322 ft·lbf (437 J) |
40 gr (2.6 g) JHP | 1,910 ft/s (580 m/s) | 324 ft·lbf (439 J) |
50 gr (3.2 g) JHP | 1,650 ft/s (500 m/s) | 300 ft·lbf (410 J) |
Source(s): Cartridges of the World [1] |
History
The .22 WMR was introduced in 1959 by Winchester, but was not used by Winchester until the venerable Model 61 slide rifle could be chambered for it, well into 1960.[2] By that time, Smith and Wesson and Ruger had revolvers for it, and Savage had come out with the Model 24, a .22/.410 combination rifle. It was the only successful rimfire cartridge introduced in the 20th Century.[3]The .22 WMR uses a larger case than the more popular .22 Long Rifle, both in diameter and length. The .22 WMR case is a lengthened version of the older .22 WRF (.22 WRF may be fired in a .22 WMR but not vice versa). The .22 WMR's case is thicker than that of the .22 LR, allowing higher pressures. The combination of more powder and higher pressures gives velocities over 2,000 feet per second (610 m/s) from a rifle using a 30-grain (1.9 g) bullet, and 1,500 feet (460 m) per second (460 m/s) from a handgun. A .22 WMR round will not fit into the chamber of a .22 LR firearm but is possible to chamber and fire .22 LR rounds in a .22 WMR firearm. This is potentially hazardous due to the difference in case diameter. When fired, the .22 LR case expands in the chamber, which can cause the case to split open or become stuck. Also, the long rifle bullet will travel in the magnum chamber unsupported for .4" before entering the barrel causing leading in the chamber.
Uses
Since the .22 WMR generally uses the same weight bullets as the .22 Long Rifle, it is generally used in similar situations. The 40-grain (2.6 g) .22 WMR at 100 yards (91 m) still retains the velocity of a .22 LR at the muzzle, which can provide improved penetration at all ranges, and more reliable expansion at longer ranges with expanding bullets.If sighted in for maximum point blank range on a 3-inch (76 mm) high target, the 40-grain (2.6 g) .22 WMR can reach ranges of nearly 125 yards (114 m). This makes the .22 WMR an effective short to medium range varmint rifle cartridge. The relatively quiet sound of firing (with hearing protection) and negligible recoil also make it a very pleasant round to shoot for extensive periods.
Firearms using .22 WMR
The .22 WMR operates at pressures beyond what normal blowback actions typically handle. It first appeared in the Savage Model 24 combination rifle, followed by Winchester's own Model 61. A number of single-shots and repeaters were offered in .22WMR, and the self-loading Jefferson Model 159.[2] Until the 1990s, most .22 WMR firearms were bolt action rifles. In the 1990s semi-automatic .22 WMR rifles were introduced by Sturm Ruger, Savage, and Marlin, and more recently Remington. .22 WMR revolvers are made by by Taurus, North American Arms, Tanfoglio, Heritage Arms, and Sturm Ruger. .22 WMR semi-automatic pistols were produced by Grendel, AMT and Kel-Tec the former two now defunct (AMT has been since resurrected by High Standard). The Grendel, AMT and Kel-Tec designs used specially designed chambers with flutes or gas ports, designed to lubricate the long, thin cartridge with gases from the chamber, overcoming the Blish effect and allowing easy extraction of the cartridge.[4]Ammunition
The .22WMR is little more than an enlarged, more powerful version of the much earlier .22 WRF[2] (which can also be fired in any weapon chambered for .22WMR).[5] It was for a time the most powerful rimfire round available,[6] and even outperformed the .22 WCF.[7]While more powerful than the .22 Long Rifle, ammunition is not available in as large a variety as .22 LR. Availability is also not as great, either; while the .22 WMR is by no means hard to find, nearly every retailer that sells ammunition will carry .22 LR. The price of .22 WMR is substantially higher than almost all .22 LR, though it is less expensive than the new .17 Rimfire calibers. Since many of the rifles that chamber the .22 WMR use tubular magazines, bullet noses are generally flat or blunt to allow smooth feeding.[8] Recently, new bullets have emerged from Remington, CCI, and Hornady and have 30 or 33-grain (2.1 g) polymer plastic ballistic tips.[9][10][11]
While a pointed bullet is not going to rest against the primer of the round in front of it (as in a centerfire cartridge), a pointed bullet could still hang on the manufacturer's stamp, which is found in the middle of the base of the cartridge.
