What is the best .22LR Self-Defense Ammunition?

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  • Charlie Primero

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    My tech nerd Son-in-Law in Austin is not anti-gun, but he does have zero interest in them.

    I gave him my old Marlin .22LR so my Daughter could have a gun stored in the back of the closet in case of Zombie Apocalypse.

    I want to send him some .22LR Self-Defense ammunition to store with the rifle.

    What do you guys think would be the current best choice?

    Any help appreciated!
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    Shady

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    The most effective part of a 22 is the bang so any round is about the same and no I do not want to stand down range to test the theory.
     

    majormadmax

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    If they live in Austin then they've already succumbed to the Zombie Apocalypse!

    Zombieidle.gif
     

    Vaquero

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    Whatever functions reliably would be my suggestion.
    Velocity and bullet weight/design being secondary concerns.
     

    sucker76

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    My opinion is the fastest hollow point you can get to maximize the wound cavity.

    This may send me down the rabbit hole and do more digging. I'll post better info after work.
     

    DwnRange

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    While CCI 40 HP mini-mags are not a bad choice here......

    IMG_2130a.jpg



    Actually the question of "BEST" self-defense 22 long rifle ammunition only has one answer - this product above Aguila 60 grain LRN is the most devastating 22 round currently made.

    Note: It will not stabilize in a normal 1/16 twist 10/22 barrel and requires the use of a 1/9 twist barrel (sold by E. Aurthur Brown or Green Mountain) for rifle use, but.....

    If ya use these rounds in a Ruger, Hi-Standard, Woodsman or other model 22 LR pistol and restrict ones use to self-defense ranges (10-20 feet) these rounds are truly wicked.

    Out of a rifle these rounds are moderately useless for hunting rabbits, squirrels or other small game as they tend to turn these critters inside-out and don't leave much meat to eat, but they are extremely quiet outta a 1/9 twist 16.5" 10/22 barrel and while not as accurate as my 22 round of choice (Wolf Gold Match 22 L.R.) at 100 yards +, they do exhibit decent accuracy @ 50-60 yards and hit hard enough to, as noted, make a mess of small critters.
     

    TreyG-20

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    I am a CCI fanboy myself. I would vote or 40gr mini-mags also for the 40gr velocitor if you can find those. As mention reliability should be priority #1.
     

    DwnRange

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    With a .22, it ain't gonna make a lot of difference.
    At inside the home range (where the twist rate issues are "not" a problem) from a Marlin Mod. 20, 25N/925, 60, 70P or even newer XT-22 - the added 20 grains of weight in the 60 grain LRN Aguila rounds make a noticeable improvement over the self-defense performance of any lighter weight 22 LR round - as anyone whom has actually view'd their ballistic gelatin results can clearly see.

    Check it out if ya doubt what I'm saying.
     

    DwnRange

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    Mr Ben,

    Try checking the performance outta a barrel length similar to the ones the OP or I listed and might own, (non-SBR length noted in your link there), you'll find the 60 does better when fired from longer barrels and passes up the lighter Fed solid.... ;)

    ps - One should also note, the "tumbling" of the 60 gr LRN also closely resembles the old early Vietnam era 1/14 twist rate M16s, known for devastating wounds - which adds another aspect which some would call beneficial for SD purposes.
     

    MuscleCarMan

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    My tech nerd Son-in-Law in Austin is not anti-gun, but he does have zero interest in them.

    I gave him my old Marlin .22LR so my Daughter could have a gun stored in the back of the closet in case of Zombie Apocalypse.

    I want to send him some .22LR Self-Defense ammunition to store with the rifle.

    What do you guys think would be the current best choice?

    Any help appreciated!
    Check out 22plinkster on YouTube.
    Or get a 12 gauge with slugs! :skeet:
    :deadhorse:
     

    ZX9RCAM

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    ps - One should also note, the "tumbling" of the 60 gr LRN also closely resembles the old early Vietnam era 1/14 twist rate M16s, known for devastating wounds - which adds another aspect which some would call beneficial for SD purposes.

    I noticed that as well....
     
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