.22 Pistol Self Defense Ammo .22LR Ballistic Gel Test - Best .22LR Ammo 

I agree, the bpr looks amazing. Nice to see that the base carries through for those who would argue about decreased penetration with fragmenting .22 rounds 👍👍

In that case, just use 40gr solids. I would recommend the Aguila Interceptor for extra punch (they make both a solid and hollow point version).

Appreciate the support and subscription. I did similar tests with .380, 9mm, and .45acp earlier this year as well. I was constantly told on those videos that I talked too much so I'm not sure if this .22 one is better than those or not.

@@BuckeyeBallistics I haven't watched those yet, but I actually tend to like talking in these kinds of videos, so I'm sure they'll be fine by me. Different people have different preferences, I guess!

Those could perhaps go 1640 out of a 24” barrel rifle, but out of a tx22, maybe 1000-1100. Still deadly.

@@Subtlenimbus It would be interesting to check out. I think more in the 1250-1300 range :)

With the suppressor attatched, that is probably an accurate guess, as the suppressor actually accelerates velocity slightly like a longer barrel. Without, from what I have seen, in the 1100 range would be average, maybe a few just at around 1200ish. I'll try to do a .22rifle vs .22pistol velocity test in the next few weeks, as well as work on getting this same gel test done with the rifle.

Agreed... Use them in my heritage rough riders with different barrel lengths and they never fail on impressing me with all the different test I put them thru..

Most / all .22 rifles have the wrong twist rate to stabilize a 60gr projectile.

I believe it says on the box that the 60 grains need a 1:9 twist to stabilize.

Thank you man, I feel the exact same way (at least about this particular video). I have actually been planning this video for years, but I wanted to wait until my channel had *some* size to it, hoping that it might help the video get seen. Maybe this will be the video that does it for me 🤷🏻‍♂️ I haven't seen your channel pop up before, but I dig the Miata and the stuff you're doing to it. I just subbed and I'm about to go watch a few of the vids. And not because of your kind words, but because I was impressed with what I saw. You keep at it too, because it looks like you're doing some great stuff for the Miata community. I'm trying to do the same with my Mustang, but there aren't too many V6 Mustang modders out there lol.

Dude this is freaking awesome... glad I found u

@@Oldlady74 So am I! Welcome to the channel and thanks for subbing.

It's because of the mustang that runs people off

Well that's funny considering I'm getting more subs than ever right now. Is that supposed to be a Chevy guy joke or something?

I've always kinda wondered if a 9mm is really any better than a .22, considering that you can just rip off rounds super fast with the .22 while keeping every single shot on target- same can't be said for 9mm. I plan on doing a video about it later and doing live fire with both to compare results...

I’ve been carrying the tx22 as well, I upgraded to metal rear sight fiber optic front and a stainless steel guide rod. A baldr mini olight and this gun is heavy and accurate 🤌

@@bhief473 Very nice, I have upgraded my front sight to fiberoptic as well. Have a good weekend.

Good to hear, I have about 5 boxes of the Win 40gr 1435. I notice some, but not all, of them have a waxy material inside the HP which I assume is good to help with barriers. Weird thing a lot of the hp cavity are clean and empty. Again strange some have the filling some don’t. Any ideas?

That Win 42gr was one of the top rounds, but it still only had a 50/50 chance of expansion. But I feel like if I skipped the denim, that all of them might have expanded (the 42gr). It was also the only round if I recall correctly, that penetrated and exited both blocks on one such instance where it did not expand, which warrants over penetration concerns. - Thanks for stopping by and checking out the video.

Thank you; glad you liked the video. And the Interceptors certainly are a decent choice- better than many others. I always kept Velocitors in my .22 pistols and rifles, which is an equivelant as mentioned in the video. Now having the results from this testing, I'll probably keep Interceptors in my rifles, and the Supermaximums in my pistols.

Why did you choose this to carry?

You're carrying a M&P 22??? Good luck with that me personally I would never carry a plinking/target pistol for self-defense

Don't take my comments the wrong way if that's all you have to carry then carry it but that would not be my first choice I carry a full size M&P 40 cal or my 1911 45 ACP I live in Detroit where they shoot back

Depends on how much penetration you want and how much damage you want to deal (permanent cavity diameter). I have some more tests comming up soon...

22 is an amazing round. I'd rather get shot with a 45 in the foot rather than get shot by a 22 in the chest. Shot placement counts, and its a REAL bullet. A 22 to the head is just as lethal as a 9mm to the head.

Exactly right if that's what you happen to have make it work I've had people tell me it don't have enough stopping power ect and I need to carry at least a 9mm because they have data that says it's more powerful blah blah blah . I ask him if he carried a 9 mm carbine rifle everywhere because I have data that carbine rifles are more accurate and send the bullet out with more velocity than a 9 mm pistol .lol What kind of ammo you use in that tx 22?

