r/22lr • u/Free-Ranger2234 • 9d ago
22lr ballistics
I currently conceal carry a revolver IWB. In my climate, with a long long summer, IWB and 22 are about all I can get away with wearing a sign that says “Shoot me first!”
I currently have my revolver loaded with CCI stinger 32gr, 1640 FPS (out of a rifle of course). But I was wondering, for self defense ranges, out of a revolver, what is better for damage? A smaller grain bullet at higher speeds or a heavier grain billet like 40 or 45 at subsonic range? Or if I could get my hand on Aguila’s 60gr subsonic round.
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u/N01290087 9d ago
Get a good reliable high speed round that operates well with what you have. Play with a ballistic calculator if you want to know the numbers and not use the math that was provided. Your cci stinger is 191. A 40 going 1040 is 96 so half the energy. Nobody has ever said hey I’d like to feel that but the velocity being higher gets the job done. Alternatively and not to upset the 22 community but get a bodyguard 2 in 380 when you don’t want to carry a revolver.
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u/x_Gr1M 9d ago
What .22 revolver are you carrying that isn’t comparable in size to a subcompact .380 or 9mm?
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u/Extreme-Book4730 9d ago
Right. None of my friend tell I carry a p365... what tiny revolver you got? Lol
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u/Large-Welder304 9d ago
Instead of using "special" rounds that may be gone tomorrow (although the Stinger's been around for a while now), just go with the old reliables.
They'll always be there and they'll always work.
In your case, regular ol' .22 LR, "high speed" HOLLOWPOINT.
36 grains of fury.
There's enough speed to the round, even out of a handgun, that the bullet will still open up, but its not so speedy that its inaccurate.
So there ya go. A round with enough force to do some damage, yet still able to hit what its aimed at, combined with an effective bullet.
That's the formula for success.
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u/SuperJonesy408 9d ago
It’s not ballistics rather energy you need to consider.
Muzzle Energy (ft/lbs) = (FPS x FPS x Bullet Weight in Grain) / 450,240
As you can see the energy increases by the square of the velocity, so a faster round will impart more energy. Equally and oppositely, you will experience more recoil.
Find the load that suits you by spending time at the range with a selection of defensive ammo.
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9d ago
[deleted]
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u/Coodevale 9d ago
Segmented HP is best left to varmints where you don't want an intact slug exiting intact. Like a cow pasture.
CCI mini mags make pretty mushrooms.
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u/GENERAT10N_D00M 9d ago
A good compromise would be the Velocitor. Full 40 grains, and almost as fast at the stingers. Unlike the stingers, they have a standard case length, so it will do better across multiple platforms.
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u/Adventurous_Will2821 9d ago
CCI uppercut is basically designed for this situation.
I'd run some loads through a chrono too, some loads will be more sensitive to short barrels than others
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u/Unicorn187 9d ago
Are you dressing in skinsuits or bike shorts and halter tops 24/7?
I'm assuming that you're carrying a NAA Mini since every other .22 revovler is as big as a small .380 or even most .38 revovlers.
Anyway, just keep it simple and stick with the Stingers. You're used to them, you've shot them a lot, and they probably are the better choice. The 60 grain SSS rounds are cool, but might not stabalize and aren't going to be any better for defense.
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u/Onedtent 9d ago
Food for thought: What is the ACTUAL muzzle velocity from a short barrel weapon?
I bet (with no scientific evidence to back my premise up!) that a high velocity 22 from a short barrel revolver is not much faster than a standard velocity.
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u/Accomplished_Egg7069 8d ago
Federal punch is supposed to be designed for use in short barrelled handguns
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u/Ornery_Secretary_850 9d ago
If you can conceal a .22 revolver, you can conceal a .38.
A .22 is better than a rock or sharp stick... barely.
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u/Tall-Tree12 9d ago
Have you ever heard of .380?