Does rimfire burn as clean as centerfire? Help me clear the air.

[Top_Notch]

I shoot with a buddy of mine. I send 9mm downrange while he prefers to throw .22 (Cheap? You be the judge). When I throw a string downrange with his gun I'd be lucky to still be able to view the target without letting the air clear first. (OK, OK, it's not that bad, but you get my idea) I don't have this problem with my 9mm, choice of ammo typically being WWB value pack. I mentioned to him how dirty his ammo was and he said he'd switch based on my suggestion. Last time out I asked him why he didn't switch (I couldn't see the look on his face from all the smoke in the air) but I did hear him say that he did switch. He said that maybe 22 isn't as clean burning as my 9mm because it's rimfire. I likened it to his cheapo ways and told him to buy some premium ammuntion.

Does his theory hold water? Help me clear the air!

 

[Dorrin79]

none of the .22 ammo I have ever shot (in various rifles and pistols) produces noticeable amounts of smoke, indoors or outdoors.

Do you know what brand / type of .22 he is shooting?

 

[Top_Notch]

American Eagle or Federal, or is it Federal American Eagle?

I don't know, the box was red and had a white eagle on it.

(We shoot indoors and ventilation is not that good to be honest.)

 

[MoNsTeR]

His .22 produces more smoke than your 9mm because you're shooting jacketed bullets and he's shooting wax-lubed lead bullets. With good ventilation, smoke from .22's should be a non-issue, but it's still an order of magnitude worse than the smoke from any jacketed centerfire pistol round.

 

[PzGren]

The .22s should not smoke at all. Smoke is mainly generated by bullet lubricants. My .38 Spec. RNL reloads with Bullseye are dirty, smelly, and smokey - but accurate.
Most .22s are copper coated or have a graphite coating (if I remeber well).
The lead bullets using blue or red wax lubricants are very smokey, the propellant is smokeless.
Maybe he uses engine oil inside his barrel?!