Bullets for the .22 WMR are generally unlubricated lead with heavy copper plating, in either solid nose or hollow point style designed for small game hunting or pest control (varmint hunting).
Due to the limited selection of commercial ammunition, the .22 WMR was the case used by a small but dedicated group of wildcatters for handloading high performance rimfire ammunition. Generally these loads would use more aerodynamic pointed bullets, the same type used by .22 caliber centerfire cartridges. While often heavier than standard .22 WMR bullets, the sharp nose and tapered tail retained velocity better, and delivered more energy downrange. Other wildcatters would neck the .22 WMR down to smaller calibers, such as .20 (5 mm) and .17 (4.5 mm) or even smaller, in an attempt to get maximum velocity and the flattest possible trajectory.[citation needed]
Applications
The .22 WMR is effective out to 125 yd (115 m) on varmints such as fox or coyotes, but may be too destructive for small game (under 50 yd [45 m]), such as rabbits or prairie dogs or anything intended for eating, unless full metal jacketed or similar non-expanding bullets are used.[2]References
- ^ Cartridges of the World 11th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, Edited by Stan Skinner, Gun Digest Books, 2006, ISBN 0-89689-297-2 pp. 490, 492
- ^ a b c d Barnes 1972, p.275, ".22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire".
- ^ Frank C. Barnes, ed. Stan Skinner. Cartridges of the World, 10th Ed.. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-605-1.
- ^ "AMT AutoMag". http://www.highstandard.com/amt_automag.html.
- ^ Barnes 1972, p.275, ".22 Winchester Rimfire (WRF)".
- ^ Barnes, p.275, ".22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire".
- ^ Barnes 1972, p.275, ".22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire".
- ^ Sparano, Vin (2000). The Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 9780312267223.
- ^ "Remington Magnum Rimfire: 22 Win Mag PR22M1 33-grain AccuTip-V". Remington Arms Company, Inc.. Archived from the original on 2008-05-30. http://web.archive.org/web/20080530170242/http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/rimfire/magnum_rimfire.asp. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
- ^ "CCI: Varmint 0073 22 Magnum RF V-MAX 30-grain poly-tip". CCI. http://www.cci-ammunition.com/ballistics/rimfire.aspx. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
- ^ "Hornady: 22 WMR 30-grain V-MAX". Hornady Manufacturing, Inc.. http://www.hornady.com/shop/?page=shop%2Fbrowse&category_id=9b26ee2729baf268e4ae1c61acde17cc. Retrieved 2008-06-17. [dead link]
- Barnes, Frank C., ed. by John T. Amber. ".22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire", in Cartridges of the World, pp. 275. Northfield, IL: DBI Books, 1972. ISBN 0-695-80326-3.
- Cartridges of the World 11th Edition, Book by Frank C. Barnes, Edited by Stan Skinner, Gun Digest Books, 2006, ISBN 0-89689-297-2 p. 479
External links
- Chuck Hawks' page on the .22 WMR
- Chuck Hawks on .22 WMR ammunition selection
- The .22 WMR TODAY, Guns Magazine, June, 2001 by C. Rodney James
- Three .22 WMR Loads From Remington, Handguns Magazine, by Phil W. Johnston
- Reloading Techniques: .22 Win. Magnum Rimfire, Performance Shooter, April 1996
- This page was last modified on 19 January 2011 at 11:45.
- Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. - Contact us
.22 Long Rifle
.22 Long Rifle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.22 Long rifle | ||
---|---|---|
.22 Long Rifle – Subsonic Hollow point (left). Standard Velocity (center), Hyper-Velocity "Stinger" Hollow point (right). | ||
Type | Rimfire cartridge | |
Place of origin | United States | |
Production history | ||
Designer | J. Stevens Arm & Tool Company | |
Designed | 1887 | |
Specifications | ||
Case type | Rimmed, Straight | |
Bullet diameter | .223 in (5.7 mm) | |
Neck diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Base diameter | .225 in (5.7 mm) | |
Rim diameter | .275 in (7.0 mm) | |
Rim thickness | .040 in (1.0 mm) | |
Case length | .590 in (15.0 mm) | |
Overall length | .985 in (25.0 mm) | |
Rifling twist | 1-16 | |
Primer type | Rimfire | |
Ballistic performance | ||
Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
40 gr (2.6 g) Solid[1] | 1,080 ft/s (330 m/s) | 104 ft·lbf (141 J) |
38 gr (2.5 g) Copper-plated HP[1] | 1,260 ft/s (380 m/s) | 134 ft·lbf (182 J) |
31 gr (2.0 g) Copper-plated HP[1] | 1,430 ft/s (440 m/s) | 141 ft·lbf (191 J) |
30 gr (1.9 g) Copper-Plated RN[2] | 1,750 ft/s (530 m/s) | 204 ft·lbf (277 J) |
32 gr (2.1 g) Copper-Plated HP[2] | 1,640 ft/s (500 m/s) | 191 ft·lbf (259 J) |
Source(s): [1][2] |
Popularity
The low cost, minimal recoil, and relatively low noise make the .22 LR an ideal cartridge for recreational shooting, initial firearms training, and pest control, and it is often purchased in bulk. The round is popular among novice shooters and experts alike. .22 LR is commonly packaged in boxes of either 100 or 50 rounds, and is often sold by the brick, a carton containing either 10 boxes of 50 rounds or loose cartridges totalling 500 rounds, or the case containing 10 cartons totalling 5,000 rounds..22 LR ammunition is available in a very wide variety, and a very wide price range. Bullet weights range from 20 to 60 grains (1.3 to 3.9 g), velocities from 575 to 1,750 ft/s (175 to 530 m/s). "Promotional" loads for plinking can be found for under US$20.00 per brick ($0.04 per cartridge), while precision target rounds can cost US$80.00 to upwards of US$250.00 per brick. As of June 2010, a box of 50 standard quality FMJ rounds goes for US$3–5. For comparison, a box of similar quality FMJ 9x19 mm Parabellum, another popular and relatively inexpensive round for semi-automatic handguns, costs around US$15 per box of 50. It is common to shoot well over a hundred rounds on a single shooting range visit. For rifle shooting, the price difference is even more dramatic as powerful rifle cartridges like .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield can approach and exceed US$1 per cartridge. For this reason especially, .22 LR is commonly used by hunters for off-season target practice. They are also the ammunition used by Boy Scouts for the rifle shooting merit badge.
The low recoil of a .22 LR cartridge makes it ideal for introductory firearms courses. Due to their lack of shooting experience, most novice shooters are surprised and frightened by the recoil of handguns and rifles chambered even for rounds considered mild by experienced shooters. Starting with calibers above the shooter's comfort level frequently leads to the beginner developing a habit of flinching in an attempt to counter the anticipated recoil and ruining the correct posture and follow-through at the most critical phase of the shot. This habit is difficult to undo after it is developed. With the high recoil out of the picture, any other errors in marksmanship technique are easier to identify and correct than they would be on the more powerful guns.
AR-15 upper receivers and M1911 slide assemblies are available for this round. CZ Model 75 handguns also have a fixed barrel upper pistol conversion kit to make it shoot .22 ammunition. These ".22 conversions" allow shooters inexpensive practice while retaining the handling characteristics of their chosen firearms (minus the recoil and muzzle blast). Additionally, .22 kits allow practice at indoor ranges which often prohibit high-power rifles. The 'fun factor' from shooting a high powered pistol or rifle with low energy bullets when converted to .22 is another reason for the conversion kits as well as the much lower costs for practice ammunition. Owners of guns that use gas systems, such as converted AR-15 style rifles, normally avoid firing unjacketed .22LR ammunition. Unless the bullet is covered with a copper jacket, the lead from the bullets will eventually clog the gas port inside the barrel and require extensive gunsmithing to clear out.
