Handgun velocity test - 22 magnum vs 22 LR stinger via chronograph

[Redneck with a 40]

The results were surprising to me. The 22 magnum out of a 4 inch taurus revolver clocked 1250-1300 fps. The 22 LR stinger's clocked 1260-1350 fps. It seems that the 22 magnum loses a lot of muscle out of a pistol barrel, the 22 LR stingers matched the 22 mag, out of my Ruger 22/45 5" barrel.

For reference, my Marlin 22 magnum rifle with a 24" barrel was clocking 1900-2260 fps. Big difference! I think I'll stick with the rifle.

 

[StrikeEagle]

I'm not surprised to see how much .22 Mag loses, but I'm shocked to see how good Stinger is in a short barrel.

Thanks for the interesting post.

 

[Caimlas]

Interesting! I'm guessing the .22LR just uses a faster powder. Guess I'll forget getting that .22 mag NNA revolver and opt for the .22LR version then!

 

[grimjaw]

Yeah, they're fast. My experience also shows that where a jacketed .22WMR bullet will perform correctly, .22LR Stingers will disintegrate, *poof*.

jm

 

[KINGMAX]

I like a 22 magnum round - got alot of zip -

 

[steveno]

so what bullet weight was the 22 mag?

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Which .22 magnum rounds were you using? NAA shows quite a bit of variation between different .22 mag cartridges out of a 4" barrel. It would be interesting to know if they were Winchester Surpreme, which would match up nicely with NAA's ballistics or something they show as faster, like the CCI Maxi Mag +V.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I was using some old Winchester Super X 40 grain 22 mag ammo that my dad has had for 20 years, lol. However, this stuff clocked 1900-2000 fps out of my rifle, so its velocity measures up to the new stuff. My Armscor 40 grain 22 mag soft points that I just bought (1000 rounds), these were clocking right at 1900 fps out of my rifle. These were a good deal, $93/1000 at www. sportsmansguide.com.

I might get to put my Marlin 22 mag to use here pretty soon, seems we have a cyote that is stalking our cats. I'm gonna keep my eye out for him, if I see him, I'll cap his ass. If I can get within 30 yards of him, I'll use the shotgun with #4 buck.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I was using some old Winchester Super X 40 grain 22 mag ammo

Interesting. I wonder what would happen if you tried one of the hotter CCI loads that should get closer to 2200 fps out of a rifle or compared one of the more middle of the road .22LR cartridges to the middle of the road Super X. The Stinger is one of the hotter .22lr rounds.

 

[bhk]

Realize that the heavier bullet weight of the magnums you tested will result in significant higher muzzle energy (40 grain magnum at 1300 gives 150 ft/lbs, 32 grain Stinger at 1350 gives 129.5 ft/sec). Velocity does not always equal 'power.'

 

[115grfmj]

I agree the stingers are fast however I would choose the 22 mag every time, since it's basically the same vel as a high vel 22lr out of a rifle, with a heavier, honest to goodness jacketed round.

 

[DANGERRUSS]

other than bullet weight, you used two different types of guns. the auto has no gap at the barrel and results may vary from guns of the same type also. The test you did only showed what happens in your guns not all guns.