22 Long Rifle (LR) Ammunition

The .22 Long Rifle is without question, the most popular and prolifically produced cartridges in the United States. It has served hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and military needs for over 100 years. Based on the Flobert BB cap the .22 LR is a result of continual improvement on the BB cap to fill the need for an accurate, low recoil, low noise cartridge for a variety of uses. The .22LR can be used for many different purposes, target shooting, plinking, and small vermin control are its most common uses. The comparatively inexpensive ammunition and high availability make the .22 LR a great choice for extended sessions at the range, as well as being much lighter to carry on extended hunting trips or hikes.

The .22 LR has been chambered in pistols and rifles in every common action type. From derringers to full sized military rifle clones, the .22 LR has the largest choice of firearms models chambered for it. A popular trend in .22 LR ammo is to have a conversion system for a firearm that is chambered for a centerfire caliber. This allows the user to train with the firearm they will use in daily carry or competition while doing so with less noise, recoil and cost. .

22 LR ammo has made only minor changes since its introductions by the J. Stevens Arm & Tool Company in 1887. Since then the .22 LR has increased in velocity, range and accuracy from its initial offerings. There are also lightweight hollow point bullets that offer a flatter trajectory with the energy transference that can only be achieved with a hollow point bullet. There are also companies that manufacture a .22 LR shot cartridge, this uses a small amount of #12 shot as a payload to very small rodents at close range, where the use of a solid point bullet would prove dangerous. Of all the uses that a .22LR has, it is most noted for being the first firearm that most people have shot.

It is the choice of youth shooting programs the world over as it is low in cost, accurate and has virtually no recoil or muzzle blast. This allows for the shooter to concentrate on the fundamentals of shooting and not worry about noise or recoil. The .22LR is a great cartridge that is enjoyed by virtually all shooters the world over. The wide range of firearms that shoot this inexpensive cartridge, along with the shooter friendly aspects will ensure that the popularity of the .22LR will remain for decades to come.