Annual production is estimated at 2–2.5 billion rounds.[4][5]
Performance
.22 LR is effective to 150 yards (140 m), though practical range tends to be less. After 150 yards the ballistics of the round are such that the large "drop" will be difficult to compensate. The relatively short effective range, low report, and light recoil has made it a favorite for use as a target practice cartridge. The accuracy of the cartridge is good, but not exceptional; various cartridges are capable of the same or better accuracy. A contributing factor in rifles is the transition of even a high-velocity cartridge projectile from supersonic to subsonic within 100 yards (91 m). As the bullet slows, the shock wave caused by supersonic travel overtakes the bullet and can disrupt its flight path, causing minor but measurable inaccuracy.[citation needed]When zeroed for 100 yards (91 m), the trajectory of the standard high-velocity .22 LR with a 40-grain (2.6 g) bullet has a 2.7-inch (69 mm) rise at 50 yards (46 m), and 10.8 inches (270 mm) drop at 150 yards (140 m).[6] A .22 LR rifle needs to be zeroed for 75 yards (69 m) to avoid over-shooting small animals like squirrels at intermediate distances.[6]
As a hunting cartridge, the .22 LR is mainly used to kill small game such as rats and squirrels. It is also highly effective on rabbits at distances closer than 150 yards (140 m) and on ground hogs, marmots, and foxes closer than 80 yards (73 m). It has been successfully used on large creatures such as coyotes, but range should be limited to no farther than 65 yards (59 m); head and chest shots are mandatory with the most powerful .22 cartridge the hunter can use accurately.
A .22 LR bullet is far less powerful than larger cartridges, but dangerous nonetheless; in fact its deceptive "low-power" reputation can make it more dangerous because some shooters do not pay it the same respect as larger cartridges, and shoot it carelessly. It can easily kill or severely injure humans and large animals.[7][8] Even after flying 400 yards (370 m), a stray .22 bullet is still traveling at approximately 500 ft/s (150 m/s), which can inflict a very serious wound, and a standard .22 cartridge can have a ballistic range of up to a 1.5 miles (2,400 m).[citation needed] Ricochets are more common in .22 LR projectiles than for more powerful cartridges as the combination of unjacketed lead and moderate velocities allows the projectile to deflect - not penetrate or disintegrate - when hitting hard objects at a glancing angle.[citation needed]
.22 Long Rifle bullets are generally either plain lead (for standard velocity loads) or plated with copper or gilding metal (for high velocity or hyper velocity loads). The thin copper layer on the bullet functions as a high velocity lubricant reducing friction between the bullet and the barrel, thus reducing barrel wear. It also prevents oxidation of the lead bullet. Lead tends to oxidize if stored for long periods. Oxide on the bullet's surface could increase its diameter enough to either prevent insertion of the cartridge into the chamber, or - with hyper velocity rounds - cause dangerously high pressures in the barrel, potentially rupturing the cartridge case and injuring the shooter. Standard and subsonic cartridges use a wax lubricant on lead bullets for the same purpose at lower velocities.
Variants
There are a variety of different types of .22 LR loads. They are often divided into four distinct categories, based on nominal velocity:- Subsonic, which also includes "target" or "match" loads, at nominal speeds below 1,100 ft/s (340 m/s).
- Standard-velocity: 1,000–1,135 ft/s (300–346 m/s). Common velocities are around 1,125 ft/s (343 m/s).
- High-velocity: 1,200–1,310 ft/s (370–400 m/s) per second.
- Hyper-velocity, or Ultra-velocity: over 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s).
Subsonic
See also: The transonic problem
Subsonic rounds have a muzzle velocity less than the speed of sound (approximately 1,080 ft/s (330 m/s)). These rounds are sometimes equipped with extra heavy bullets of 46–61-grain (3.0–4.0 g) to improve the terminal ballistics of the slower projectile. Conversely, these rounds may contain little more than a primer and an extra-light bullet.Subsonic rounds are favored by some shooters due to slightly superior accuracy and reduction in noise. Supersonic rounds produce a loud crack which can scare away animals when hunting. Accuracy is reportedly improved with subsonic rounds because a supersonic bullet (or projectile) that slows from supersonic to subsonic speed undergoes drastic aerodynamic changes in this transonic zone that might adversely affect the stability and accuracy of the bullet. Additionally, the use of subsonic rounds is reported to reduce wastage of meat caused by a high-velocity round passing and destroying tissue.[citation needed]
Because the speed of sound in air at 68 °F (20 °C) is approximately 1,126 ft/s (343 m/s), the subsonic round's muzzle velocity is slightly below the speed of sound under many hunting conditions. However, under cold air conditions at 32 °F (0 °C), the speed of sound drops to 1,088 ft/s (332 m/s), approximately muzzle velocity. Hence, a "subsonic" round used in these temperatures would be supersonic, and during the transition from supersonic to subsonic velocity, it may become unstable, reducing accuracy. To counteract this, some cartridge manufacturers have lowered the speed of their subsonic ammunition to 1,030 ft/s (310 m/s) or less.
