For personal reasons I will be using a 10/22 for my home defense. I have both CCI Minimags in 40 grain solid and Hollow points. Your objective comments will enable me to decide which is better. This is my only consideration so I request any comments be kept to my post. Thanks, Byron
Home defense 10/22
- Thread starter Byron
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dprice3844444
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find what feeds flawlessly.keep it clean and lubed.alternate ammo
I'd load up quality 25 round mags with 40 gr solids for better penetration. The 36 gr HP ammo might work as well, but I'd feel better with solids in a 22. The Butler Creek Steel lips have worked well for a while. The new factory 25 rounders are supposed to be better, but I've never had a problem with the better Butler Creek mags.
Some will discourage this option. While not optimal, it is better than a lot of folks think.
Some will discourage this option. While not optimal, it is better than a lot of folks think.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Ruger factory BX-25 25-round mag.
http://www.cdnnsports.com/magazines/10-22-22lr-25rd-ruger.html#.U5UJEtq9KSM
Stock 10-round spool mag for back-up.
40 grain CCI Mini-Mag solids for penetration.
And perhaps slightly more reliable ignition & feeding.
rc
http://www.cdnnsports.com/magazines/10-22-22lr-25rd-ruger.html#.U5UJEtq9KSM
Stock 10-round spool mag for back-up.
40 grain CCI Mini-Mag solids for penetration.
And perhaps slightly more reliable ignition & feeding.
rc
stonecutter2
Member
A 22 is really pretty savage. I'd use what feeds reliably - if both feed fine then the round nose. I don't think the hollow point will offer much for home defense. I've had hollow points hang up in my 10/22 but very rarely. Round nose have about always worked.
Ruger factory 10 shot mags...make sure they drop free reliably for reloading. If not sand the mag with fine grit sandpaper until it drops free.
Ruger factory 10 shot mags...make sure they drop free reliably for reloading. If not sand the mag with fine grit sandpaper until it drops free.
Ed N.
Member
Practice, practice, practice. The key to successfully using a .22 for defense is good shot placement.
22-rimfire
Member
I would suggest CCI HV 40 gr solids for better penetration and potentially better feeding.
I know folks have suggested larger capacity after market magazines but I would personally depend on several Ruger factory magazines that you have tested. Maybe one of the steel lips as well and if it proves reliable, then keep that in the gun with the Ruger mags as backup. The 10 round Ruger mags are just fine from my point of view.
Practice point shooting (from the hip or something between that and your shoulder) with the Ruger.
I know folks have suggested larger capacity after market magazines but I would personally depend on several Ruger factory magazines that you have tested. Maybe one of the steel lips as well and if it proves reliable, then keep that in the gun with the Ruger mags as backup. The 10 round Ruger mags are just fine from my point of view.
Practice point shooting (from the hip or something between that and your shoulder) with the Ruger.
MedWheeler
Member
A 10/22 that I've owned since 1986 leans next to my bed at night. It was upgraded with the Tapco Intrafuse AR-type stock conversion in 2011, and holds a 25-round Ruger magazine, which is stocked with CCI-MiniMags (40-grain solids.) The chamber is left empty.
Though a handgun will likely jump into my hand first (since one is always near or on me), I have no qualms relying on the properly-equipped and loaded 10/22.
You can even get the double-banded BX-25 magazines (two of them fastened together, though inverted from each other, "jungle-clip" style) for fifty rounds of .22LR fury.
Though a handgun will likely jump into my hand first (since one is always near or on me), I have no qualms relying on the properly-equipped and loaded 10/22.
You can even get the double-banded BX-25 magazines (two of them fastened together, though inverted from each other, "jungle-clip" style) for fifty rounds of .22LR fury.
JTHunter
Member
When I got my 10/22 back in the '90s, I also purchased a couple of Ram-Line mags for it. As these mags load the rounds in a "zig-zag" fashion, the 50 round magazine is about the same size as the current 25 round offerings. I also have some 30 round mags that only stick out about 4" below the mag well, keeping the package more compact.
These Ram-line mags can also hooked up so I can either carry a total of 60 rounds or 100 rounds.
Currently, one each are loaded with 40 gr. LRN solids or 36 gr HPs. For your HD situation, you might wish to alternate rounds (solid - HP - solid, etc.) and cover your bases better.
