.22 LR Ballistic Data Guide: Gel Test Results, Velocity Charts & Ammo Comparison

Last updated: April 2026  |  Data sources: manufacturer specs, independent gel testing, chronograph field recordings across multiple barrel lengths.

The .22 Long Rifle is the single most-produced cartridge on the planet, and it is also one of the most misunderstood from a terminal ballistics standpoint. You can walk into any sporting-goods store and find two dozen different loads priced anywhere from five cents to twenty-five cents per round, each promising something slightly different. What you will not find on the shelf is honest, comparable data telling you exactly how each one performs downrange, in ballistic gelatin, and out of your specific barrel length.

This guide closes that gap. Everything you read here is grounded in measured velocity data, independent gel testing, and real-world chronograph work across multiple barrel lengths. Whether you are choosing a training load for your 10/22, a self-defense round for a small pocket revolver, or a suppressor-friendly subsonic for pest control, the numbers in this guide will help you make a decision you can defend with data. Browse the full catalog of tested loads at Tatted Tacticals .22 LR Ammo.

A note on methodology: gel penetration figures use 10% ballistic gelatin unless stated otherwise. Bare-gelatin results differ from FBI-protocol four-layer denim tests; where the test type matters for interpretation, it is specified.

1. Velocity Categories: The Four-Tier Framework

Before you can evaluate a .22 LR load intelligently, you need a common language. The industry uses terms like “standard,” “high velocity,” and “hyper velocity” loosely and inconsistently. Here is a cleaner four-tier framework built around actual terminal-performance thresholds, not marketing copy.

Knowing which tier your load falls into — from your barrel length — matters more than the velocity printed on the box. A hyper-velocity load fired from a 2-inch revolver can fall into subsonic territory before the bullet clears the muzzle. The box-spec number is meaningless unless you know the test barrel.

2. Barrel Length Effects: Velocity Chart

The .22 LR is more barrel-length-sensitive than most centerfire cartridges. The reason is physics: rimfire propellant burns slowly relative to the case volume, so powder is still pushing the bullet well into a 16-inch barrel. Every inch you cut costs real velocity, and that velocity loss has direct terminal consequences.

The table below is built from chronograph data across three of the most popular loads. All figures are approximate and represent averages across multiple samples; your specific firearm may vary by ±30–50 fps.

The Stinger tells a different story from a short barrel: at 1,028 fps from 2 inches, it still has a chance at marginal expansion because of its lighter 32-grain bullet, though results are inconsistent as the gel data will show. The Mini-Mag falls to 950 fps from a 2-inch barrel, making it a round-nose training load at that length regardless of what the box says.

Practical guidance: if your primary .22 LR platform is a pistol with a barrel shorter than 4 inches, plan your ammo selection around subsonic and standard-velocity loads, not hyper-velocity marketing claims.

3. Ballistic Gel Test Results: Summary Table

The following results represent bare 10% ballistic gelatin unless noted. Penetration depth is measured to the base of the recovered bullet or the terminal point of the wound channel. Expansion diameter is the recovered bullet’s widest recovered measurement.

The short version: from a rifle, both the Stinger and Velocitor expand reliably and penetrate 12–14 inches. From a 2-inch revolver, neither performs as intended. The round-nose loads (Mini-Mag, AutoMatch, Aguila) deliver predictable non-expanding penetration regardless of barrel length, which is a feature, not a bug, when you need reliability over terminal effect.

4. Load-by-Load Breakdown

CCI Stinger 32gr CPHP — The Hyper-Velocity Gamble

Hyper Velocity The Stinger is the oldest purpose-built hyper-velocity .22 LR load still in production. Its 32-grain bullet is lighter than the 40-grain standard, and CCI uses a slightly longer case to pack in more propellant. From a 20-inch test barrel, spec velocity is 1,640 fps, generating approximately 191 ft-lbs of energy — among the highest energy figures you will see from a rimfire load.

From an 18.5-inch rifle, measured velocity is 1,541 fps. In gel, that translates to 12.5 inches of penetration with 0.31-inch expansion. Both figures are solid: 12.5 inches sits within the FBI minimum standard, and 0.31-inch expansion from a 0.22-caliber bullet represents a meaningful increase in the wound channel diameter.

The problem appears the moment you drop to a short barrel. From a 2-inch revolver, velocity falls to 1,028 fps. At that speed, the Stinger’s hollow point cavity is unreliable: some shots produce 8.6 inches of penetration with 0.369-inch expansion (excellent), while other shots from the same box pass cleanly through 16 inches of gel with zero expansion. That kind of shot-to-shot variance is unacceptable for any application where consistency matters.

Bottom line: Outstanding from a rifle. Unreliable from a short-barreled handgun.