Various combinations of subsonic rounds and semi-automatic .22 LR firearms result in unreliable cycling of the firearms' action, as the result of insufficient recoil energy. Some subsonic rounds use heavier bullets (achieving lower velocities) in order to ensure that, as a result of increased bullet mass, there is enough energy to cycle common blow-back actions. As an example, the Aguila .22 LR SSS "SubSonic Sniper" round, has a 60-grain (3.9 g) bullet on .22 Short case, providing the cartridge the same overall dimensions as a .22 Long Rifle round. However, other problems may be encountered: the heavier and longer bullet of the Aguila cartridge requires a tighter barrel twist (by the Greenhill formula) to ensure that the bullet remains stable in flight.
There are two performance classes of .22 rimfire subsonic rounds. Some subsonic rounds, such as various .22 Short or .22 Long "CB" rounds, give ~700 ft/s (210 m/s) velocity with a 29-grain (1.9 g) bullet providing relatively low impact energy. These may not use any, or only small amounts of gunpowder, and have the characteristics of "zimmerpatronen" or rounds intended only for indoor training or target practice rather than hunting. Where these are in .22 LR form, it is only to aid feeding in firearms designed for the cartridge, rather than older .22 CB shooting gallery rifles. The Aguila SSS gives ~950 ft/s (290 m/s) velocity with a 60-grain (3.9 g) bullet offering energy equivalent to many high velocity .22 Long Rifle rounds using standard 40-grain (2.6 g) bullets. Other heavy bullet subsonic rounds give similar performance, and are intended for hunting of small game, or control of dangerous animals, while avoiding excessive noise.
Standard Velocity
Standard velocity rounds have a slightly supersonic muzzle velocity of around 1,125 ft/s (343 m/s), and a "normal" bullet weight of 40-grain (2.6 g). Standard velocity cartridges generate near or slightly-supersonic velocities. These rounds generally do not develop these velocities in handguns because the short barrel does not take full advantage of the slower powder. The downside to supersonic rounds is that the bullet often drops to subsonic speeds on its way to the target which can degrade accuracy. The extra power and penetration, however, more than make up for the slight loss in accuracy for applications such as small game hunting.High Velocity
The Long Rifle was originally loaded with black powder. The first smokeless powder loads were intended to match the standard velocity of the original black powder rounds. Smokeless powder is more efficient than black powder, and the cartridge cases could hold more powder. Smokeless powder loads called "high speed" or "high velocity" were offered by the major ammunition makers giving a typical velocity increase of twenty percent (1,200 feet per second (370 m/s) to 1,300 feet per second (400 m/s) while still using the standard 40-grain (2.6 g) solid or 36-grain (2.3 g) hollow point lead bullet.Hyper velocity
Many .22 LR cartridges use bullets lighter than the standard 40-grain (2.6 g), fired at even higher velocities. Hyper velocity bullets usually weigh around 30-grain (1.9 g) to 32-grain (2.1 g) and can have a muzzle velocity of 1,400 feet per second (430 m/s) to 1,800 feet per second (550 m/s) per second. This higher velocity is partially due to the use of lighter bullets.The CCI Stinger was the first hyper velocity .22 LR cartridge, and provided a significant increase in velocity and energy over standard .22 LR rounds. The Stinger case is longer than that of the Long Rifle (approx. .71 inches (18 mm) versus .595 inches (15.1 mm) for the Long Rifle) but the plated hollow point bullet is lighter and shorter at 32-grain (2.1 g), giving the same overall length as the Long Rifle cartridge. A powder with a slower burning rate is used to make the most use of the length of a rifle barrel. (Most .22 Long Rifle powders increase velocity up to about 19 inches (480 mm) of barrel length; the powder used in the Stinger increases velocity up to the longest .22 barrel length tested by the NRA, 26 inches (660 mm).)
Later hyper velocity rounds were introduced by other makers based on the Long Rifle case with lighter bullets in the 30-grain (1.9 g) weight range and slow burning rifle powder loadings. The overall length of many of these cartridges was less than the standard overall length of the standard Long Rifle. One example was the Remington Viper.