These Ram-line mags can also hooked up so I can either carry a total of 60 rounds or 100 rounds.
Currently, one each are loaded with 40 gr. LRN solids or 36 gr HPs. For your HD situation, you might wish to alternate rounds (solid - HP - solid, etc.) and cover your bases better.
I've found the more "pointed" rounds tend to feed the best in 10/22's. I'm not as big a proponent of penetration as some here are, but we're talking about a relatively low powered cartridge so penetration should definitely be considered a superior quality in this case.
Also some of the larger magazines are not as reliable, its better to have a 10rd factory mag that feeds every time than a 32rd aftermarket mag that may jam on shot number 3. Not saying after market are all junk, just be sure read reviews before buying, and then test them out before making them mag number 1.
Also some of the larger magazines are not as reliable, its better to have a 10rd factory mag that feeds every time than a 32rd aftermarket mag that may jam on shot number 3. Not saying after market are all junk, just be sure read reviews before buying, and then test them out before making them mag number 1.
Unfortunately, my family has first hand experience with this application.
An extremely violent home invader armed with a shank and a 9mm kicked in a back door and chased-down my 16 yr old son. My son took out the BG with a 10/22 loaded with alternating solid point and hollow points.
The boy only got off 2 rounds. The 40-grain solid point is what did the trick. Punched right through the BG's sternum. BG tried to run away, but dropped dead in 7 paces.
Homicide detectives indicated that 40-grain solids are the way to go with a .22, and that few survive a chest cavity shot from a .22 RIFLE. (they're far more likely to survive a .22 pistol)
Another tid-bit I've since learned:
.22 LR fired out of a rifle performs the same as .22 magnum fired out of a 4-inch pistol.
An extremely violent home invader armed with a shank and a 9mm kicked in a back door and chased-down my 16 yr old son. My son took out the BG with a 10/22 loaded with alternating solid point and hollow points.
The boy only got off 2 rounds. The 40-grain solid point is what did the trick. Punched right through the BG's sternum. BG tried to run away, but dropped dead in 7 paces.
Homicide detectives indicated that 40-grain solids are the way to go with a .22, and that few survive a chest cavity shot from a .22 RIFLE. (they're far more likely to survive a .22 pistol)
Another tid-bit I've since learned:
.22 LR fired out of a rifle performs the same as .22 magnum fired out of a 4-inch pistol.
Hullraiser
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Like others said of the two listed the 40 grain solid would be first choice. The heavier the better. If I had a choice is use stingers if you can find them. Or a good hyper velocity in the 1700 fps range
WHen it comes to 22LR, I always hear "use solids for better penetration" or "use hollowpoints for better expansion". As a kid, I shot .22 LR into everything and anything I safely could, and I found repeatedly the things I was told and that people seemed to believe without question simply were not true. Shooting 2 x4's lined up, I realized that the hollowpoints actually held together like a bullet should so, and actually mushroomed, whereas so-called "solids" had a more of a "splatter" effect which basically flattened the bullet and caused it to break apart, failing both expansion and penetration requirements. The only think I care to shoot with "solids" is paper and pop cans. For basically every other use of a .22, I've found hollowpoints to be superior and if forced to use a 22 for defense, I'd again go to HPs
bannockburn
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Given the parameters of the OP I would go with CCI MiniMags solids with Ruger factory mags. For a more compact set-up I would use a folding stock like the one made by Butler Creek.
Deus Machina
Member
Wood is hardly going to treat a round like a human body. A hard material is going to expand some things that otherwise wouldn't, mash and clog things that otherwise would, and break up things that may zip right through a lung.
Me, I'd stick with whatever feeds and fires every time. If that's a hollowpoint, realize that they're generally made for small game, so try to get the heaviest and fastest version to get it deep. If that's a solid, realize that you're basically equipped with a long-range ice pick, and you may be able to get deep wounds, that won't bleed too quickly.
The best bet for this, if you can find it, is a large, reliable magazine and practice. You want to be able to put a lot of rounds into critical areas, fast.
The lowly .22 has stopped more than its share of people on the other end, but it tends not to stop them all that quick. It will be up to your aim for that.
Me, I'd stick with whatever feeds and fires every time. If that's a hollowpoint, realize that they're generally made for small game, so try to get the heaviest and fastest version to get it deep. If that's a solid, realize that you're basically equipped with a long-range ice pick, and you may be able to get deep wounds, that won't bleed too quickly.
