I still say go with round nose. Hollow tip 22's just don't have much material,
Yeah, given the small size of the bullets and the anecdotal evidence, I'd go along with that, although flat-nosed or hard-cast SWC bullets would be slightly better if there were any to be found. The closest thing I know of would be the CCI SGB (Small Game Bullet), but it's only loaded up to Mini-Mag velocity, which could be marginal out of a 4" barrel (6" would definitely be better). Well, it should get 12", which would satisfy most people--I happen to have a higher personal standard for penetration, but sometimes I need to put that aside as a separate subject. A solid-bullet Velocitor would be ideal, but I don't think it's being produced. If I had more experience with the 60 grain Aguila SSS, then that might be my top choice, although I've heard nothing but good things about it, and it tests well.
I need to do more research to get a better understanding of .22 LR defensive loads (e.g. is the harder lead that Winchester uses in many loads in other calibers also used in .22 LR, and could it be an advantage?), but ones like the Velocitor, SGB, and SSS can be effective out of medium-sized pistols based on penetration, and the Stinger, which is a failure in larger guns against humans, in my opinion, can make even short-barreled handguns fairly effective.
no matter how expensive or modern they may be.
Right, the expense only takes care of the ignition reliability issue, and the modern aspect is that some .22 LR loads are hot enough to get effective penetration against human targets out of handgun barrels. If you ask me about random loads in random handguns, then I wouldn't be arguing so hard on behalf of the caliber regarding defense.
By the way, I'm really trying my best to make sense of what I'm seeing and learning, not just arguing an extreme point of view for fun. My mom seriously wants to use a .22 LR revolver for personal defense, and therefore I want to know whether it is truly a viable option. To my great surprise, I've found that it is far more viable than I had ever believed (at least in relation to other handgun calibers), especially in the hands of somebody who shoots it so much better than any other caliber. While it's definitely not the most effective per round, it could bring out the greatest overall effectiveness in some shooters.
Either this thread has nine lives...or it needs an ashen stake driven through it's heart.
I won't deny that more recent threads would be more appropriate in some ways, but I think that new things are being said and that new information is being offered now in this one.