@@chupacabra4897 In an ideal world the ballistic silvertip winchesters (half segmented bullet, but got a solid base) I havent found them yet so the one in the pipe is a segmented HV CCI and the magazine is all velocitors or mini mag HPs. The segmented CCI are probably the most efficient chicken house critter removal tool i've ever used. That being said they are probably the worst choice for self defense. Thus the mini mags or velocitors. A very good pest control round but also quite capable in a pinch for coyotes or more significant predators. The mini mags are a little lower on the tinnitus scale but the velocitors are a gold standard for a 22. Im confident with either and most importantly have had good reliability.

Don't have the Beretta, but I did just get the Punch ammo and will be testing it soon.

Or you could just rack the slide real quick to eject the dud round 🤷🏻‍♂️ But if that happened on the first round then yeah that would be bad lol. Using premium ammo helps reduce the likelyhood of that happening as well.

We trust revolvers in .22...under duress the most natural, instinctive reaction is pull the trigger again...also, we favor the heavier bullet, thinking penetration is more of a sure thing than the probably non-expansion...

@Petunia I10i15i40 what you gonna do if your conflict did not resolved after 8 rounds of (let's say you was oersued by two guys on a car) Reloading revolver is a pita. When it comes to semi auto like tx22 compact you just reload mag in split second, and if you have dud round, racking slide is not that difficult for someone who shoot his tx22 multiple thousands rounds

Thank you, greatly appreciate the support.

Indeed. And a lot of people fail to realize that once your gun goes off, the bad guy almost always runs away, regardless of caliber. But even the most determined attackers would most certainly be done for after 16rds of .22 in about 1.5 seconds. That is certainly one advantage of a .22 semi auto, that you can put a lot of rounds on target very fast and very accurately thanks to the non existant recoil. Good to see you around again Lee; haven't heard from you in a few months.

I've tested those recently

Those Silvertips and Punch were brand new around the time I posted this and I didn't have access to them yet- I don't even think I knew they existed at the time or I would have waited to include them. I did however do several tests on the channel with the Punch later on. I can tell you, the Punch tends to tumble/yaw, and it is dependant upon this effect occuring to inflict the "large" wound channels that people see in the gel tests and also to keep penetration at an ideal depth. However, since I tested them several times, I noticed that sometimes they *don't* tumble or yaw. And when they don't, the wound channel is very tiny and they overpenetrate as you have outlined. So that is the reason why...

Glad you liked it

I chrono them in smaller gel test videos and individual tests elsewhere on the channel. Trying to chrono all these rounds in this video would be too much, not to mention make an already long video even longer...

That's what I used to keep loaded in my .22 pistols. But after the conclusion of this test, it will be either Yellow Jackets or Supermaximums.

The main problem with .22LR is when the attacker is armed. You can't mag dump on them when they have a more powerful gun firing back at you. They might die later from the injuries, but that dosen't help you much if you get killed during the fight as well. I want to stop them quickly, not get into a long gun fight.

@@pewpewTN not actually true... check out Garand Thumb’s video, “.22 versus Human Head”!! It will actually surprise you!

Yessir. I kinda wish I hadn't wasted my money on the clear stuff now. Everyone always acted like it was the greatest stuff ever, but I can see "clearly" now via my prior side by side comparisons, that it is completely different. I would have included it in this video as well, except we had way too many shots to do and not enough time to double all that by also doing it in the clear synthetic blocks.

Generally the faster a round is, the more velocity it loses in shorter barrels. Also the .22wmr bullets have actual copper jackets (unlike .22lr) and thus require higher velocities to expand properly. So applying these physics, I don't doubt what you say...

Yes, .22 magnum is much more powerful than .22 long rifle (of course). Most people don't know or realize, but .22mag (from a rifle) has about the same amount of energy as a standard pressure 9mm pistol does. Also, when understanding that you lose on average 300-400 fps of velocity from a .22lr pistol compared to a rifle, running .22mag in a pistol will negate this loss and effectively make .22mag as powerful from a pistol, as .22lr from a rifle is. However, I'm not sure if this garuntees hollow point expansion from a pistol with .22mag, as most .22mag bullets have a true copper jacket as opposed to copper dusting or no copper at all on a .22lr bullet. Honestly, from my research, I'd wager that most won't, save for special purpose-built self defense loads like the Speer Gold Dot for example.

@@BuckeyeBallistics Good points. And lack of expansion is not necessarily a bad thing as it is critical to maintain adequate penetration.

Depends on how much penetration you want, because over penetration can be a problem as well. Also, if you don't get expansion or tumble from a .22 caliber bullet that is traveling subsonic or near subsonic velocities from a pistol barrel, then you are just poking very small holes into the perp and that may not be very effective- though being shot at in general is usually enough.

