Another .22 ammo question

couldbeanyone said:
I wouldn't go with the CCI Stinger or Velocitor. Stingers actually expand too well and don't penetrate enough, only 6.9 inches from a 2.75 inch barrel.

Yes, definitely avoid the Stinger--it works great on small varmints but is far less impressive on larger critters.

couldbeanyone said:
Velocitors are expensive and don't really gain you any velocity from a pistol barrel in my chronograph testing.

I haven't done my own testing, but according to measurements that I've compiled over time, out of a 6" revolver barrel one could reasonably expect from the Velocitor an additional 120 fps or so over the Mini-Mag. Out of even shorter barrels, the difference would be less, I'd expect (and as you've found), but I've always recommended the Velocitor for defensive purposes anyway due to how marginal .22 LR is for defense to begin with, and the apparent lack of terminal ballistics testing of the Mini-Mag (while the Velocitor performs exceptionally well in such tests).

You may be right that Mini-Mags would be practically as effective as Velocitors out of short barrels (with less blast & flash as well), although out of longer handgun barrels there is a substantial difference in velocity (and momentum) between them.

couldbeanyone said:
I would go with CCI Minimags, Remington Vipers, or Aguila SuperMaximums.

I personally would not trust any rimfire ammunition manufactured by Remington for personal defense, given its lack of reliability in ignition--I even avoid it for range use. On the other hand, CCI is generally great in this regard, and Aguila has always worked for me when I've shot it.
 
I personally would not trust any rimfire ammunition manufactured by Remington for personal defense, given its lack of reliability in ignition--I even avoid it for range use.

I agree.
 
I've had to rely on a .22lr for SD on occasion. I tend to stick with the hottest solids I can find to ensure adequate penetration.
 
Originally Posted by Manco
I haven't done my own testing, but according to measurements that I've compiled over time, out of a 6" revolver barrel one could reasonably expect from the Velocitor an additional 120 fps or so over the Mini-Mag. Out of even shorter barrels, the difference would be less, I'd expect (and as you've found),
Manco is absolutely correct about this. The longer the barrel, the better Velocitors do. Out of a four inch or shorter barrel there is virtually no difference between it and mini-mags. I'm not saying that Velocitors still woundn't be good, just that in short barrels you don't gain anything but muzzle blast and they are more expensive.
You also might consider Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics copper wash 40 grainers. Out of a four inch or shorter barrel they are dead even in velocity with Velocitors for much less cost. They have also been very reliable about going bang when you pull the trigger in my experience.
I can't disagree with anyone about Remington priming. I would say that I have more duds out of Remington than any other brand.
 
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couldbeanyone said:
I can't disagree with anyone about Remington priming. I would say that I have more duds out of Remington than any other brand.

The lesser expensive promotional Remingtons seem to be the worst while their more expensive specialty .22's are usually much more reliable.
However the Aguila Maximums are very powerful rounds having 30 gr. bullets.
If any can be found then give them a try.
 
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Originally Posted by 8shot357
Aren't Maxi-Mage a 22 magnum?
Whoops my bad.:o Yes Maxi-Mags are 22 magnum. Don't know how my mind can think mini-mag and my fingers type maxi-mag, but, I guess they can. I fixed it, thanks for catching it.
 
Hollow point bullets are useless in .22LR. Carry whichever ammo fires more reliably from your gun. Once you go bellow 380ACP, hollow point bullets almost always fail to expand, and in .22LR it makes no difference.
 
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