What brand of .22LR ammo has the "softest" primers

[tbeb]

A man bought a .22LR, double action only, 2-shot derringer to carry for self defense. He asked me what ammo to try because he can't afford to test a bunch of different ones. I haven't shot .22 for a long time. So, what brand of ammunition has the best chance of igniting if the firing pin doesn't hit the primer real hard--a brand that has a more sensitive primer than others?
(Like in centerfire pistol, a Federal primer is "softer" or easier to ignite than a CCI primer.)

 

[Majic]

Since he can't afford to try a lot of different brands he's really not going to like my recommendation. The high quality target ammo from sources like Eley, Lapua, or Wolf would be a good bet to ignite every time.

 

[Jim K]

Except for some very old guns designed in the days of copper cases, any firearm should fire any .22 ammunition. If it does not, the fault is with the gun, not the ammo. That being said, some types, especially the "hotter" ones, do seem to have thicker or harder brass than others.

If the gun is marginal, though, I would never consider carrying it for defense. As with any carry gun, I would not depend on it unless it fired a minimum of 200 consecutive rounds with the carry ammo (and if an auto pistol, the carry magazine).

A gun that is marginal can't be relied on and is (IMHO) a lot more dangerous than not being armed at all. If you are not armed, you may be able to escape or duck. If you are armed and display a gun you will almost certainly draw fire, and a gun that won't work will get you killed.

Jim

 

[c_yeager]

If he cant afford 1-2$ a box to test out the ammo i assume he isnt going to be able to practice either. With a two shot derringer and no practicing i recomend opening the breech and threading a lanyard through the barrel. He can swing it around like a little morning star.

In all seriousness though with the twin handicaps of a short barrel and 22lr. id recomened getting the highest velocity SOLID ammunition available. Penetration is gonna be tricky.

 

[E=MC^2]

If he cant afford 1-2$ a box to test out the ammo i assume he isnt going to be able to practice either. With a two shot derringer and no practicing i recomend opening the breech and threading a lanyard through the barrel. He can swing it around like a little morning star.

Agree.

Given today's choices, the fastest factory 40gr .22lr round is the CCI Velociter,

while the advertised "world's fastest .22lr" is the 36gr CCI Stinger. CCI also coats the entire base with primer material, rather than just the rim with most manufactureres.

Velociter= 1435fps
Stinger= 1640fps

I'd also recomend self defense classes. A coworker was shot in the chest with a .22 rimfire revolver. He drove to the hospital and died hours later. Expect the attacker to be on top of you after the Derringer is empty.

Also, a $20 bill can get you alot of test ammunition. A small price compared to the cost of most permits, defensive carry courses, holsters, etc, which are also necessary for CC in many states.

 

[Jim K]

Yet another example of someone wanting to carry a gun because he has reason to fear for his life (else why carry?).

But he wants the cheapest gun available, won't spring for enough ammunition to make sure the gun will fire, and won't practice because it costs too much. So what value does he really put on his life?

My advice: Buy a club. It is cheap, fairly easy to carry, and if not legal is concealable and requires no license. And it is probably good for about the same range as most .22 derringers.

Jim

 

[tbeb]

"Yet another example of someone wanting to carry a gun because he has reason to fear for his life (else why carry?).

But he wants the cheapest gun available, won't spring for enough ammunition to make sure the gun will fire, and won't practice because it costs too much. So what value does he really put on his life?

My advice: Buy a club. It is cheap, fairly easy to carry, and if not legal is concealable and requires no license. And it is probably good for about the same range as most .22 derringers."

This really has nothing to do with my question, but on the other hand, I do believe in freedom of speech.

 

[Jim K]

I think it has a fair amount to do with the question. If I recommend Brand X as having "soft" cases, and the guy goes with my recommendation, but is too cheap to fire any, and is killed because the gun won't fire, what is my advice worth? Not to mention that a .22 derringer is not exactly top-rated as a defense gun, even if it is (maybe) better than throwing bricks.

Jim

 

[Greybeard]

Quote: "CCI also coats the entire base with primer material, rather than just the rim with most manufactureres."

I was not aware of that. But it makes sense. Unlike many other brands, I have never had a misfire with CCI Stingers (or the newer Velocitors).

 

[c_yeager]

Singers sound like a nice combination of reliability and velocity. Of course we are talking in relative terms since .22lr isnt particulary great with either