True, but also keep in mind that a revolver has a cylinder gap and loses velocity due to that...

@Guns&Cars That's also a good point, and it will vary due to how big that cylinder gap is. I didn't see any mention of the differences in the comments and thought it might be helpful.

Indeed, and you are more than welcome to post tips and insight. More on the matter at hand- my 6" Heritage Rough Rider produced lower velocity numbers than my 4" TX22 did due to a pretty significant cylinder gap. Higher end revolver would have smaller gaps I'm sure, tighter tolerances...

Check out my newer tests- blocks are much clearer. I am currently in the process of re-testing all this ammo by catagory in the more clear blocks in a 3 part series: Fastest velocities (like stinger), heavy and fast (like velocitor), and segmenting/fragmenting. One is already up, another posts today in a few hours, and the third and final in a couple more days. Check out the .22/rimfire playlist on the channel for everything in between and prior to these videos...

Consider CCI stangers(22plinkster) brand ammo. I alternate it with the silvertips. I haven’t been able to find any punch where I live

Are you in Australia?

@@chupacabra4897 US why lol?

@@shanejones578 because you're calling people mate you must be a Homosexual

Probably because you said "mate" 😅

Interesting. I used to own a few Marlins; I plan to get a couple back into my collection eventually.

Perhaps

Thank you!

10" barrel is going to make most hollow points expand, if not all. My top picks are Aguila Supermaximum, CCI Stinger, Aguila Interceptor (HP), CCI Velocitor. First two if you want the largest wound cavities, last two if you want more penetration. I see you on the channel a lot- I don't know if you saw my 3 part series testing most of these (and more) from a rifle, but compareable Aguila ammo seems to edge out CCI in my opinion based on the results in those videos (Hyper Velocity, Heavy Hitters, Fragmenting/Segmenting).

@@BuckeyeBallisticsi came over from freedom by me's channel. You have good content. 👍

What about CCI Copper- everyone seems to have forgotten about that one. Soon as I can round those 3 up I'll do it.

@@BuckeyeBallistics yes sir I did forget about that one...... so do all three please!!()

Sounds like a plan to me

Well I just spent an hour locating them online and it would cost me $100 just to get a box of each. $15 product and $15 shipping for Coppers, $20 product and $20 shipping for the Ecos, and $20 product and $10 shipping for the Punch. I'm not spending $100 for 150rds of .22 ammo lol. So I guess we'll be waiting until I can find them locally which who knows how long that will be. I've never seen them on a shelf ever, except for the Coppers early last year pre-covid. I envy the people that are somehow just walking into the stores and finding this stuff right now...

@@BuckeyeBallistics I understand completely brother. I was one of the lucky ones you speak of... got some before all this b.s got really crazy. Thanks for the effort brother, keep up the good work.

I want to try those but I believe I have better rounds on the table here in this video...

@@BuckeyeBallistics from the tests I've seen, I'd say you probably have quite a few better rounds on the table in this video.

From the videos I have seen, Federal Punch out performs all the others.

@ronnie - Did you even watch this video lol. I tested the Punch shortly after and just recently tested the brand new Uppercut by CCI. See .22/rimfire playlist...

Well while it's true that 90% or more would run at the mere sound of a shot going off at them, depending on what substance they're on, what mental disability they have, and how bad they want to die- it's still very possible they will keep comming. I watch a lot of police shooting videos, and there are quite a lot that run through a bunch of 9mm hollow points ripping through them and still keep comming...

@@BuckeyeBallistics I hear that a 22lr is like getting stabbed by a 12 inch ice pic. I guess you’d have to aim for the head 10 times.

Just keep shooting lol, no reason to stop shooting at 3 or 4 if they're still comming at you.

You only get that many misfires with cheap/bulk ammo. If you shoot Aguila or CCI, it's more like 1 per 1000.

Thank you

You may want to check your barrel and see my other tx22 videos which are easily accessed on my .22 playlist on the channel. I have had multiple issues with my tx22, just recently got it back from Taurus. Some were produced with bad barrels and more recently the slides have been breaking. If you are having keyholing issues then I would suspect lead fouling in your barrel, possibly due to the faulty barrel issue, or the faulty barrel issue causing it directly. As I said, I have several videos on the tx22 issues on the channel if you want more info.

@@BuckeyeBallistics ok thanks

Um yeah it can/will, it's a gun. Bunch of people have been killed by a .22 and with just one shot in many cases. It just doesn't stop as well as more powerful cartridges- as in, they likely won't die for several minutes or hours, which means they can still attack you if they are determined enough. But extra shots on critical areas help reduce the threat. Also bare in mind that most people run when shot at, so caliber doesn't much matter in that scenario...