The CCI Velocitor hyper velocity round uses the standard Long Rifle case size and a standard weight 40-grain (2.6 g) bullet of proprietary hollow point design to augment expansion and trauma for hunting. This cartridge has a muzzle velocity of 1,435 feet per second (437 m/s) per second. Due to the better ratio of bullet mass to air resistance, Velocitor performs better at longer range compared to the light bullets of other hyper velocity rounds.
Shot cartridges
Special .22 LR caliber shot cartridges, usually loaded with #12 shot, have also been made. These are often called "rat-shot" or "snake-shot" due to their use in very short range pest control. Such rounds have either a longer brass case that is crimped closed, or a translucent plastic "bullet" that contains the shot and shatters upon firing. In specially-made .22 bore shotguns, the shot shells can be used for short range skeet shooting and trap shooting at special, scaled-down, clay targets.Full metal jacket
During World War II, a full metal jacketed version of the .22 LR was developed for the suppressed High Standard HDM pistol.[9] .Cartridge construction
The standard .22 rim fire cartridges (BB, CB, short, long, long rifle) differ in construction from most other cartridges in the way the bullet is constructed and held in the case. In "normal" cartridges, the bullet is inserted completely within the "neck" of the cartridge case, being held in place by tension from the case neck around the bullet bearing surface and, in some cases, a small crimp at the very top of the case around a cannelure (groove) in the bullet. Military grade ammunition also use a sealant around the case neck (and primer) to prevent intrusion of moisture (or other foreign matter) that may affect reliability. The sealant also acts as a glue, assisting in bullet retention. Bullets for the standard .22 RF (does not include the .22 Rim Fire Magnum or .22 WRF/.22 Remington Special) are constructed with a "heel" (stem) on the rear of the bullet which is inserted into case and the case mouth is then crimped around that stem, leaving the majority of the bullet bearing surface exposed and making the diameter of the case and the bullet the same (see picture below right). Note that the .22 WMR case diameter is larger than the bullet. This construction method has an inherent weakness in that it provides only minimal protection for the cartridge from exposure to moisture or other elements that adversely affect ammunition reliability. One may take one of these cartridges, hold the case with the fingers of one hand and the bullet between the fingers of the other hand and actually turn (twist) the bullet without turning the case (a little resistance may be encountered at first). This means that the seal between the bullet and case is minimal. Overall reliability of todays rimfire ammunition is extremely high, but is considerably less reliable than centerfire ammunition.Cartridge length
The .22 LR uses a straight walled case. Depending upon the type and the feed mechanism employed, a firearm which is chambered for .22 LR may also be able to safely chamber and fire the following shorter rimfire cartridges:- .22 BB, in cap, short or long lengths
- .22 CB, in cap, short, long, and long rifle lengths
- .22 Short
- .22 Long
The .22 Winchester RimFire, also called .22 WRF and identical to the .22 Remington Special, and later .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, also called .22 Magnum or .22 WMR, use cases different from the .22 LR. The .22 WRF and .22 WMR use a straight wall case, larger in diameter than the "normal" .22 rim fire and does not use a heeled bullet. While .22 WRF may be fired in a .22 WMR, firing a .22 S, L or LR in a .22 WMR firearm will likely result in gas leakage at the breech and may cause a potentially dangerous case rupture. Such use always will result in bullet metal fouling in the .22 WMR chamber throat and degraded accuracy with the smaller rounds.
Usage
Today, .22 LR is mainly being used for hunting small pests, for sports shooting, for plinking, and for inexpensive training. The .22 LR is the choice for several ISSF shooting events: 50 metre rifle three positions, 50 metre rifle prone, 50 metre pistol, 25 metre pistol, 25 metre rapid fire pistol and 25 metre standard pistol; Bullseye, plus divisions of metallic silhouette and pin shooting, most high school, collegiate, Boy Scouts of America, British Air Training Corps, Australian Army Cadets, Appleseed Project and 4H shooting events, and many others. Good quality .22 LR ammunition can be quite accurate. Its main advantages are low cost, low recoil, low noise and high accuracy-to-cost ratio. Its main disadvantage is its low power; it is better suited for use on small game and other small animals;[10] as a defensive cartridge, it is considered inadequate, though the small size allows very lightweight, easily concealable handguns which can be carried in circumstances where anything larger would be impractical. Despite their limitations, .22 LR pistols and rifles can be lethal and are often used for self defense simply because they are prevalent, inexpensive, and widely available to civilians.Semi-automatic rifles firing .22 LR cartridges often will work properly only when firing standard or high velocity .22 LR ammunition; subsonic rounds will often not cycle their actions properly. Bolt-action or lever-action rifles, however, can utilize any of the variants (high velocity to subsonic).
