.25 ACP vs .22 Mag out of a 3 inch barrel?

[G.A.Pster]

As far as stopping power when fired from a 3 inch barrel which would be better a .25 ACP or a .22 Mag?
I’m thinking with a .22 Mag a lot of powder would just be wasted in a big muzzle flash, instead of propelling the projectile.

 

[1858rem]

probably since 22mag likely was designed for rifle and 25 ACP was designed for short barreled pistols

 

[David E]

Where are you finding a .22 mag or .25 acp with a 3" barrel ?

The .25 acp was designed to be most effective from short barrels, while the .22 magnum from rifle barrels. That said, they compare very closely to each other when fired from a 2" barrel.

The .25 acp churns up about 71 ft lbs with a 50 grain bullet, compared to 80 ft lbs for the .22 magnum.

So all else being equal, the .22 magnum wins.........but all else is not equal.

If the choice was between a five-shot .22 magnum mini-revolver Black Widow w/ 2" barrel or a nine-shot .25 acp Beretta Jetfire for defense, I'd pick the Beretta hands down.

Why? Easier to handle and it has more shots with much faster follow up shots, not to mention a faster reload. (a very distant third to the first two)

 

[PT1911]

Personally, rimfire v centerfire set aside, I would take a 22 lr over a .25 acp any day.. I would simply go with a cci velocitor or stinger. a .25 acp is just the weakest cartrige around... its only benefit over 22 lr or magnum is that it is centerfire, but I would still choose the rimfires every time.

 

[David E]

rimfires fired from 2" pocket autos are not very reliable and the .25 acp outperforms it handily.

Nowadays, tho, there's no reason to buy a .25 or .22 pocket gun for defense purposes, since .32's and .380's the same size are available.

 

[JT'sDad]

Somebody let me know if you come across a 3" Taurus 941. I think a 3" 22mag revolver would ge great.

 

[rcmodel]

Not 3" barrels, but:

.22LR
http://www.brassfetcher.com/22minis.html

.22 Mag
http://www.brassfetcher.com/NAAminiRevolver22Magnum.html

.25 ACP
http://www.brassfetcher.com/CCI Blazer and Sellier and Bellot FMJ.html

The 25 ACP wins hands down over the .22RF.

And it beats the .22 Mag in bullet weight, bigger hole, and deeper penetration.
It is also far more reliable in a small semi-auto then a rim-fire.

rc

 

[JImbothefiveth]

velocitor

I wouldn't use a velocitor or the like. A fast hollowpoint is designed for small game, not for self-defense, and it might expand too quickly.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Beretta Jetfire get my vote never carry a 22 rimfire in a small pistol. To many misfires Center fire for carry. Any one ever think John Browning might just have known what he was doing and thing still haven't really changed