Posted on 02/13/2023 4:40:56 AM PST by marktwain
Published velocities for .22 Long Rifle cartridges are generally available for rifle-length barrels. Finding the velocities for pistol-length barrels is more difficult. Searches on the Internet did not yield results for several subsonic .22 Long Rifle cartridges. This article shows velocities measured from three pistols for five different cartridges.
Velocities in a particular barrel length can vary with individual barrels. Some barrels are smoother than others. Even the temperature of the cartridge when the round is fired can make a measurable difference. To see the differences for pistol length barrels, three handguns were used because they were handy and were threaded for suppressors. Using a suppressor can affect velocity, but the amount is usually small and can be in either direction. Different lots of the same ammunition may have differences in velocity, usually small.
The three pistols used were a Kel-Tec CP33 with a 5.5-inch barrel, a Taurus TX22 with a 4.1-inch barrel, and a Kel-Tec P17 with a 3.93-inch barrel.
Velocities shown in the chart are the average for five shots. The temperature varied form 56 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Velocities were measured 10 feet from the muzzle with a Caldwell Chronograph G2. Five shots should be sufficient to give a good idea of pistol velocities from 4 and 5.5-inch barrels. Differences between the 4.1-inch and 3.93-inch barrels were expected to be small.
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
The length on the web site now is 3.8 inches.
The measured length is 3.8 inches.
Thanks, interesting data.
I believe the 60 grain Aguila round is suffering from being fired in semi-autos. When I did a check using a bolt action rifle, the velocities averaged over 60 fps greater, with much less variation.
Neither one of my bolt guns will stabilize the 60gr Aguila.
60 gr .22 LR! Aguila 22 Sniper Subsonic Ballistic Test - 3 Barrel Lengths
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4Z7ypkXTT0&ab_channel=GunSam_RevolverAficionado_
The long 60 grain slugs tumble and flip over in ballistic gel.
@ 10” penetration out of a rifle, 5” to 8” out of a pistol, but all of the slugs invert 180” in the first inches of penetration, leading to what would be a pretty nasty wound channel considering it’s just a 22LR.
I bought a 16” fast-twist barrel for my 10-22, it also has a threaded muzzle. Works great.
I was surprised to see the 1 in 14 twist from the Kel-Tec pistols seems to improve stabilization of the 60 grain bullet. Very little keyholing at 15 yards.
From the Rock Island 15Y bolt gun, with a 1 in 16 twist, no keyholing at 15 yards.
No, I have not fired the SK ammunition.
Aren’t most standard velocity 40 gr .22 LR subsonic out of a <5” barrel?
Almost all .22 LR cartridges average subsonic out of a less than 5 inch barrel.
There are only a few .22 LR cartridges which are reliably supersonic out of a less than 5 inch barrel.
There are a fair number of .22 LR cartridges which have a significant percentage of shots which give supersonic signatures when fired from a five inch barrel.
Handy table. I would suggest adding Remington .22lr subsonics to the list. I’ve used that for years with excellent results.
I’ve been buying it for a while from MidSouth Shooters.
Don’t think they load subsonic, but I like the accuracy I’ve seen with SK ammo. I like full 40 grain loads.
I have some sub sonic Aquila 22 ammo. Also have some of their target ammo, bought it when nothing else was available. It has it’s own odor. smile. Does not burn clean.
I’m not impressed with most high velocity but light bullet mass 22 ammo.
Most of their offerings appear to be subsonic.
I overlooked that. Thanks for noticing.
Don’t own a 22 pistol.
Today I shot 22LR from my Taurus TX 22, indoor range.
From a rest, at 20 yards, (max range), the Aguila 60 grains were okay for accuracy, but about 1/4 of them showed clear keyholing.
Much worse, about 10% caused a jam because the very short brass casings failed to clear the action.
This was not a problem in my Ruger Standard Model pistol when I did this same test some months ago.
Point being, those quirky oddball Aguila SSS 60 grainers with their very short brass have to be tested in every firearm.
Here is a link to the AmmoLand article.
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