Relying on a .22 for self-defense isn't something everyone is comfortable with. But for those who are, it's not always clear which load to choose for this role. Our most recent batch of ballistic gelatin testing included both .22 LR and .22 Magnum with 2 and 4-inch barrels. Today, I'm taking a closer look at those test results and making a few recommendations for the best self-defense loads for handguns in these popular rimfire calibers.
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I'm sorry, but I've had way too many misfires in too many varieties of guns to even consider a rimfire cartridge for self defense.
I can understand somebody who's elderly or too weak to handle anything else using one, but I'm not even close to that point yet, thank God.