{"id":173661,"date":"2026-08-17T10:50:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T15:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=173661"},"modified":"2026-10-15T10:36:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T15:36:45","slug":"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/","title":{"rendered":"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can work, but in our test it was not much better than .22 LR. From two identical Smith &amp; Wesson J-frames, all three .22 WMR defensive loads expanded in bare gel and averaged 11.76 to 12.48 inches of penetration, but none expanded through four layers of denim, while Federal Punch 29 grain .22 LR averaged 15.13 inches bare and 14.33 through denim. Our tester would pick the cheaper, softer shooting .22 LR revolver, and either rimfire is a compromise next to a centerfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-22-magnum-vs-22-lr-for-self-defense-at-a-glance\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">.22 Magnum vs .22 LR for Self-Defense at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-we-tested-22-lr-and-22-magnum\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">Why We Tested .22 LR and .22 Magnum<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-test-revolvers-s-w-43c-and-351c\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">The Test Revolvers: S&W; 43C and 351C<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-we-tested\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">How We Tested<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-lr-test-results\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">.22 LR Test Results<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-federal-personal-defense-punch-22-lr-29-grain-flat-nose\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Federal Personal Defense Punch .22 LR, 29 Grain Flat Nose<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cci-mini-mag-22-lr-36-grain-copper-plated-hollow-point\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">CCI Mini-Mag .22 LR, 36 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cci-mini-mag-22-lr-40-grain-round-nose\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">CCI Mini-Mag .22 LR, 40 Grain Round Nose<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-magnum-test-results\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">.22 Magnum Test Results<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-federal-personal-defense-punch-22-wmr-45-grain-jhp\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Federal Personal Defense Punch .22 WMR, 45 Grain JHP<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-speer-gold-dot-short-barrel-22-wmr-40-grain-hollow-point\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .22 WMR, 40 Grain Hollow Point<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-hornady-critical-defense-22-wmr-45-grain-ftx\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR, 45 Grain FTX<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-average-penetration-compared\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">Average Penetration Compared<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cost-recoil-and-practice\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">Cost, Recoil and Practice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-our-testers-conclusion\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">Our Tester&#8217;s Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-a-22-magnum-good-for-home-defense\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">Is a .22 Magnum Good for Home Defense?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-magnum-for-self-defense-faq\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"2\">.22 Magnum for Self-Defense FAQ<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-is-22-magnum-better-than-22-lr-for-self-defense\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Is .22 Magnum better than .22 LR for self-defense?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-deep-does-22-magnum-penetrate-in-gel\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">How deep does .22 Magnum penetrate in gel?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-does-22-magnum-expand\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Does .22 Magnum expand?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-best-22-lr-load-for-self-defense-in-your-test\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">What is the best .22 LR load for self-defense in your test?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-a-22-revolver-good-enough-for-self-defense\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Is a .22 revolver good enough for self-defense?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-do-rimfire-revolvers-suit-some-shooters\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" data-level=\"3\">Why do rimfire revolvers suit some shooters?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-magnum-vs-22-lr-for-self-defense-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">.22 Magnum vs .22 LR for Self-Defense at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Load (from our test)<\/th><th>Bare gel penetration<\/th><th>Through denim<\/th><th>Expanded?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Federal Punch 29 gr .22 LR<\/td><td>15.13 in<\/td><td>14.33 in<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CCI Mini-Mag 36 gr CPHP .22 LR<\/td><td>11.35 in<\/td><td>11.90 in<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>CCI Mini-Mag 40 gr RN .22 LR<\/td><td>11.40 in<\/td><td>12.78 in<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federal Punch 45 gr JHP .22 WMR<\/td><td>12.28 in<\/td><td>11.08 in<\/td><td>Bare gel only<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Speer Gold Dot 40 gr HP .22 WMR<\/td><td>12.48 in<\/td><td>11.81 in<\/td><td>Bare gel only<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hornady Critical Defense 45 gr FTX .22 WMR<\/td><td>11.76 in<\/td><td>11.09 in<\/td><td>Bare gel only<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Averages from Rob Garrett&#8217;s test: S&amp;W 43C (.22 LR) and 351C (.22 WMR), Clear Ballistics 10 percent synthetic gel at 10 feet. FBI benchmark for comparison: 12 to 18 inches.