@@BuckeyeBallistics thanks for that info. Much appreciated. New sub

Hell yeah, welcome to the channel. What .22 do you have or are you considering one? I did similar gel tests recently on the channel with .380, 9mm, and .45 if you wish to see those to compare.

@@BuckeyeBallistics thanks man. Will do. Im going through your vids tonight to have a look. I was thinking of 9m but now not to sure. The .22 billets are alot easier for me to get where i am.

That's surprising. Where I am, I haven't seen .22 ammo for over 6 months, while 9mm has been there the whole time- albeit at 4x the normal price. But remember, you can buy ammo online as well...

Internet...

I honestly can't remember. I might have said that, or fragment.

Tested the punch, check out the newer videos. And it's Ruger Lcr...

@@BuckeyeBallistics nice, will do

CCI used to be excellent ammo, and probably is still one of the better brands. But I switched to Aguila after I got a bad batch of their ammo that ultimately led to the destruction of one of my firearms. Not because of the occurance, but because they basically called me a liar about what happened- so they lost my business after 20 years of loyalty to their brand. During this fiasco, I learned that CCI was bought out and are thus in reality no longer the same company, which may explain the decline in quality with their products latey and the poor customer service I recieved. Everything was documented, easily accessed in my .22 playlist, but be warned the review video of my tx22 that blew up with their ammo contains extreme prophanity (I have recieved a lot of complaints). As for small rodents, I would recommend segmenting or fragmenting rounds if you are going for maximum damage. But I'm not sure what you mean by "best" because you gave no criteria for me to consider...

@@BuckeyeBallistics again thank you so much. I remember watching an Ammo update and I had no idea how many ammo companies just merged together. It was Federal and Speer/CCi and Remington lol, after naming all his brand names I was like wow, that’s almost all the big names. The Aguila ammo has been fantastic and I appreciate the info for sure. I hope your channel blows up and they regret losing a good customer. You’re a laid back reasonable guy, sad they didn’t take care of you like they should have. Most channels won’t even respond to their followers, thanks for taking the time Sir. The 2nd Amendment community appreciates all you do for us.

Feel free to go watch about 20 other videos to attain the amount of information and data that was provided in this one single video...

You mean that eco stuff? Yeah I haven't been able to get any yet. Also missing from this was the also new Federal Punch, which I finally just got and tested a few weeks ago. I'll be doing the eco when I can find some that isn't $25 a box...

I think youtube deleted your comment for providing a source. Anyway, yeah, $8.50 for the ammo, but $13.50 for shipping- that comes out to $22 for 50 rds of .22 lol. But, I *may* have ordered some anyway...

Gotta watch without skipping and then you'd know what's going on and which is which...

Couldn't find any at the time, but I'm doing a video on them soon as I finally found some.

@@BuckeyeBallistics if you look on federals website about a week or so ago they had some in stock

You know I used to actually use both until the company had a fit when I asked them for sponsorship, because they saw a video of mine where I was discussing the pro's and cons of both types. So screw them and their unrealistic gel. But anyway, you wanted to see it with clear gel? Yeah, it'd be a bunch of little skinny lines, that's it. Because as I said, unrealistic. I can tell you from shooting countless animals with .22lr, there is a whole lot more going on in actual flesh than little skinny holes. I have seen thumb sized or larger holes in squirrels from .22lr hollow points, but you'll never see that in clear gel...

@@BuckeyeBallistics Ok, show me the squirrels, lol

Or for us pennyless pesants, the 12 guage slug achieves the same results...

And that would be punch

I disagree that those are the best. However, I recently aquired them and will be testing and *comparing* them shortly. Lasty, those came out mere days before I posted this video, and only the big shot channels who have ties with the manufacturers were able to access them as soon as they were released. I can't get em if they're not on the shelves yet...

Haven't been able to aquire it yet. When I do, will be doing tests.

Its good

On bare gelatin, probably 85-90% of hollowpoints would expand at least some (they may not *fully* open) from a 6.5 inch barrel. But the denim I garuntee you kept some of the ones in this video from opening, and close to the same would happen from a 6.5". Denim does a really good job of clogging up a hollow point and not allowing them to expand, even from 9mm and .45acp pistols. The 4 layers of it are supposed to represent very heavy clothing (think carhart jacket and other layers under) or thick hide, so that's worst case scenario like getting mugged in a blizzard or getting attacked by a bear. So in most circumstances, you won't be shooting through anything that thick and thus the bullets will perform better. But if they expand after going through 4 layers of denim, then they will expand through almost any other clothing or hide which is kinda nice to know...

Weird question, and no.

🤨

Yeah, or you could spend literally all day looking up, watching, and still not finding gel tests for all these ammo types here in this one single 50 minute video. Tell me you're ungrateful without telling me you're ungrateful...

About what? I don't understand what you were trying to say or ask in the other comment.

Malarkey.