Question about .22lr vs. .22wmr fr a 2" barrel

[Monster Zero]

I've heard conflicting accounts of this, so here's the question:

From a handgun with a 2" barrel, which will have the highest velocity, assuming the same bullet weight?

I've heard that it takes .22wmr several inches of barrel to exceed the velocity of .22lr from the same length barrel.

I've also heard that .22wmr fires at a higher pressure level than .22lr from the instant of ignition, and thus launches a same weight bullet at a higher velocity regardless of barrel length so long as the two barrels are the same length.

Perusal of some of the ballistic data on the NAA website for their mini revolvers tends to support the latter but I have no empirical experience here.

Please discuss.

 

[JohnKSa]

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/22.html

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/22mag.html

These two links have some information that speaks to the topic. It's kind of hard to compare apples to apples though.

 

[chicharrones]

For me, I've decided that .22 magnum makes better sense in 3" barrels or longer. If I were to use .22 magnum in a 2" barrel, it would be for the added effect of a "flash-bang grenade" coming out of that gun.

 

[natman]

I've heard conflicting accounts of this, so here's the question:

From a handgun with a 2" barrel, which will have the highest velocity, assuming the same bullet weight?

I've heard that it takes .22wmr several inches of barrel to exceed the velocity of .22lr from the same length barrel.

I've also heard that .22wmr fires at a higher pressure level than .22lr from the instant of ignition, and thus launches a same weight bullet at a higher velocity regardless of barrel length so long as the two barrels are the same length.

Perusal of some of the ballistic data on the NAA website for their mini revolvers tends to support the latter but I have no empirical experience here.

Please discuss.

The 22LR and 22 Mag are loaded to the same peak pressure, the Mag just maintains it longer. So, in a barrel that short it's going to be hard to tell the difference between the two. Velocity will be similar. If the barrel were a bit longer the 22 Mag would soon pull ahead. In any handgun, standard 22 Mag loads will produce truly impressive flash and bang. There are now 22 Mag loads intended for pistols, that produce much less flash.

 

[TonyAngel]

I find the little .22lr to be quite impressive out of very short barrels. .22 mag, not so much, when compared to .22lr. You saw the data posted above. Where .22 mag might gain an advantage is in the choice of bullets that you have and I think that they are at least arguably more reliable. I can't remember ever having a dud with a .22 mag.

 

[MedWheeler]

TonyAngel writes:

I can't remember ever having a dud with a .22 mag.

'Cuz you've never bought a bulk pack of Remington Golden Bullets in WMR.

 

[Buckeye63]

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#22LR

This link tests several pocket caliber cartridges ..
22LR and 22mag are included

 

[sparkyv]

I've not shot a 2" anything, but this review linked by Buckeye63 states the following: The average velocity of the five .22 Mag loads we clocked with our 1.9-inch Ruger LCR is 255 fps greater than the average of all the .22 LR velocities we measured with the S&W 43C.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#22LR

This link tests several pocket caliber cartridges ..
22LR and 22mag are included

 

[CraigC]

Even out of barrels that short, the .22Mag will produce 200-300fps greater velocity.

If you're looking at BBTI, remember to add an inch for the chamber.