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Test guns: S&amp;W 43C in .22 LR (8 shots) and 351C in .22 WMR (7 shots), both 11.5 ounce J-frames with internal hammers, $799 MSRP (2026) each.<\/li>\n<li>Ammo cost: Federal Punch .22 LR $11.99 per 50 and Federal Punch .22 WMR $27.99 per 50, both MSRP (2026).<\/li>\n<li>Our tester&#8217;s pick: the 43C in .22 LR with Federal Punch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Smith &amp; Wesson 351C .22 WMR revolver with Hornady Critical Defense and Speer Gold Dot .22 WMR ammunition\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-we-tested-22-lr-and-22-magnum\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why We Tested .22 LR and .22 Magnum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small revolvers have made a comeback for personal defense, and rimfire versions keep coming up. They are light, easy to shoot and have little recoil, which appeals to shooters with limited hand strength or a strong recoil sensitivity. Federal&#8217;s introduction of Personal Defense Punch in both .22 LR and .22 WMR, the first .22 LR load we know of developed and marketed specifically for personal defense, raised two questions. Is either .22 a viable defensive option, and is the magnum significantly better than the long rifle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-test-revolvers-s-w-43c-and-351c\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Test Revolvers: S&W; 43C and 351C<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our tester used two Smith &#038; Wesson Centennial-style J-frames he has owned for several years: the 43C in .22 LR and the 351C in .22 WMR. Both have an internal hammer, making them double action only, an aluminum alloy frame and cylinder with a stainless steel barrel, lightening cuts in the backstrap and trigger guard, a fixed notch rear sight and an XS white dot front sight. Smith &#038; Wesson lists both at 11.5 ounces. The 43C holds eight rounds and the 351C holds seven. MSRP for each was $759 in 2023 and is $799 MSRP (2026).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both revolvers have been completely reliable for him. The 43C needs more frequent cleaning because .22 LR uses lead bullets, while all the magnum loads tested used plated or jacketed bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-1-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Smith &amp; Wesson 43C and 351C J-frame rimfire revolvers in a case\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-we-tested\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How We Tested<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gel: two blocks of Clear Ballistics 10 percent synthetic gel, which is not the same as calibrated organic ordnance gelatin.<\/li>\n<li>Distance: 10 feet from muzzle to gel, with a chronograph in front of the block.<\/li>\n<li>Conditions: bare gel, then gel behind four layers of denim cut from old jeans.<\/li>\n<li>Measurements: every shot was chronographed, measured for penetration, and recovered.<\/li>\n<li>Temperature: 72 degrees at the start, rising to 80 degrees.<\/li>\n<li>Loads: three in each caliber, listed below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gel is not flesh and bone, and this was not a full FBI protocol test with heavy clothing, wallboard, plywood, sheet metal and auto glass. It does provide a consistent way to compare loads against each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-3-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Clear ballistic gel block used to test .22 LR and .22 WMR defensive loads\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-lr-test-results\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">.22 LR Test Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of the .22 LR loads expanded or even deformed, in bare gel or through denim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-federal-personal-defense-punch-22-lr-29-grain-flat-nose\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Federal Personal Defense Punch .22 LR, 29 Grain Flat Nose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average velocity: 1,203 fps bare gel, 1,187 fps through denim<\/li>\n<li>Average penetration: 15.13 inches bare, 14.33 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Range: 13.25 to more than 16 inches bare, 11.50 to more than 16 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Three rounds exited the block in bare gel and two through denim, so true average penetration was deeper than measured<\/li>\n<li>Expansion: none<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-cci-mini-mag-22-lr-36-grain-copper-plated-hollow-point\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">CCI Mini-Mag .22 LR, 36 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average velocity: 993 fps bare, 1,009 fps through denim<\/li>\n<li>Average penetration: 11.35 inches bare, 11.90 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Range: 10.38 to 12.25 inches bare, 10.63 to 12.75 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Expansion: none<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-cci-mini-mag-22-lr-40-grain-round-nose\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">CCI Mini-Mag .22 LR, 40 Grain Round Nose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average velocity: 938 fps bare, 940 fps through denim<\/li>\n<li>Average penetration: 11.40 inches bare, 12.78 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Range: 10.0 to 12.0 inches bare, 9.25 to more than 16 inches through denim, with two rounds exiting<\/li>\n<li>Expansion: none<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lighter, faster Federal Punch clearly outperformed the two heavier CCI loads on penetration, the key measure for a non-expanding bullet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PHOTO-4-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Recovered Federal Punch .22 LR bullets showing no expansion in bare gel\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-magnum-test-results\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">.22 Magnum Test Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The three .22 WMR loads were close in bullet weight and velocity, and their results were very similar. All three expanded consistently in bare gel. Through four layers of denim, none expanded or deformed. The recovered hollow points