CCI Mini-Mag 40gr CPRN — The Benchmark Standard

High Velocity The Mini-Mag is the .22 LR that every other load is quietly measured against. Its 40-grain copper-plated round-nose projectile is not designed to expand, and it does not. What it does do is cycle reliably in almost every semi-automatic .22 LR ever made, maintain excellent consistency with an extreme spread of only 30–38 fps, and land 11-inch gel penetration figures that are repeatable shot after shot.

From a 4.375-inch pistol, the Mini-Mag clocks roughly 1,039 fps. From a rifle it reaches 1,235 fps. In both cases, gel penetration sits around 11 inches without expansion. That is adequate for small-game work and more than enough for training purposes.

If you own a semi-auto .22 LR that has been finicky about cycling with bulk ammunition, the Mini-Mag is the first load to try. Its consistent ES also makes it the reference load of choice for precision shooters who do not need match-grade accuracy but want reliable point-of-impact consistency.

Bottom line: The most versatile all-around .22 LR load. Train with it, hunt with it, trust it to cycle.

Federal AutoMatch 40gr LRN — The Economy Training Round

High Velocity Federal AutoMatch occupies the “affordable and functional” category without pretending to be anything else. Its 40-grain lead round-nose bullet at a box-spec 1,200 fps (1,160 fps measured from a 16-inch barrel) produces 128 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. There is no expansion by design, and that is fine: this is a training load.

AutoMatch was engineered for semi-automatic pistols and rifles, and it feeds reliably in most platforms. It will not win any accuracy contests, but it will put lead downrange at a cost that lets you shoot twice as much as you would with premium ammunition. For building fundamental marksmanship skills or breaking in a new firearm, it does the job.

Bottom line: Buy it by the 325-round box for training. Do not ask it to do anything else.

Aguila Super Extra 40gr — The Import Alternative

High Velocity Aguila’s Super Extra is a solid-point 40-grain load at 1,255 fps producing approximately 140 ft-lbs of energy. It does not expand, but it does not need to. The Super Extra earns its place in this comparison through accuracy: independent testing consistently shows groups that match or come close to the CCI Mini-Mag at 50 yards, which is the standard benchmark for high-velocity plinking and small-game loads.

Aguila produces its .22 LR ammunition in Mexico and has been doing so since the 1960s. The Super Extra is their flagship standard-velocity offering. If Mini-Mag is out of stock or priced above your comfort level, this is the load to reach for.

Bottom line: A legitimate Mini-Mag alternative at comparable accuracy and similar performance.

CCI Velocitor 40gr CPHP — The Platform-Dependent Performer

Hyper Velocity The Velocitor is CCI’s attempt to combine the weight of a standard 40-grain bullet with hyper-velocity performance. The result is a cartridge that requires careful matching to your specific firearm. From an 18.5-inch rifle, the Velocitor delivers 1,362 fps and averages 13.65 inches of gel penetration with 0.39-inch expansion — the best expansion figure of any load in this guide. It generates 183 ft-lbs of energy, putting it close to the Stinger despite carrying eight more grains of bullet weight.

From a 2-inch revolver, the story falls apart. Velocity drops to just 852 fps — solidly subsonic. The hollow point does not expand. Penetration goes past 16 inches with no terminal effect on the wound channel. And the extreme spread from a 2-inch barrel is a startling 226 fps, meaning your point of impact is shifting shot to shot in ways you cannot predict or control.

That 226 fps ES is not a typo. Rimfire cartridges are more susceptible to velocity variance than centerfire rounds because the priming compound is distributed around the rim and ignition uniformity is inherently lower. Short barrels make this problem worse because small timing differences in ignition produce larger proportional velocity differences over a shorter acceleration distance.

Bottom line: An excellent rifle load for small game and limited self-defense applications from long guns. A liability from any barrel shorter than 6 inches.

Lapua Center-X 40gr — When Precision Is the Point

Standard Velocity The Lapua Center-X is not a defensive or hunting load. It is a competition and precision target load, and evaluated on those terms it is exceptional. At 1,073 fps, it sits just above the subsonic threshold. Standard deviation of 7–8 fps makes it one of the most consistent .22 LR loads in existence. At 50 yards from a quality match rifle, 0.30-inch groups are achievable, representing sub-half-MOA performance from a rimfire cartridge.

At 102 ft-lbs, the Center-X has the lowest energy figure in this guide. It is not a hunting or defensive load. It is ammunition for the shooter who needs their rimfire to perform with the consistency of a precision centerfire, and is willing to pay match-grade prices to get there.

Bottom line: The best .22 LR for competition and precision target work. Not a field or defensive load.

5. Self-Defense Verdict

Using a .22 LR for personal defense is a choice made from necessity in most cases — the platform is often chosen because it is what an elderly or recoil-sensitive shooter can actually control. If that describes your situation, your ammunition choice matters more, not less, than it would with a more powerful cartridge.

