The .22 caliber is a wildly popular choice for shooters of all levels, from plinking enthusiasts to serious hunters. Its affordability, low recoil, and wide variety of ammunition types make it incredibly versatile. However, the sheer number of .22 caliber cartridges available can be overwhelming for newcomers. This guide provides a comprehensive list, categorizing them for easier understanding.
Understanding .22 Caliber Cartridge Variations
Before diving into the list, it's important to understand that ".22 caliber" isn't a single, monolithic category. The term encompasses a range of cartridges with slightly different diameters, bullet weights, and intended applications. This often leads to confusion, so let's clarify: the ".22" refers to the approximate diameter of the bullet, typically around 0.22 inches. However, subtle variations exist, and these affect performance significantly.
Key Categories of .22 Caliber Cartridges
We can broadly categorize .22 caliber cartridges into the following groups:
1. Rimfire Cartridges
These cartridges have the primer located in the rim of the cartridge case. They're generally less powerful than centerfire rounds but are incredibly popular due to their low cost and ease of use.
- .22 Short: One of the oldest and smallest .22 cartridges, primarily used for plinking and low-power target shooting.
- .22 Long: A slightly longer and more powerful version of the .22 Short, offering increased range and accuracy.
- .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR): This is the most ubiquitous .22 cartridge globally, used extensively for hunting small game, target shooting, and plinking. It's available in a vast array of bullet weights, types (e.g., hollow point, round nose, full metal jacket), and velocities.
- .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR or .22 Mag): A significantly more powerful rimfire cartridge than the .22 LR, offering increased stopping power for hunting larger game.
- .22 Stinger: A high-velocity .22 LR load designed for increased range and penetration.
2. Centerfire Cartridges
These cartridges have the primer located in the center of the cartridge case. They tend to be more powerful and accurate than rimfire rounds, often used in more serious applications.
- .22 Hornet: A popular cartridge for varmint hunting and target shooting, offering a balance of power and accuracy.
- .22 K-Hornet: A wildcat cartridge based on the .22 Hornet, offering slightly increased velocity.
- .22-250 Remington: A high-velocity varmint cartridge known for its flat trajectory and long range.
- .223 Remington (5.56x45mm NATO): While technically a 5.56mm round, it's often categorized with .22 calibers due to its bullet diameter. This is a very popular military and civilian cartridge used for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. It's considerably more powerful than any of the rimfire rounds listed above.
- .224 Valkyrie: A newer cartridge designed for long-range accuracy and performance.
Choosing the Right .22 Caliber Cartridge
The best .22 caliber cartridge for you depends entirely on your intended application.
- Plinking and Target Shooting: .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 LR are excellent choices. The .22 LR is the most versatile.
- Small Game Hunting: .22 LR, .22 WMR, and even the .22 Hornet are viable options, depending on the game and your range.
- Varmint Hunting: .22 Hornet, .22-250 Remington, and .223 Remington are excellent choices.
- Self-Defense: While debatable, the .223 Remington is frequently utilized, although larger calibers are generally considered more suitable.
This list is not exhaustive, as many variations and wildcat cartridges exist within the .22 caliber family. However, it covers the most common and widely used options. Always consult relevant firearm safety guidelines and regulations before handling any firearm or ammunition. Remember, safe gun handling is paramount.
