That’s true. 22LR is only a weak cartridge to anyone who hasn’t been shot by one. A 22LR at close range can penetrate the sternum and enter the heart.
The 4 most dangerous words, “It’s only a 22.”
As I was once told by a GBI agent: yes it is tiny but it’s a lot faster than people think. If it penetrates the chest cavity, it tends to richochet off the ribs nicking everything in it’s path...
The three most dangerous words, “It’s not loaded”.
People have been killed with air rifles.
Remember a .22 almost killed Reagan.
I believe one of the strengths of the .22LR as a killer has to do with tumbling - the reason the .223 is favored - as well as penetrative strength and sudden velocity drop afterward. It is my understanding for instance that at a wide array of ranges the .22 with a headshot will enter the cranium and bounce around in there, making a dire mess of the brain.