Korth Group Outdoor Education, The Cherished .22 Long Rifle
For over a century the .22 Long Rifle, or “.22 LR” for short, has been a staple cartridge in the shooting community. Its low recoil properties and abundant inexpensive ammunition options have made this cartridge a valued teacher for new shooters, excellent for varmint control, and perfect for low impact plinking. Within the past couple decades, the .22 LR has given birth to multiple new competition disciplines like Rimfire PRS and factions of silhouette and steel challenge matches, to name a few. With the spring shooting season here and both competition and varmint hunting on shooters minds, we want to bring this cartridge to the spotlight to give it the respect it deserves. That is why in this edition of Korth Group Outdoor Education we are going to explore the .22 LR cartridge by taking a look at its history, cartridge design, and a general overview of its legacy.
HISTORY
The .22 LR was first introduced by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company in 1887. It was created by combining the .22 Long case with a heavier 40 grain bullet of the .22 Extra Long cartridge. This hybrid design quickly gained traction and popularity due to its balance of performance and versatility. Over many decades, it became the fan favorite for everything from backyard plinking to Olympic competition, earning its place as one of the most widely used cartridges in the world. Its reliability, simplicity, and ease of use made it a top choice for both novice shooters, looking to better their marksmanship skills, and seasoned outdoorsman alike.
CARTRIDGE DESIGN
The .22 LR is a rimfire cartridge, meaning the primer is contained in the rim of the case rather than in a central pocket, like what is present in a centerfire cartridge, hence the name. This design, unfortunately, limits the ability to reload the cartridge but allows for extremely simple and inexpensive manufacturing. Common bullet weights loaded in .22 LR cartridges range between 36 and 40 grains, on average, and are available in subsonic, standard, high-velocity, and even hyper velocity loads. Standard velocity loads travel around 1,070 fps, while high-velocity versions can exceed 1,200 fps when fired from a rifle generally with a 16.5” barrel. Energy produced ranges from about 90 to 140 foot-pounds, making it modest but adequate for a wide variety of uses.
POPULAR METHODS OF USE
TRAINING
Due to its mild recoil and minimal sound signature, the .22 LR is a fantastic choice for new shooters to explore when learning proper marksmanship techniques. It promotes safe shooting habits and allows for extended range time without the fatigue or flinch-inducing effects of heavier calibers. Many youth shooting programs begin with .22 rimfire rifles for this exact reason.
TARGET SHOOTING & COMPETITIONS
The .22 LR has carved out a serious place in the competition community. Precision rimfire matches, like Rimfire PRS, replicate centerfire PRS but just on a more affordable and accessible scale. Rimfire Steel Challenge and Silhouette shooting also rely heavily on the .22 LR due to its consistency and fast follow-up potential. Match grade ammo and precision-built firearms are really starting to become mainstream in the industry for shooting disciplines like this and allow competitive accuracy out to 100 yards and beyond.
HUNTING AND PEST CONTROL
Small game hunters swear by the .22 LR for squirrels, rabbits, grouse, and other similarly sized animals. When placed properly and at an ethical distance, it delivers clean, humane kills without excessively damaging the meat. It’s also a favorite for pest control on farms and acreages, effectively eliminating raccoons, skunks, gophers, and other problematic varmints with low noise and limited risk of over-penetration.
SURVIVAL SITUATIONS
Many outdoorsmen consider the .22 LR an essential survival cartridge for a couple reasons. Its compact size means you can carry large volumes of ammunition without adding significant amounts of weight to your carrying pack. Although it is not ideal for large game, it can reliably take small animals, as outlined above, for food and serve in defensive roles in desperate circumstances.
PROS VS. CONS
PROS
One of the biggest draws to shooting a .22 LR can arguably be the cost. Even with recent rises in ammunition costs, it remains the most budget-friendly ammunition available. This allows for high-volume shooting without breaking the bank which can be perfect for training, competition practice, or a weekend of plinking with friends and family.
The availability and diverse selection of .22 LR ammo is another enticing factor. Virtually every ammo manufacturer produces or offers .22 LR options, available in a wide array of loadings. Whether you are looking for quiet subsonic loads, high-velocity hollow point, or match-grade quality, there is a round that will fit the bill.
Not only is there a wide variety of .22 LR loads, the rifle platforms and brands seem to be endless as well. The .22 LR is chambered in an astonishing variety of firearms including bolt action, semi-auto, lever guns, revolvers, and pistols. It is also popular to see conversion kits to convert certain centerfire pistols over to .22 LR, making it a cost-effective training aid for shooters who want to practice on their main shooting platforms.
CONS
One downside to consider with this cartridge is while it can be lethal, it is generally not recommended for self defense due to its limited stopping power and shallow penetration. In emergencies, it’s better than nothing but far from ideal.
Another limitation of a .22 LR cartridge to consider is the lightweight bullet loses velocity quickly and is easily affected by the wind. This is easy to notice when shooting extended distances in even the slightest wind as that light bullet can go for a ride down range. While excellent within 100 yards, its performance drops off considerably beyond that, both in terms of accuracy and energy.
Lastly, being a rimfire cartridge, the .22 LR is inherently more prone to ignition failures compared to centerfire rounds. Misfires and feeding issues, particularly with inexpensive bulk ammunition or semi-automatic firearms, can be an occasional nuisances.
In closing, the .22 Long Rifle has stood the test of time for a reason. It brings versatility, affordability, and fun to the table. This holds truth whether you are a new shooter in training, chasing gophers in the hay field, or ringing steel at the range. While it may not be the most powerful cartridge in the ammo cabinet, its unmatched utility ensures it will remain a cherished favorite for generations to come. If you are pulling the .22 out of the safe this spring, just understand that you are continuing a proud tradition shared by millions of shooters worldwide for well over a century.