were not plugged with denim, so our tester concluded the denim slowed the bullets below the velocity they need to expand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-federal-personal-defense-punch-22-wmr-45-grain-jhp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Federal Personal Defense Punch .22 WMR, 45 Grain JHP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average velocity: 1,055 fps bare, 1,064 fps through denim<\/li>\n<li>Average penetration: 12.28 inches bare, 11.08 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Range: 10.25 to 13.25 inches bare, 10.31 to 11.65 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Expansion: yes in bare gel, none through denim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-speer-gold-dot-short-barrel-22-wmr-40-grain-hollow-point\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .22 WMR, 40 Grain Hollow Point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average velocity: 1,080 fps bare, 1,076 fps through denim<\/li>\n<li>Average penetration: 12.48 inches bare, 11.81 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Range: 10.88 to 14.25 inches bare, 11.20 to 13.06 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Expansion: yes in bare gel, none through denim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-hornady-critical-defense-22-wmr-45-grain-ftx\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR, 45 Grain FTX<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Average velocity: 1,018 fps bare, 1,013 fps through denim<\/li>\n<li>Average penetration: 11.76 inches bare, 11.09 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Range: 10.63 to 13.50 inches bare, 10.33 to 11.60 inches through denim<\/li>\n<li>Expansion: yes in bare gel, none through denim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-10-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Expanded Federal Punch .22 WMR hollow points recovered from bare gel\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PHOTO-11-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Unexpanded Federal Punch .22 WMR bullets recovered after four layers of denim\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-average-penetration-compared\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Average Penetration Compared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Federal Punch 29 grain .22 LR: 15.13 inches bare, 14.33 inches denim<\/li>\n<li>CCI Mini-Mag 36 grain CPHP .22 LR: 11.35 inches bare, 11.90 inches denim<\/li>\n<li>CCI Mini-Mag 40 grain RN .22 LR: 11.40 inches bare, 12.78 inches denim<\/li>\n<li>Federal Punch 45 grain JHP .22 WMR: 12.28 inches bare, 11.08 inches denim<\/li>\n<li>Speer Gold Dot 40 grain HP .22 WMR: 12.48 inches bare, 11.81 inches denim<\/li>\n<li>Hornady Critical Defense 45 grain FTX .22 WMR: 11.76 inches bare, 11.09 inches denim<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only Federal Punch .22 LR averaged inside the FBI&#8217;s 12 to 18 inch window in both conditions. The .22 WMR loads averaged just over 12 inches in bare gel and around 11 inches through denim. That FBI standard was written for law enforcement, which often has to shoot through barriers, so treat it as a benchmark, not a pass or fail line for every situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-cost-recoil-and-practice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost, Recoil and Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our tester found .22 WMR more than twice the price of .22 LR. Federal now lists .22 LR Punch at $11.99 MSRP (2026) per 50 rounds and .22 WMR Punch at $27.99 MSRP (2026) per 50, up from $10.99 and $25.99 in 2023. CCI Mini-Mag 36 grain HPs are still $12.99 MSRP (2026) per 100. Cheaper ammo means more practice, and in a small, light revolver, practice matters. The magnum also has a louder report, more felt recoil and more muzzle flash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The .22 WMR does have one advantage: more loads designed specifically for personal defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PHOTO-2.jpeg\" alt=\"Shooting a Smith &amp; Wesson J-frame rimfire revolver at the range\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-our-testers-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Tester&#8217;s Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only place the .22 WMR clearly beat the .22 LR was expansion in bare gel, and that advantage disappeared behind denim. With a .22 caliber bullet, expansion adds little in any case. If he could own only one, our tester would choose the 43C in .22 LR loaded with Federal Punch, for its penetration, low cost and wide availability. A fellow tester&#8217;s independent results closely matched his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was a limited test. If you are considering a .22 for personal defense, do your own research, practice with your chosen load, and compare it with centerfire options. For more on small defensive cartridges, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/back-to-school-the-5-7-fest-and-a-5-7x28mm-education\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">5.7 Fest coverage<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/5-7x28-the-ultimate-survival-caliber\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">5.7&#215;28 ballistics guide<\/a>, our guides to the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-22-revolvers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">best .22 revolvers<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/the-best-snub-nose-revolvers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">best snub nose revolvers<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-defensive-revolvers-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">best defensive revolvers<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-lr-handgun-woods-gun-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">.22 LR handgun woods gun test<\/a>, our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/ccw-revolver-j-frame-carry-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">J-frame carry test<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/walther-wmp-22-wmr-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">Walther WMP .22 WMR review<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-is-a-22-magnum-good-for-home-defense\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a .22 Magnum Good for Home Defense?