What can a .22lr do that a .38 special or .357 mag can't?

[Fat Boy]

Just as the title states;

What are the benefits of a .22lr over a .38 spec or .357 mag?

I am thinking of small game hunting, plinking, etc.

I understand the damage a .357 mag would do to, say a squirrel or rabbit as opposed to a .22lr, and I get the cost factor on ammo. But, would a .38 special be less damaging on small game?

I also have read about the ability to pack a .22 and 1,000 rounds of ammo as opposed to packing a full-sized revolver and shells in a larger caliber

Past that; what am I missing?

Thanks!

 

[Seven High]

It's easier to train a new shooter with a .22lr pistol than a .38 spl or .357 mag. Less intimidating. They are more likely to want to shoot again.

 

[Old Shooter]

Usually quieter if that is a concern.

Smaller, lighter platforms.

Less recoil and muzzle blast so should be easier to control, potentially more accurate. (Don't try to compete with my K38 though)

Don't have to carry all the brass back for reloading.

Half a pocket of shells should keep you in business all day.


????

 

[Publius1688]

My cousins would laugh me out of the woods if I tried to go squirell hunting with a .38!!
.22 LR is "The" round for rabbit or squirell hunting for the marksman-oriented gamesman.

 

[Armored farmer]

For me...
Noise factor

No need to keep/ sort brass for reloading

.22 is plenty adequate for critters around here....coyote is biggest predator

easier/cheaper to keep a stockpile of .22 ammo rather than big bore ammo

It seems my supply of hunting/HD big bore ammo is always limited and I hate to shoot it for fun.

plinking w/ .22 is fun, fun, fun, and good practice esp if your hunting/ HD gun is similar

 

[zxcvbob]

And it's easy to stockpile 10000 rounds of .22 for TEOTWAWKI. (or 50000, or...)

 

[Phydeaux642]

What can a .22lr do that a .38 special or .357 mag can't?

Leave money in my pocket.

 

[Henry K. Ruger]

.22lr won't give you the "Yips" from anticipating recoil. And, it helps cure them too!

 

[Hooptie]

If you're planning bunny or maybe squirrel stew, a .38 isn't going to leave you much.

 

[grndslm]

I've heard that 22LR is virtually impossible to "trace".

22LR is also the #1 choice caliber when it comes to silencing a weapon. In fact, it's the only choice. Suppressors only suppress with other calibers, but with 22LR you can have something that's quieter than airsoft.

 

[owlhoot]

The other side of the argument... If you roll your own .38 ammo it is easy to put together a load that is very accurate out to 25 yards, is quieter than a .22lr, has no more recoil, and is great for small game. Moreover, it is no more expensive than shooting premium .22 ammo.

I have over twenty .22's counting both rifles and handguns, but I don't shoot them much any more. The reason is because it is just more fun and just as inexpensive to shoot lots of .38 special in a variety of loads. A S&W model 19 or 66 and a Marlin carbine in .357 will cover a multitude of needs and uses, small game, fairly large game, home defense, cc, and plinking.

So to answer the OP's question, if you reload, you don't need a .22. If you do not reload, then, if you intend to shoot much, you'll want a .22 or two.

 

[paintballdude902]

be purchased 500+rnds at a time for less than 20 bucks

 

[skoro]

Shoot all afternoon for about ten bucks.

 

[Sgt_R]

$15.00, 38 Special: 50 rounds
$15.00, 22 LR: 500 rounds

 

[CraigC]

So to answer the OP's question, if you reload, you don't need a .22.

I find a lot of fault with this logic and it leaves some holes. For one, I value my time. Even if you cast your own bullets there is no way to make up the difference if you put any value whatsoever on your time. I shoot 2000-3000rds a month of .22LR, in addition to my centerfire shooting. Six bricks, or 3300rds costs me just over $100. If I shoot 3000rds of .38Spl, not only will that mean 30hrs at the reloading bench but also $90 in primers, $201 in cast bullets (which is CHEAP! for commercial cast bullets, Oregon Trail 158gr SWC's from Midway would be $330 plus $34 shipping) and $31 in powder, not to even figure in brass costs. For a grand total of $322 (or $485!) in components and 30hrs of my time, at a minimum. The equivalent of spending $59 (or $89) per 550rds of .22LR (which equals match-grade) and ZERO time reloading.

Or you can get your lead for free from a tire shop and spend a great many more hours casting bullets but nothing's free. Money or time.

So no, your logic fails terribly. While I handload for all my handgun and most my rifle cartridges with cast bullets almost exclusively and fully appreciate the utility in that, you simply cannot compare the economy of reloading ANY centerfire cartridge to .22LR ammo. Ain't no free lunches.

What are the benefits of a .22lr over a .38 spec or .357 mag?

Fact of the matter is that for building shooting skill the .22LR has no equal. Period. The guns are typically less expensive and more accurate. The ammo is cheaper BY FAR. All of which adds up to more shooting per dollar spent. Trigger time equals skill.

 

[bhk]

Yep, I shoot more and more .22s as the years go by. Much cheaper. Buy a few quality .22s (ones where you can appreciate the workmanship and materials that went into making them, much like fine centerfires) and you will be in hog heaven. Quality .22 handguns would include Colt and Smith and Wesson revolvers. Autos would include those made by Smith and Wesson (especially the Model 41), Ruger, Browning, etc. Various conversion units can adapt your quality centerfires to shoot .22s.

 

[Rail Driver]

Maybe not hog heaven, bhk, but at least rabbit and squirrel heaven

 

[jmorris]

Fit hundreds of rounds in my pocket.

 

[Quoheleth]

Stretch your dollars further.

Q

 

[waterhouse]

The other side of the argument... If you roll your own .38 ammo it is easy to put together a load that is very accurate out to 25 yards, is quieter than a .22lr, has no more recoil, and is great for small game. Moreover, it is no more expensive than shooting premium .22 ammo.

What are you defining as the cost of premium .22 ammo, and what is your price breakdown on your .38 load?

 

[Big Bill]

What can a .22lr do that a .38 special or .357 mag can't?

It can hurt you less, if you accidentally shoot yourself in the foot.

 

[ForumSurfer]

What can a .22lr do that a .38 special or .357 mag can't?

Girlfriend: Hey, I want to go shoot today!
Me: OK!

2 semi dirty rifles that don't even need cleaning, 1000+ rounds, a few hours, a few totally destroyed cans from the recycle bin and $25 (40-50 if we "splurge" on better ammo and/or clay pigeons to hang up) later...

Both of us:

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

If you ever have to put another adjustment hole in your belt for the buckle stem to poke through......

 

[Slamfire]

A .22LR makes a lot less noise.

 

[6x6pinz]

well another point would be the multi platforms available in just one caliber. You can take a 22lr pistol and rifle using the same ammo and still be less weight than the above listed pistols. I have used my walther ppk/s in 380 for rabbits but only when I want to feed the coyotes, just too much damage to the meat. On the flip side small game hunting with a pistol you intend to use for larger game is a great training aid. Even if you only get half the animal there is still a reward besides the practice.