22lr vs 22mag vs 5.7

[Leveraction44]

Looking at many videos on ballistic gel testing, it seems like there's not much difference in performance - shot from a pistol - between 5.7 and modern 22 mag ammo optimized for short barrels.

Then looking at 22lr Punch vs 22 mag and there doesn't seem to be much difference in ballistic gel.

Makes one wonder if a 22lr loaded with Punch ammo wouldn't be satisfactory for self-defense.

 

[N.Ga.Trader]

Maybe, but why risk it?

 

[Treehawk]

22 Mag is my favorite round for general purpose shooting and small game.

 

[trw2094]

a self defense round should be able to immediatley stop the threat if one should arise.

 

[sniper22]

22 Mag is my favorite round for general purpose shooting and small game.

And any big thug in a dark alley...

 

[ReservoirDawg10]

There are a number of differences.

Big ones:
1. 5.7x28 is centerfire. Inherently more reliable than rimfire. This is the biggest one for me.
2. 5.7 defeats level 2 armor out of handgun, and depending on round selection, can defeat level 3.
2b. 22lr and 22 mag are stopped dead in their tracks by level 2 armor.
3. Generally and roughly speaking, 5.7 has over double the energy of 22 mag out of a handgun.

 

[Bypass]

a self defense round should be able to immediatley stop the threat if one should arise.

No such thing. A 50 BMG round into the chest doesn't even guarantee a stop.

 

[Leveraction44]

Ammo price is crazy to me. I know it is a matter of quantities produced.

22mag is about the same cost as FMJ 9mm. 5.7 is at least twice that price for plinking ammo.

 

[streetglide08]

There are a number of differences.

Big ones:
1. 5.7x28 is centerfire. Inherently more reliable than rimfire. This is the biggest one for me.
2. 5.7 defeats level 2 armor out of handgun, and depending on round selection, can defeat level 3.
2b. 22lr and 22 mag are stopped dead in their tracks by level 2 armor.
3. Generally and roughly speaking, 5.7 has over double the energy of 22 mag out of a handgun.

Spot on!

 

[Boogar Presley]

No such thing. A 50 BMG round into the chest doesn't even guarantee a stop.

Remember the video of the sniper in Afghanistan using a 50bmg hitting a goober over a mile away on the side of the mountain. Goober exploded into pieces

22mag gets my vote. If it'll drop a big hog it'll drop a big man