Opinion by Alan J. Chwick
The .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge, commonly referred to as the .22LR, is arguably one of the most well-known, widely used, and accessible firearms rounds in the world.
Despite its small size and relatively low power, the .22LR has maintained an important role in shooting sports, hunting, self-defense, and training for over a century. While often considered “lonely” in the sense that it is overshadowed by more powerful rounds, such as the .223 Remington or the .308 Winchester, the .22LR stands out as an impressive round due to its versatility, affordability, and widespread availability.
Here, I explore the characteristics, historical context, and impact of the .22LR, analyzing why it remains a beloved and enduring component of the shooting world.
.22LR Ammunition Round
The development of the .22LR round can be traced back to the late 19th century, a time when the United States was seeing rapid advancements in firearms technology. The .22LR was born out of the .22 Long, which itself was an evolution of the earlier .22 Short cartridge. The .22LR was first introduced in 1887 by the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (UMC), and it quickly gained popularity due to its small size, low recoil, and relatively inexpensive cost to manufacture.
At the time, the .22LR was primarily intended for use in small game hunting and target shooting. It was seen as a perfect cartridge for training new shooters, as it allowed them to practice their marksmanship skills without the expense or recoil associated with larger, more powerful rounds.
The design of the .22LR was intended to be simple, reliable, and efficient, using a 40-grain bullet at a velocity of around 1,200 feet per second (fps).
Over the years, the .22LR continued to evolve, becoming increasingly widespread in both civilian and military circles. By the early 20th century, the round had gained a reputation as the go-to option for a variety of purposes, including hunting, pest control, and recreational shooting. Its popularity was also solidified by the development of a wide range of firearms chambered in .22LR, including rifles, pistols, and revolvers, making it one of the most versatile rounds in terms of weapon compatibility.
The standard .22LR cartridge consists of a 40-grain lead bullet, although other variations exist with lighter or heavier projectiles. The round typically travels at velocities ranging from 1,000 to 1,300 feet per second, depending on the load. This relatively low velocity and the small caliber contribute to the .22LR’s characteristic mild recoil, making it ideal for beginners and those seeking to minimize the physical demands of shooting.
.22LR Ammunition Is Here to Stay
One of the most impressive aspects of the .22LR round is its incredible longevity. Despite the introduction of more powerful rounds and advancements in firearm technology, the .22LR has remained a dominant force in the world of firearms for over 130 years. The round’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several key factors, including its affordability, versatility, and ease of use.
Perhaps the most significant factor contributing to the .22LR’s long-lasting success is its affordability. Ammunition costs are a major consideration for many shooters, and the .22LR provides a cost-effective solution. For comparison, a box of 50 .22LR cartridges typically costs a fraction of the price of more powerful rounds like the .223 Remington or the .308 Winchester. This makes the .22LR a favorite choice for recreational shooters, especially those who want to practice frequently without breaking the bank.
Live Inventory Price Checker
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CCI .22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose (Case) | Ammunition Depot | $ 629.29 $ 524.49 |
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CCI .22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose (Box) | Ammunition Depot | $ 13.69 $ 11.49 |
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CCI .22 LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Standard Velocity Ammunition, 50 Round Box 0035 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 4.99 $ 3.99 |
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CCI .22 LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Standard Velocity Ammunition, 50 Round Box 0035 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 5.99 $ 3.99 |
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Additionally, the .22LR is incredibly versatile, which is another reason for its long-term popularity. While it is best known for its use in target shooting and small game hunting, the round can also be used in a variety of other applications. For example, the .22LR is commonly used in military and law enforcement training because of its low recoil and reduced cost. Additionally, the round is sometimes used for self-defense, especially in situations where a firearm needs to be small and easily concealable. While the .22LR may not have the stopping power of larger rounds, it can still be an effective defensive tool when used in close quarters or as a backup weapon.
More on the 22LR Round’s Stopping Power:
- Bella Twin, the .22 Used to Take the 1953 World Record Grizzly
- Bear Attacks & 20 Instances of .22 Rimfire Used for Survival
The round’s versatility is also reflected in the wide variety of firearms chambered in .22LR. The cartridge is used in everything from small pocket pistols to full-sized rifles, offering shooters an extensive range of options to suit their needs. The availability of different firearms chambered in .22LR means that shooters can find a weapon that is well-suited to their specific purpose, whether that be for plinking, hunting, or competitive shooting.
Despite being overshadowed by larger, more powerful rounds, the .22LR remains an enduring and beloved cartridge in the world of firearms. Its low recoil, affordability, and versatility have cemented its place as one of the most popular rounds in history. While some may dismiss the .22LR as “lonely” or “insignificant” compared to more powerful ammunition, it is important to recognize that the round’s impact is anything but small.
From its role in introducing new shooters to firearms, to its use in competitive sports and self-defense, the .22LR ammunition round continues to prove its worth, ensuring that it remains an impressive and indispensable part of the firearms community for years to come.
References
1. Barnes, Frank C. Cartridges of the World: A Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ammunition. Gun Digest Books, 2019.
2. Sweeney, Patrick. The Gun Digest Book of Hunting Guns. Gun Digest, 2012.
3. Gresham, Larry. The .22LR: Still the Most Popular Round. Shooting Times Magazine, 2019.
4. Lentz, Thomas R. The History of American Small Arms Ammunition. Scholarly Publishing, 2005.
About the Alan J. Chwick:
Alan J. Chwick, A.S., B.S., FL/NY/SC Paralegal is known for his involvement in legal articles usually related to firearm regulations and for his contributions to discussions on gun rights. Retired Managing Coach of the Freeport NY Junior Marksmanship Club. Escaped New York State to South Carolina and is an SC FFL & Gunsmith (Everything22andMore.com).
How the 22LR could ever be considered lonely.
Is a bit of a stretch
Best target ammo out there!
Good enough for Mossad. Good enough for me.
ai very likely look at the repetitive nature of the article ….ai artificial idiocy
I’ve always wanted a lever action rifle. I just bought a Henry chambered in .22LR. Can’t wait to get it to the range.
Critics often stiff at the .22LR as a viable round for self-defense, arguing, among other things, it’s lesser muzzle energy.
Well, as I like to say: Until human inbreeding or DNA science could produce a schmuck eager to test various pistol calibers on himself and report findings, I’ll take my chances on rimfires, especially at close range.
Critical review: This was like reading the same paragraph over and over and over and over…
I doubt the max .22LR pressure of 24k lbs (2/3 that of 9x19mm), which is not that much for such a small diameter, has not changed from its 19th century black powder origins. I’m surprised no one has come out with a +P(+) version. With a slightly heavier bullet and a hot modern powder a lot of folks who favor this cartridge for personal defense might be interested in trading imperceptible recoil for barely noticeable in exchange for a bit more oomph, all without going up to .22WMR or .25ACP.
The 22LR is a very versatile cartridge. Everything from plinking, target shooting and self defense. No one wants to be shot with one! There are various cartridge adapters allowing a shooter to shoot 22LR in 223, 222 Rem., 22-250. MCA sports in Anchorage Alaska has many cartridge adapters for sale. Would like to seelever action rifle companies and ammo companies bring back the 25 Stevens. It will fire a 65 grain bullet at 1250 fps. Perfect for the Heritage and Ruger revolvers. Not sure if many shooters are going to use the 21 Sharps that Winchester has introduced. Ammo prices… Read more »
Bought a Ruger Std Auto in 1972. 54 years of great shooting. Age and use only improves the action.