Whatever load you select for defensive use, function-test a minimum of 50 rounds through your specific firearm before relying on it. Rimfire reliability depends heavily on the individual gun-ammunition combination. Find the best-performing .22 LR defensive loads for your platform in the full catalog.

6. Subsonic and Suppressor Performance

The .22 LR was running suppressed before most modern suppressors were designed, and for good reason: subsonic .22 LR through a quality can is genuinely hearing-safe without electronic protection at distances beyond a few yards. Understanding how to optimize for suppressed use requires understanding what “subsonic” actually means in practice for your barrel.

The speed of sound at standard conditions (68°F, sea level) is approximately 1,125 fps. Bullets traveling faster than this produce a supersonic crack independent of the report from the firearm itself. Suppress the report, and you still hear the crack. Drop the bullet below 1,125 fps, and the only sounds you hear are the action cycling and the muffled report through the suppressor.

From the barrel-length data above, you can see that the CCI Mini-Mag at a 2-inch barrel (950 fps) is subsonic, but at a 12-inch barrel (1,200 fps) it is supersonic. If you are running a suppressed 16/22 or threaded 10/22, you need a purpose-made subsonic load to stay reliably below the threshold, since the Mini-Mag will go supersonic in longer barrels.

The Lapua Center-X at 1,073 fps sits comfortably subsonic from virtually any barrel length. Its exceptional SD of 7–8 fps means the velocity spread across any shooting session is so tight that supersonic excursions are essentially impossible. For suppressed precision shooting, it is the benchmark load.

General subsonic guidelines for suppressed .22 LR:

• Choose loads spec’d at or below 1,100 fps from a 16-inch barrel to stay subsonic from rifles up to that length.
• Subsonic loads cycle semi-automatics less reliably because action timing was designed around higher-pressure cartridges. Test thoroughly.
• Standard-velocity loads (1,050–1,150 fps spec) often go transonic in longer rifle barrels. Verify with a chronograph.
• A suppressor on a .22 LR typically reduces report by 25–35 dB. Combined with subsonic ammunition, this can bring total noise to approximately 115–120 dB — still loud, but well below the threshold of immediate hearing damage.

7. Effective Range and Trajectory

The .22 LR is not a long-range cartridge. At 100 yards, even a hyper-velocity load has shed enough velocity that the bullet is approaching transonic or subsonic speeds, which introduces instability and accuracy degradation. Here is how to think about effective range for each use case:

Trajectory note: at 50 yards, a 40-grain 1,235 fps load zeroed at 25 yards drops roughly 1.5–2 inches. At 100 yards that same load may drop 4–6 inches. Wind is the .22 LR’s worst enemy: a 10 mph crosswind can push a 40-grain bullet more than 3 inches at 100 yards. Work within the cartridge’s realistic limits and it will serve you well.

8. Load Selection Guide

Use this quick-reference table to match your use case to the right load. Then verify with your own chronograph and accuracy testing, since individual firearms vary.

9. The 1,050 fps Expansion Threshold Rule

The single most important ballistic concept in .22 LR terminal performance is the expansion threshold. Hollow-point bullets in the .22 LR caliber require a minimum impact velocity of approximately 1,050 fps to expand reliably. Below that threshold, the hollow-point cavity fills with tissue and the bullet behaves as a round-nose projectile, penetrating deeply without expanding.

This threshold explains why the CCI Velocitor is so platform-dependent. At 1,362 fps from a rifle, it is 312 fps above the threshold and expands consistently to 0.39 inches. At 852 fps from a 2-inch revolver, it is 198 fps below the threshold and over-penetrates without expanding. Same cartridge, completely different terminal behavior, purely as a function of the barrel length you are using.

The Stinger from a 2-inch barrel at 1,028 fps is only 22 fps below this threshold. That proximity to the expansion zone explains the inconsistent results from short barrels: some rounds impact at just enough velocity to trigger expansion, others do not. This is not a quality-control failure by CCI — it is the inevitable result of a threshold effect combined with the inherent ES variance of rimfire ammunition from a short barrel.

Practical application of the threshold rule:

• Chronograph your hollow-point .22 LR load from your actual barrel length.
• If measured velocity is below 1,050 fps, switch to a round-nose load for any application where you need predictable terminal performance.
• If measured velocity is above 1,100 fps, you are in reliable expansion territory with most modern CPHP designs.
• Between 1,050 and 1,100 fps, expect marginal and inconsistent expansion — some rounds may expand, some will not.

10. The Rifle Paradox: More Velocity, Less Penetration

One of the most counterintuitive findings in .22 LR terminal ballistics is what happens when a hollow-point bullet gets enough velocity to expand fully. You might expect more velocity to always mean more damage. In practice, a faster hollow-point bullet that expands aggressively will penetrate less deeply than a slower bullet that fails to expand, because expansion dramatically increases the frontal area and hydraulic resistance the bullet must overcome.