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Same answer, same caveats. Our test was about short barrel revolvers, and in them the magnum&#8217;s edge was expansion in bare gel that disappeared behind denim. A .22 you shoot well beats a bigger gun you can&#8217;t run, but if you can handle a centerfire, that is the stronger choice. For more on rimfire carry, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-lr-is-it-good-for-self-defense\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">.22 LR for self-defense<\/a> piece, our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/6-7-ounce-ccw-magnum-five-shot-sidewinder-full-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">6.7 ounce Sidewinder .22 Magnum review<\/a> and our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/best-22-magnum-guns\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\" title=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\">best .22 Magnum guns<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-magnum-for-self-defense-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">.22 Magnum for Self-Defense FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-22-magnum-better-than-22-lr-for-self-defense\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is .22 Magnum better than .22 LR for self-defense?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not by much in our testing. The .22 WMR loads expanded in bare gel but not through denim, and they penetrated less than the best .22 LR load, Federal Punch. The .22 LR costs less than half as much and recoils less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-how-deep-does-22-magnum-penetrate-in-gel\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How deep does .22 Magnum penetrate in gel?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From an S&W; 351C at 10 feet, our three defensive loads averaged 11.76 to 12.48 inches in bare synthetic gel and 11.08 to 11.81 inches through four layers of denim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-does-22-magnum-expand\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does .22 Magnum expand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All three loads we tested expanded in bare gel. None expanded after passing through four layers of denim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-best-22-lr-load-for-self-defense-in-your-test\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the best .22 LR load for self-defense in your test?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Federal Personal Defense Punch 29 grain. It never expanded, but it penetrated deepest, averaging 15.13 inches in bare gel and 14.33 inches through denim, with some rounds exiting the block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-a-22-revolver-good-enough-for-self-defense\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a .22 revolver good enough for self-defense?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a compromise. A .22 you shoot well and carry every day is better than nothing, but centerfire calibers offer more reliable penetration and expansion. Choose based on testing and your own ability to shoot well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-why-do-rimfire-revolvers-suit-some-shooters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do rimfire revolvers suit some shooters?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are light, have very little recoil and need no slide to rack, which helps shooters with limited hand strength. A double action revolver also avoids the need to manipulate a safety.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It seems the armed community is rediscovering the advantages of the small revolver over the pocket auto!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":173678,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"manual","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,694,859,711],"tags":[126,634,132,127,102,1032,640],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":["post-173661","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gunsamerica-authors","category-gun-reviews","category-gun-reviews-handguns","category-rob-garrett","tag-22-lr","tag-22-magnum","tag-buzz","tag-concealed-carry","tag-feature-articles","tag-gun-review","tag-self-defense"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.7 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Gel Test vs .22 LR<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is .22 Magnum good for self-defense? In our J-frame gel test it expanded in bare gel but not through denim, and the top .22 LR load went deeper for less money.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It seems the armed community is rediscovering the advantages of the small revolver over the pocket auto!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rob.garrett.9\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T15:50:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-15T15:36:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1898\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Rob Garrett\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Rob Garrett\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Rob Garrett\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84\"},\"headline\":\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T15:50:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-15T15:36:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1685,\"commentCount\":40,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\",\"keywords\":[\".22 LR\",\".22 Magnum\",\"Buzz\",\"Concealed Carry\",\"Feature Articles\",\"Gun Review\",\"Self-Defense\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Authors\",\"Gun Reviews\",\"Handguns\",\"Rob Garrett\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#respond\"]}],\"accessibilityFeature\":[\"tableOfContents\"]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/\",\"name\":\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Gel Test vs .22 LR\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-17T15:50:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-15T15:36:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Is .22 Magnum good for self-defense? In our J-frame gel test it expanded in bare gel but not through denim, and the top .22 LR load went deeper for less money.