Introduced in 1857, the .22 Short cartridge is the oldest American metallic cartridge still in production, featuring a 27 to 29-grain bullet in a short casing. Originally for self-defense, it became popular for target shooting and pest control due to its low recoil and quiet report.
Factors Influencing Travel Distance
Muzzle velocity, the initial speed upon exiting the barrel, is a primary factor. Standard loads typically achieve 1,045 feet per second (fps), with high-velocity loads reaching 1,105 fps.
Bullet design and aerodynamics affect flight. The .22 Short uses a lead bullet with a round nose or hollow point shape. Its blunt nose and light weight (27-29 grains) are not optimized for long-range aerodynamics, causing greater air resistance.
Air resistance (drag) decelerates it. This force is proportional to the square of its velocity, so faster travel results in quicker deceleration. As the .22 Short loses speed, air resistance diminishes, but drag curtails its trajectory.
The angle of elevation impacts its travel distance. A 45-degree angle yields greatest range in a vacuum. However, with air resistance, the optimal angle is lower, around 30 to 35 degrees from the horizontal. Firing the bullet too flat or too high reduces its range.
Environmental conditions influence trajectory and range. Altitude, air temperature, and humidity affect air density. Thinner air (higher altitudes, warmer temperatures) reduces drag, allowing farther travel. Wind also impacts its path, pushing it off course and reducing its travel.
Maximum Range and Energy Retention
While the .22 Short has relatively low power, its maximum theoretical range is far. Fired at an optimal angle, it can travel over 1 mile, or 1,600 to 2,000 yards.
The “effective range” differs from the maximum theoretical range. It is the distance a bullet retains sufficient energy and accuracy for its purpose. For the .22 Short, effective range is shorter, around 50 yards for practical applications. Beyond this distance, the bullet’s energy and precision diminish rapidly.
As the .22 Short travels, it loses energy and velocity significantly. Though not “lethal” for hunting at extended ranges, it retains enough energy to be dangerous and cause serious injury.
Safety Considerations and Ricochet Risk
Despite its small size and low power, the .22 Short is hazardous during flight. Even at its maximum theoretical range, it can still inflict serious injury or be fatal. Its entire potential travel distance is a danger zone.
The .22 Short carries a risk of ricochet, deflecting off surfaces. Its light weight and lower velocity make it prone to bouncing off hard objects like rocks, frozen ground, water, or tree trunks. When a bullet ricochets, its trajectory becomes unpredictable, posing a danger to unintended targets.
These risks highlight the importance of safety practices. A safe backstop is essential when firing any firearm, including a .22 Short, stopping and containing bullets beyond the target. Shooters must also know their target and what lies beyond, ensuring the bullet’s path is clear.