.22lr performance out of a real short barrel

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simonrichter

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Does anyone have data about the best achievable .22lr performance out of a 2,3" (or thelike) barrel? (I'm well aware that there are a lot of similar threads, yet I couldn't find this actual information).

Data in m/s and j would be an extra benefit :-)

thx
 
data

Some years ago, I chronographed CCI SV .22LR cartridges as fired from a S&W 317 with a 1 7/8" barrel.
The 40 grain bullets ran around 790 - 800 fps (240-244 m/s) (don't have the exact data any longer) with a ME of 56 ft.lbs. (75 Joules)
Pete
 
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Does anyone have data about the best achievable .22lr performance out of a 2,3" (or thelike) barrel?
Click to expand...

We'll probably never know what's achievable until someone figures out a way to reload rimfires. We can only check out what's available on the shelf.

However, I did do some crude testing of my own, comparing 5-6 makes of .22 LR. I used H&R 3 different 922 revolvers (2.5, 4 and 6 inch barrels) which I shot into new 2X4s from 12" away.

The deepest penetrator of all was Aguila Supermaximums, followed by Velocitors. In a rifle, the Velocitors penetrated more but the Aguilas were better in the handguns. Shot from the 2.5 incher, the Aguilas were noticeably deeper than the Velocitors and, the longer the barrel got, the closer the Velocitors came to the Aguilas in penetration. There was a miniscule difference when shot from the 6 incher but the Aguilas still went in deeper.
 
Thank both of you very much for the information. Of course with "best achievable" I meant any off-the-shelf round that is well suited for an extra short barrel (says: fast burning powder).

It's just that I will someday have to decide between a .25acp and a .22lr, and I'm tending towards the .22 in the meantime...
 
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The majority of rimfire ammunition is and has been loaded for rifle barrels. If fired from a short barrel the bullet will exit the muzzle while some of the powder is still burning. The velocity will of course be less but not enough to really be a big deal. It's a very light bullet and will accellerate up to speed very quickly compared to a large heavy pistol bullet. In other words, it's probably not worth worrying about. If you can place your shot precisely where it needs to go bullet mass and velocity are minor considerations. Practice until it becomes a reflex.
 
1 7/8” Lady Smith Airlite 317-2 Chron Results – Temp 70 – 3 Paces from Muzzle (Approx 9’):

WW High Speed Hollow Point (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 1,005 fps
WW High Speed Hollow Point (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 941 fps
WW High Speed Hollow Point (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 997 fps
WW High Speed Hollow Point (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 973 fps
WW High Speed Hollow Point (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 982 fps

CCI Mini Mag Hollow Points (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 893 fps
CCI Mini Mag Hollow Points (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 908 fps
CCI Mini Mag Hollow Points (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 862 fps
CCI Mini Mag Hollow Points (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 871 fps
CCI Mini Mag Hollow Points (100 Rnd Plastic Pack) 888 fps

CCI Stinger Hollow Points (50 Rnd Plastic Pack) 1,120 fps
CCI Stinger Hollow Points (50 Rnd Plastic Pack) 1,091 fps
CCI Stinger Hollow Points (50 Rnd Plastic Pack) 1,079 fps
CCI Stinger Hollow Points (50 Rnd Plastic Pack) 1,094 fps
CCI Stinger Hollow Points (50 Rnd Plastic Pack) 1,069 fps
 
I noticed a distinct lack of expansion with Velocitors from a 2" Taurus. This performance did not instill much confidence in the combination.
 
Don't worry about velocity and expansion. Worry about putting it where it will shut down the attacker. You guys are overthinking this.
 
BBTI - OMG how cool is that site, thx a lot!

I guess that's the ultimate answer to all MV and ME related questions!

A lot of calculating for the poor metric folks, thogh :D

...more and more leaning towards the .22 for a mouse gun
 
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energy

Out of curiosity, I just ran the info about the three .22 cartridges tested in the 317 through a ballistics calculator.
I used a guesstimated average for each.
The WW 40 grain at 980 fps gave 85 ft.lbs ME
The MiniMags 36 grain at 890 fps gave 63 ft.lbs
The Stinger 32 grainer at 1080 fps gave 82 ft.lbs.

Chrono data for a .25 ACP 50 grain bullet at 770 fps (two inch barrel) gave 65 ft.lbs ME.
So....from a revolver, the most powerful was the heaviest bullet.
If I were considering a semi-auto pistol, however, I would go with the 25 ACP.


Pete
 
That "put it where it counts" idea is great until you HAVE to make the shot.
I've taken two .25's to the head,both of which were fringe hits and simply slid under the skin for 2-3" and exited. I was not incapacitated except for the blood running down into my eyes and could easily have taken out the shooter had I been armed.
Standing there like you're on the range waiting for the "just right" shot is not the best plan.
My game plan is putting bullets on the bad guy where ever I can hit him at least for the first couple of shots. In fact, a shot to the groin may be as good a stopper as a shot to the chest.
 
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