Thread: Question for .22lr experts.

I shoot std CCI in a 4" barrel pistol. 975,906.926.949,948. fps

.22 supersonic reaches full velocity in about 16" of barrel, and becomes measurably slower after about 24". I would think 9-10" would give subsonic velocity with hi-speed ammo. At that length you would be in possession of a pistol (ie; less than 762mm overall length). Stick with 16" and use subsonic! If you wish to shoot bigger bodied animals like hares, etc, then you will get much better penetration with target ammo with the RN lead solid. The Winchester subsonic HP bullet expands very quickly and will create nasty wounds on hares but not give clean kills due to insufficient penetration.

Originally Posted by gundoc

.22 supersonic reaches full velocity in about 16" of barrel, and becomes measurably slower after about 24". I would think 9-10" would give subsonic velocity with hi-speed ammo. At that length you would be in possession of a pistol (ie; less than 762mm overall length). Stick with 16" and use subsonic! If you wish to shoot bigger bodied animals like hares, etc, then you will get much better penetration with target ammo with the RN lead solid. The Winchester subsonic HP bullet expands very quickly and will create nasty wounds on hares but not give clean kills due to insufficient penetration.

Thanks for that @gundoc (and all others). .22 will be for close range rabbits etc. I have a 17HMR (or .223 rem) if anything bigger or father away needs dealing to. Sounds like 16", subsonic and a big fat suppressor is the way to go.