22LR Ammo History
The 22lr cartridge was introduced in 1887 by J Stevens Arms & Tool Company. For more than 100 years, these cartridges have been serving the needs of hunters, shooters, and law enforcement.
As per its development history, 22LR comes from earlier rounds: .22 BB Cap(1845) and .22 Short (1857). It combined the case of .22 Long case (1871) with a 40-grain bullet. This makes these bullets longer, faster & better for hunting.
The 22lr bullets are used in everything from bolt-action rifles to semi-auto pistols. These features make these bullets one of the most popular cartridges in the firearms world.
Over time, many cartridges have been replaced, but .22LR has stayed popular in the shooting world for decades.
22LR Ammo Usage
22lr is one of the most versatile cartridges. Its low recoil, cost-effectiveness, and moderate range make it ideal for various shooting needs, including;
- Small Game Hunting: Its lightweight & small size make these bullets an ideal choice for small game hunting like squirrels, rabbits, and other small game.
- Target Shooting & Training: Its low recoil & affordable price make these bullets a good choice for new shooters' practice & training.
- Youth & Amateur Shooting Sports: Commonly used in events like Boy Scouts of America, Project Appleseed, 4H, high school, and collegiate shooting competitions (including biathlons).
22LR Ammo Ballistics
- Bullet Weight:SV (~40 grain), HV (36-40 grain), Hyper Velocity (30-32 grain), Subsonic (40-45 grain)
- Velocity: Velocity & Energy: Subsonic (950-1,050 fps | 90-100 ft-lbs), SV (1,070-1,125 fps | 100-120 ft-lbs), HV (1,200-1,280 fps | 130-140 ft-lbs), Hyper Velocity (1,400-1,800 fps | 160-190 ft-lbs).
- Trajectory (100 Yards): Subsonic (~12-14 inches), SV (~10-12 inches), HV (~6-8 inches), Hyper Velocity (~4-6 inches).
Top 5 Most Popular 22lr Ammunition
- Aguila Super Extra: Most popular shooter choice. The knockout power of this highly effective round will help you take out small games and varmints with confidence. These hard-hitting rounds deliver controlled expansion with devastating results.
- CCI Standard Velocity: CCI Standard Velocity 22 ammunition offers excellent reliability, consistency and accuracy. This ammo is an excellent choice for target practice where enhanced accuracy is desired.
- CCI Mini-Mag: One of the most popular CCI offerings. The accurate 22 LR load provides reliable feeding & minimizes fouling because of clean-burning powder.
- Winchester Super-X: Winchester Super-X 22lr ammo is well known for providing exceptional quality and outstanding performance. These rounds are ideal for small-game hunting and plinking at the range.
- Federal AutoMatch: Affordable 22lr option for your Marlin 795 or any other 22 Long Rifle. Ideal choice for plinking, target practice, training, and getting novice shooters prepared to handle a firearm safely and efficiently.
22 LR Ammo FAQs
What does .22 LR stand for?
.22 LR stands for ".22 Long Rifle." It refers to the caliber (0.22 inches) and the type of cartridge, which is longer than the original .22 Short and .22 Long cartridges.
How far can a .22 LR bullet travel?
A .22 LR bullet can travel up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km) when fired at an optimal angle. However, its effective range for accurate shooting is typically 100-150 yards, depending on the firearm and shooter skill.
Can .22 LR be used for self-defense?
While .22 LR can be used for self-defense, it is not ideal due to its relatively low stopping power compared to larger calibers. It is better suited for target shooting and small game hunting.
How accurate is .22 LR ammo?
.22 LR is highly accurate at short to medium ranges (up to 100 yards). Accuracy depends on the quality of the ammo, the firearm, and the shooter’s skill.
Is .22 LR ammo expensive?
No, .22 LR is one of the most affordable types of ammunition, making it popular for high-volume shooting, plinking, and training.