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.22 LR Overview

The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) cartridge debuted in 1887 as a rimfire round designed for small-caliber rifles and pistols. It emphasizes low recoil, economical shooting, and wide availability. This cartridge remains extremely popular worldwide for target practice, plinking, and small-game hunting.

Why .22 LR Is a Top Choice

Low recoil suits beginners and training
Extensive ammo availability and affordability
Compatible with rifles, pistols, and revolvers
Precise for target shooting and competitions
Effective for small-game hunting and pest control

Key Variants

High Velocity .22 LR

Offers increased velocity and flatter trajectories for varmint hunting and plinking.

Standard Velocity .22 LR

Balanced velocity ideal for general target shooting and training applications.

Subsonic .22 LR

Low noise load favored for suppressed firearms and tactical training.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.22 LR	.17 HMR	.22 WMR
MSRP	$0.05–$0.10/round	$0.15–$0.25/round	$0.20–$0.30/round
Velocity (fps)	1080–1250	2400–2700	1800–2100
Energy (ft-lb)	90–140	160–200	155–200
Notable Pro	Very low cost, ideal for training	High velocity, flat-shooting	Better terminal performance than .22 LR
Notable Con	Limited range and stopping power	More expensive ammo	Higher cost, less common firearms

Best Use Cases

Plinking and recreational shooting
Small-game hunting and pest control
Firearms training and marksmanship practice
Competition in rimfire pistol and rifle events
Budget-friendly range sessions

FAQs

Can I use .22 LR ammunition in any firearm?

Only firearms chambered for .22 LR can safely fire .22 LR ammo. Using incompatible ammo risks damage and injury.

What is the effective range of .22 LR?

Effective range is typically up to 150 yards for target shooting and small-game hunting.

How does .22 LR compare to larger calibers?

.22 LR has lower recoil and cost but less power and range than centerfire rounds.

.22LR for Sale