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1898,\"caption\":\".22 Magnum for Personal Defense \u2013 Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\\\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"GunsAmerica\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"width\":286,\"height\":156,\"caption\":\"GunsAmerica\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/gunsamerica_official\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/GunsAmerica\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84\",\"name\":\"Rob Garrett\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Rob Garrett\"},\"description\":\"Rob has been writing for the firearms industry for over 40 years as well as 38 years of law enforcement experience. With over 1,000 published article, he enjoys bringing a historical perspective to many of his articles. An ardent revolver enthusiast, Rob understands the practical application of the \\\"art of the revolver.\\\" In many articles, Rob includes ballistic testing data of many of the popular personal defense loads. When not at the range, or pounding the keyboard, Rob enjoys spending time with his family, is active in his local church, and networking with an ever expanding group of like minded shooters. Experience 40+ Years writing for the firearm's industry Retired Lieutenant with a large Georgia law enforcement agency Avid shooter and daily practitioner Consultant in the firearm's space\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/rob.garrett.9\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/cpd221\\\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/robgarrett\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Gel Test vs .22 LR","description":"Is .22 Magnum good for self-defense? In our J-frame gel test it expanded in bare gel but not through denim, and the top .22 LR load went deeper for less money.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR","og_description":"It seems the armed community is rediscovering the advantages of the small revolver over the pocket auto!","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rob.garrett.9","article_published_time":"2026-08-17T15:50:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-15T15:36:45+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1898,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Rob Garrett","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg","twitter_creator":"@gunsamerica","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Rob Garrett","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/"},"author":{"name":"Rob Garrett","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84"},"headline":"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR","datePublished":"2026-08-17T15:50:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-15T15:36:45+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/"},"wordCount":1685,"commentCount":40,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg","keywords":[".22 LR",".22 Magnum","Buzz","Concealed Carry","Feature Articles","Gun Review","Self-Defense"],"articleSection":["Authors","Gun Reviews","Handguns","Rob Garrett"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#respond"]}],"accessibilityFeature":["tableOfContents"]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/","name":"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Gel Test vs .22 LR","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg","datePublished":"2026-08-17T15:50:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-15T15:36:45+00:00","description":"Is .22 Magnum good for self-defense? In our J-frame gel test it expanded in bare gel but not through denim, and the top .22 LR load went deeper for less money.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-scaled.jpeg","width":2560,"height":1898,"caption":".22 Magnum for Personal Defense \u2013 Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-magnum-for-personal-defense-is-the-juice-worth-the-squeeze\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Is .22 Magnum Good for Self-Defense? Our Gel Test vs .22 LR"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","description":"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/481d0b919fcb4501d1fb4c82fe446a84","name":"Rob Garrett","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/40e21001fb3e022e82de65b627b1ffea6d6c1cdb0c1b626fedcc7e7bebee2f29?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Rob Garrett"},"description":"Rob has been writing for the firearms industry for over 40 years as well as 38 years of law enforcement experience. With over 1,000 published article, he enjoys bringing a historical perspective to many of his articles. An ardent revolver enthusiast, Rob understands the practical application of the \"art of the revolver.\" In many articles, Rob includes ballistic testing data of many of the popular personal defense loads. When not at the range, or pounding the keyboard, Rob enjoys spending time with his family, is active in his local church, and networking with an ever expanding group of like minded shooters. Experience 40+ Years writing for the firearm's industry Retired Lieutenant with a large Georgia law enforcement agency Avid shooter and daily practitioner Consultant in the firearm's space","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/rob.garrett.9","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cpd221\/"],"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/robgarrett\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Photo-17-150x111.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173661","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173661"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173661\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":258706,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/173661\/revisions\/258706"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/173678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=173661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173661"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=173661"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=173661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}