The best bet for this, if you can find it, is a large, reliable magazine and practice. You want to be able to put a lot of rounds into critical areas, fast.
The lowly .22 has stopped more than its share of people on the other end, but it tends not to stop them all that quick. It will be up to your aim for that.
G'dale Mike
Member
I've worked on a guy head shot by .22 cal, and the x-ray has always stuck in my mind, a debris path from front too back of skull, not enouh remaining velocity to exit, but enough to redirect and follow curvature of skull upward to the other side, then another direction change towards middle of brain where it stopped. Like scrambled eggs when brain was exposed.
I had some issues with the Butler Creek mags feeding hollow points. The last couple would tend to jam into the front of the mag, guess there wasn't enough spring tension to pop them up. Fixed the issue by loading solids first (2 or 3) then hollows.
Good choice on the ammo, either will work but I tend to prefer solids for reliable feeding.
Good choice on the ammo, either will work but I tend to prefer solids for reliable feeding.
stonecutter2
Member
Wanted to add a couple more thoughts on your set up:
1. Keep the rifle clean. I've found my 10/22 to be pretty reliable, but if you're relying on it, keep it clean.
2. Shoot if often. Practice is important, especially at the distances you'll be shooting it to defend yourself. It will also ensure the rifle itself is good to go.
3. Get an extended mag release that is super easy to operate. I love the PWS T3 magazine release lever. It hugs the triggerguard and takes just the flick of a finger to drop your mag.
Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Here is a table of various .22LR loads fired into ballistic gelation:
http://www.brassfetcher.com/22LR/22 LR 10P gelatin results.pdf
Note that the FBI minimum criteria for a firearm is 12" of penetration in 10% ballistic gel, with a maximum of 18". None of the .22LR tested exceed 18" of penetration. Even more interesting, it seems that some .22LR that exceeded 12" out of a 3.4" barrel, did not exceed 12" when fired out of an 18" rifle barrel. So it looks like with at least some loads, the extra velocity reduces penetration.
I would take a look at that list and focus on rounds that exceeded 12" of gel penetration out of a rifle. From there, I would find out which of those ammo types feeds reliably in your 10/22 and magazines. If you are lucky enough to have more than one option after that, go with what you like best.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/22LR/22 LR 10P gelatin results.pdf
Note that the FBI minimum criteria for a firearm is 12" of penetration in 10% ballistic gel, with a maximum of 18". None of the .22LR tested exceed 18" of penetration. Even more interesting, it seems that some .22LR that exceeded 12" out of a 3.4" barrel, did not exceed 12" when fired out of an 18" rifle barrel. So it looks like with at least some loads, the extra velocity reduces penetration.
I would take a look at that list and focus on rounds that exceeded 12" of gel penetration out of a rifle. From there, I would find out which of those ammo types feeds reliably in your 10/22 and magazines. If you are lucky enough to have more than one option after that, go with what you like best.
I don't know your situation obviously but around here we run IDPA style carbine matches and you can shoot a 22. I've done it with a stock 10/22 (stainless and black plastic stock) and the Ruger 25 mags. It's fun and decent practice in using and reloading.
I put a rail and dot site on it for grins. Nice set up.
I put a rail and dot site on it for grins. Nice set up.
Neo-Luddite
Member
My rarely cleaned and much used 27 year old 10/22 will eat nothing more reliably than CCI Mini-Mags. As far as I'm concerned, that load hits the 'sweet spot' for 10/22. I treated mine to a new set of springs last year but that has been the extent of what it has needed.
Sure it's on the light end--but the energy from the CCI Mini-Mag falls somewhere between a standard load .32 and .380 ACP when fired from a 10/22. If your 10/22 could reliably eat CCI Velocitors (I've never shot these, but have a couple boxes), the energy just passes the average .380 pistol load and nears 200 ft./lbs--not too shabby!
Sure it's on the light end--but the energy from the CCI Mini-Mag falls somewhere between a standard load .32 and .380 ACP when fired from a 10/22. If your 10/22 could reliably eat CCI Velocitors (I've never shot these, but have a couple boxes), the energy just passes the average .380 pistol load and nears 200 ft./lbs--not too shabby!
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