The tiny case of the .22 LR and the subsonic velocities (when using subsonic ammunition) make it well suited for use with a firearm suppressor (also known as silencers or sound moderators). The low volume of powder gases means that .22 LR suppressors are often no larger than a bull barrel; the Ruger 10/22 and Ruger MK II are common choices, because of their reliability and low cost, and the resulting product is often nearly indistinguishable from a bull barrel model (although weighing far less). Where firearm suppressors are only minimally restricted, a .22 LR firearm with a suppressor is often favored for plinking, as it does not require hearing protection or disturb the neighbors. Local government agencies sometimes use suppressed .22 LR weapons for animal control, since dangerous animals or pests can be dispatched in populated areas without causing undue alarm.
The .22 LR has also seen limited usage by police and military snipers. Its main advantage in this role is its low noise, but it is usually limited to urban operations because of its short range.[11][12]
The Israeli military used a suppressed .22 LR rifle in the 1990s for riot control and to "eliminate disturbing dogs prior to operations," though it is now used less often as it has been shown to be more lethal than previously suspected.[11] Some other examples include the use of suppressed High Standard HDM pistols by the American OSS, which was the predecessor organization of the CIA.[9] Francis Gary Powers was issued a suppressed High Standard for the flight in which he was shot down. Suppressed Ruger MK II pistols are in current use by the US Navy SEALs.
Specifications
Muzzle velocity (nominal):- 40-grain (2.6 g) lead: 1,082 ft/s (330 m/s) .22 LR Subsonic
- 36-grain (2.3 g) copper plated lead: 1,328 ft/s (405 m/s) .22 LR High Velocity
According to the official C.I.P. guidelines, the .22 LR case can handle up to 205 MPa (30,000 psi) copper crusher (measuring method crusher conformal) pressure. In C.I.P. regulated countries, every rifle cartridge combo has to be proofed at 125% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to certify for sale to consumers.
References
- ^ a b c d "Federal Cartridge Co.". http://www.federalcartridge.com/ballistics. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
- ^ a b c Simpson,Rich. "Remove pesky rodents with sure-shot rimfire rifles."The Times-News (Twin Falls, Idaho, USA) 2008-03-28.
- ^ Kokalis, Peter: Weapons Tests And Evaluations: The Best Of Soldier Of Fortune, page 331. Paladin Press, 2001.
- ^ "Forensic Analysis: Weighing Bullet Lead Evidence". Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology. 2004. Archived from the original on 2009-06-10. http://www.webcitation.org/5hQn4z7AA. Retrieved 2007-09-09.
- ^ Simpson, Layne. "Rimfire Hunting Cartridges". Petersen's Hunting. Archived from the original on 2009-06-10. http://www.webcitation.org/5hQn5O2Gn. Retrieved 2007-09-09.
- ^ a b "Hornady's New .17 Mach 2". http://www.chuckhawks.com/17_M2.htm. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
- ^ "BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | Playground shooter avoids prison". News.bbc.co.uk. Last Updated:. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7092484.stm. Retrieved 2008-09-08.
- ^ "BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Man kills eight at Finnish school". BBC News. November 7, 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7082795.stm. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
- ^ a b Kokalis, P. G (2002-08). "OSS Silenced Pistol". The Small Arms Review 5 (11). Archived from the original on 2009-09-03. http://www.webcitation.org/5jW8yKn6p. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
- ^ "Federal Premium: Ballistics Detail". http://www.federalcartridge.com/ballistics/Ammo_Ballistics.aspx?id=48&firearm=3&bc=0.139&muzzvel=1240&bulletwgt=40. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
- ^ a b Ruger 10/22 Suppressed Sniper Rifle
- ^ SV-99 Sniper Rifle
External links
- This page was last modified on 11 January 2011 at 02:18.
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