RIMFIRE TERMINAL PERFORMANCE

Discussions concerning the terminal performance of big-game ammunition are popular at gun shops, around campfires and in the sporting press. As far as rimfire ammunition goes, not a lot is said about it. Everyone seems to have their favorite load, but do they really know how it performs inside the target? Detailed information on the terminal performance of rimfire ammunition is nearly non-existent, so a test was conducted.

- RICHARD MANN

More than 30 blocks of 10 percent ordnance gelatin were mixed to catch bullets. Some loads were surprising, and others were underwhelming. All shooting was conducted at 50 yards, a reasonable rimfire range. Upon completion of testing, a great database of information remained that a varmint shooter might find useful when selecting a rimfire load, or even a rimfire cartridge, to hunt with. What follows are notes on the various loads used and how they held up in ballistic gelatin. An accompanying table shows terminal performance.

.22 LONG RIFLE

Unquestionably the most popular rimfire cartridge, it’s so popular right now ammunition may be hard to find. The good news is there are lots of options, and there are loads good for everything from gophers to coyotes.

CCI STINGER: The Stinger has a fine reputation for use on small game. This is because, by .22 LR standards, it’s fast and hits hard, despite its 32-grain bullet weight. It also expands well and creates decent wound cavities while penetrating about 10 inches. It makes quick work of gophers and will work well on rockchucks and badgers, but it is a bit volatile for anything but headshots on edible small game. Stingers shoot great out of some rimfires, not so much from others.

CCI SEGMENTED HOLLOW POINT: Two versions of this load are offered. One is a 32-grain load, the other 40 grains. The lighter bullet is blistering fast and delivers almost 200 foot-pounds of energy on target. The 40-grain load is subsonic, will penetrate about an inch deeper but with only about half the energy. Neither are the most accurate .22 LR loads available.