22 Long Rifle vs 9mm Comparison

22 Long Rifle vs 9mm Comparison

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to compare the .22 LR and 9mm today. These two cartridges represent some of the most popular calibers on the market and are employed by shooters of all types. We are going to compare aspects such as the background of each cartridge, uses for each cartridge, and more in this blog post. Without further ado, let’s delve into the differences between the .22 LR and 9mm.

What is .22 LR?

The .22 Long Rifle, often abbreviated as .22 LR, is a long-standing rimfire cartridge which has persisted for well over a century. Initially introduced in 1887 by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, the .22 LR was based on the earlier .22 Long cartridge. Notably, the .22 LR is suitable for use in both pistols and rifles, making it versatile and able to be utilized by a wide range of firearms. Additionally, the cartridge operates at velocities conducive to reliable function in semi-automatic firearms. This trait is notable as earlier rimfire cartridges lacked the ability to reliably cycle semi-automatic firearms. The cartridge is well-known for its light recoil and low report, allowing users of all types to effectively employ and master the rimfire cartridge.

What is 9mm?

9mm, also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, and 9x19mm Parabellum, is one of the most common centerfire cartridges in existence. The cartridge was designed in 1901 by Georg Luger and saw mass production a year later in 1902. Notably, the cartridge marked the beginning of an era of autoloading handgun cartridges, helping legitimize the concept of semi-automatic service pistols. Since its introduction, the round has been employed by numerous military, law enforcement, and private entities for various purposes. The cartridge notably produces a tame recoil impulse and has a high accuracy potential. These traits contribute to the fact that the 9mm is often the first centerfire pistol round adopted by new shooters. Purchase .22 Long Rifle Ammo

Some Quick Data

Here is a bit of data regarding the two popular cartridges.

Attributes	.22 Long Rifle	9mm Ammo
Muzzle Velocity	1,200-1,600 fps	1,100-1,300 fps
Muzzle Energy	140-160 ft.lbs	350-450 ft.lbs
Bullet Weight	30-40 grains	115-147 grains
Effective Range	150-200 meters	50-100 meters

Of course, these figures are just general values which can differ based on a variety of factors. Things such as barrel length, altitude, and traits of specific loadings can contribute to the actual, achievable velocities and energies of these cartridges.

What is .22 LR Used For?

Shooters employ the .22 LR cartridge for a variety of purposes. Like all calibers and gauges, .22 LR is well-suited to plinking and recreational shooting. Additionally, the cartridge is ideal for training purposes as one can effectively build their skills with .22 LR ammo without having to contend with stout recoil and loud reports. Ammo of this type is generally affordable and bulk .22 LR ammunition offerings make it easy for shooters to stock up. The affordable nature of this round plus and available .22 LR bulk ammo makes it well-suited for the aforementioned use cases of training, plinking, and recreational shooting. The cartridge is also often employed by shooters for small game hunting and competition purposes. Many specialized loadings for these use cases exist and further optimize the cartridge for these purposes.

What is 9mm Used For?

Due to its popularity and widespread use, the 9mm cartridge is used for a variety of purposes. Like all calibers, the 9mm cartridge is well-suited to plinking and recreational shooting. Additionally, the cartridge is also optimal for training purposes as one can effectively build their skills with 9mm ammo. Ammunition of this type is generally affordable and bulk 9mm ammo offerings make it easy for shooters to stock up. The economic nature of this round plus readily available bulk ammo makes it well-suited for the aforementioned use cases of training, plinking, and recreational shooting. Of course, the cartridge is viable for defensive use and duty.

Availability of Ammunition

Shooters will find that .22 LR ammo and 9mm ammunition are among the most common and accessible rounds on the market. Notably, the .22 LR is the most common rimfire cartridge in circulation while the 9mm is the most popular handgun round on the market. Both cartridges are supported by a wide range of manufacturers who produce standard and specialty loadings. Federal, CCI, Aguila, Magtech, and Winchester are among the producers of .22 LR ammunition and 9mm ammo. These offerings can be had in various quantities such as individual boxes or in bulk ammo case or brick quantities. In short, ammunition for .22 LR and 9mm is widely available and one will have no issue finding loadings at most places where ammo is sold. Purchase 9mm Luger Ammo

Availability of Firearms

Like ammunition, shooters have many firearm options to consider in the way of .22 LR and 9mm chambered firearms. At this point, the market has a variety of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and subguns available in these calibers. Handguns can be found in various sizes, shapes, and configurations, allowing shooters to find a model well-suited to their preferences. Optics ready, competition oriented, suppressor ready, and concealed carry optimized offerings are available. Rifles can be had in a variety of manual action forms in addition to a myriad of semi-automatic designs. Shooters will encounter a variety of options at multiple price points. This is to say that shooters of all budgets can access a firearm in either caliber. In short, firearms in .22 LR and 9mm are easily found.

Conclusion

And there we have it. Both the .22 LR and 9mm are well-known pistol calibers that employed by shooters of all types in the United States for various purposes. One cannot go wrong with either cartridge if they are using them for their appropriate use cases. We here at True Shot Ammo carry both .22 LR ammunition and 9mm ammo in our large inventory. Whether you want to buy .22 LR ammo or purchase 9mm ammunition, we have you covered. Regardless of whether you want to buy bulk ammo or individual boxes of either caliber, we can help you get stocked up. As always, happy shooting.