The clearest example of this paradox involves the Federal Punch .22 LR (a premium defensive load not fully covered in this guide but well-documented in testing). From a 2-inch pistol barrel, the Punch generates enough velocity to expand to a moderate diameter and achieves approximately 15 inches of gel penetration — adequate by FBI standards. From an 18.5-inch rifle barrel, the same load exits much faster, expands more aggressively, and penetrates only 8.75 inches. The additional velocity produced so much expansion that the bullet gave up all its extra energy in the first few inches of tissue and stopped well short of the 12-inch FBI minimum.

This paradox does not affect round-nose loads, which do not expand regardless of velocity. It matters specifically when you are selecting an expanding hollow-point for use from a rifle. If the load is designed and velocity-rated for pistol use, its expansion characteristics may be too aggressive for adequate penetration from a longer barrel.

The Velocitor navigates this problem well because CCI designed it with rifle velocities in mind. At 1,362 fps from an 18.5-inch barrel, it achieves 13.65 inches of gel penetration with 0.39-inch expansion — both figures inside acceptable ranges. The expansion is controlled rather than explosive, allowing adequate penetration to follow.

When selecting a .22 LR defensive or hunting load for a specific platform, look for gel data shot from a comparable barrel length. Box-spec numbers are tested from 20-inch barrels, which may not reflect your rifle’s performance, and almost certainly do not reflect what happens from a pistol.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best .22 LR for self-defense?

It depends on your barrel length. From a rifle with a 16-inch or longer barrel, the CCI Velocitor 40gr CPHP delivers the best terminal performance: 13.65 inches of gel penetration and 0.39-inch expansion. From a pistol with a 4-inch or longer barrel, the CCI Stinger 32gr CPHP gives you the best chance of reliable expansion, though function-testing in your specific firearm is essential. From a 2-inch revolver, the CCI Mini-Mag 40gr CPRN provides the most predictable terminal behavior because its round-nose profile delivers consistent penetration without relying on expansion that will not occur at those velocities.

Is .22 LR reliable enough for self-defense?

Rimfire cartridges have a higher rate of misfires than centerfire ammunition. This is a documented, inherent limitation of the rimfire ignition system. If you must rely on a .22 LR for defensive purposes, choose premium loads from reputable manufacturers (CCI, Federal, Lapua), store your ammunition properly, and test regularly for function. Keep your firearm clean and well-maintained. Acknowledge the limitation and plan accordingly.

What does ES mean and why does it matter?

ES stands for Extreme Spread — the difference in feet per second between the fastest and slowest shot in a sample. Low ES means consistent velocity, which means consistent point of impact and predictable terminal behavior. The Mini-Mag’s ES of 30–38 fps is excellent. The Velocitor’s ES of 226 fps from a 2-inch barrel is alarming. High ES in a defensive context means your first shot and your fifth shot from the same box might impact at significantly different velocities and behave differently in tissue.

What is the best .22 LR for a suppressor?

Lapua Center-X 40gr at 1,073 fps is the benchmark for suppressed precision use. Its SD of 7–8 fps means it is reliably subsonic from any barrel length, and its accuracy matches purpose-built subsonic loads. For training under a suppressor without match-grade accuracy requirements, CCI Standard Velocity 40gr LRN at 1,070 fps (16-inch spec) is a widely available and affordable alternative.

Does .22 LR expand in gel?

Yes, but only above approximately 1,050 fps impact velocity. Hollow-point loads like the Stinger and Velocitor expand reliably from rifle barrels producing 1,300 fps or more. From short pistol barrels that drop velocity below the expansion threshold, the same hollow-point bullets penetrate without expanding. Round-nose and solid-point loads never expand regardless of velocity.

How much does barrel length affect .22 LR velocity?

Significantly more than most centerfire cartridges. The CCI Stinger drops from 1,541 fps at 18.5 inches to 1,028 fps at 2 inches — a difference of 513 fps from barrel length alone. The Velocitor drops from 1,362 fps to 852 fps over the same range. Every inch of barrel from 2 to about 18 inches contributes meaningful velocity, with the largest gains coming in the first 6–10 inches. Above 18 inches, gains are minimal.

Where can I buy the loads mentioned in this guide?

You can browse in-stock .22 LR options including CCI, Federal, Aguila, and Lapua at Tatted Tacticals .22 LR Ammo. Veteran-owned and stocked with tested, real-world performers rather than shelf-fillers.

Is the Lapua Center-X worth the price for casual shooters?

Probably not. If you are punching targets at 25–50 yards without a precision rifle to match the ammunition’s capability, the Mini-Mag will group well enough and cost a fraction of the price. The Center-X earns its premium when you have a quality barrel that can actually realize sub-half-MOA potential and a target system that lets you measure the difference.