Choosing the right ammunition can significantly impact your shooting experience. For rimfire enthusiasts, the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) and the .22 Short are two frequently encountered cartridges, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This in-depth comparison will help you understand the key differences between these rounds and determine which one best suits your needs.
Caliber Overview: .22 LR vs. .22 Short
Both cartridges are rimfire rounds, meaning the primer is located in the rim of the cartridge case. However, their size, power, and applications differ considerably.
.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
The .22 LR is the undisputed king of rimfire cartridges. Its popularity stems from its versatility, relatively low cost, and availability. It's widely used for:
- Target shooting: Its accuracy and affordability make it ideal for plinking and competitive target shooting.
- Small game hunting: While not as powerful as centerfire rounds, the .22 LR is effective for hunting small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds at close ranges.
- Self-defense: Though not the ideal choice for serious self-defense, its availability and ease of use make it a last resort option for some.
- Training: The low recoil and manageable cost make it excellent for firearm training, especially for new shooters.
Key Characteristics of .22 LR:
- Higher Velocity: Significantly faster bullet velocities than .22 Short, resulting in greater range and accuracy.
- Longer Range: Effective range is considerably greater than the .22 Short.
- Greater Stopping Power: More powerful than .22 Short, offering better stopping power for hunting or self-defense (though still limited).
- Wider Availability: Consistently available in a vast array of bullet types (hollow point, solid point, etc.) and manufacturers.
.22 Short
The .22 Short is an older and less powerful cartridge compared to the .22 LR. Its applications are more limited, and it’s less commonly used today. It is primarily used for:
- Very Close-Range Shooting: Its low power makes it suitable only for very short-range plinking or informal target shooting.
- Older Firearms: Some older firearms might be designed exclusively or primarily for .22 Short ammunition.
Key Characteristics of .22 Short:
- Lower Velocity: Much slower bullet velocity than .22 LR, resulting in shorter effective range and less accuracy.
- Shorter Range: Limited effective range, suitable only for very close-range targets.
- Less Stopping Power: Significantly less powerful than .22 LR, making it unsuitable for hunting or self-defense.
- Limited Availability: Not as widely available as .22 LR; finding it might require more effort.
.22 LR vs .22 Short: A Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) | .22 Short |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | High | Low |
| Range | Long | Short |
| Power | Greater | Lesser |
| Availability | Widely Available | Limited Availability |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate (but less common) |
| Primary Use | Target Shooting, Hunting | Close-Range Plinking |
| Recoil | Very Low | Very Low |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The choice between .22 LR and .22 Short ultimately depends on your intended use. For most shooting applications, the .22 LR is the superior choice due to its higher velocity, greater accuracy, longer range, and wider availability. The .22 Short is only really relevant for those with older firearms designed specifically for this cartridge or for very short-range, informal shooting. Unless you have a specific reason to use .22 Short, the .22 LR offers far greater versatility and performance.
