· top picks · 6 min read
Best 6 22LR Hollow Points for Effective Home Defense
A curated guide to the best 22LR hollow point cartridges, evaluating their terminal ballistics, reliability, andvalue as a practical defensive round.
22lr hollow points combine reliable performance with controlled expansion, making them an ideal choice for concealed carry, self-defense, and competition shooting. This guide reviews the top 22lr hollow points, comparing their accuracy, penetration, and terminal performance to help you find the right ammunition for your needs.
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Reviews
American Cartridge Book
This slim volume packs a punch with over 75 rimfire calibers analyzed, from 22LR Hollow Points to obscure foreign cartridges. The detailed breakdown of 36 US manufacturers and nearly 130 unique headstamps makes it a goldmine for shooters and collectors.
Easton 9mm Crossbow Bolt
These crossbow bolts deliver consistent performance with their high-strength carbon construction and universal 9mm insert compatibility. Coming in at just 0.44 pounds for six bolts, they’re light enough for quick follow-up shots while maintaining solid fletched flight. The included 9mm inserts and 10-grain vanes make these reliable arrows straightforward to set up and tune for your setup.
Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburning Tapered Point
When you’re working on detailed pyrography projects, having the right tool makes all the difference. This walnut-hued wood-burning tip lets you create intricate designs with ease. At just 4 inches long, it’s lightweight enough to handle for extended periods without getting tired. The clever snap-closure design keeps it secure in your toolkit.
Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburning Technique Point Cone
When you’re working with Walnut Hollow’s Creative Woodburning Pens, this Cone Point tip becomes your most versatile tool for creating fine lines, dots, and curves. The specially engineered metal makes it a breeze to clean and maintain, so you can keep pushing your pyrography skills to new heights. Whether you’re crafting personalized decorations or wood-burning gifts, this imported tip is designed to help you produce professional-quality results with every project.
Walnut Hollow Creative Woodburning Technique Points II 5
Crafters will love these walnut-hued points that transform plain wood into works of art. The set of five includes everything from fine-tipped calligraphy to textured designs, making it simple to switch between projects. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced woodburner looking to expand your toolkit, these replacement tips are a practical addition that can breathe new life into your creations.
Forster FP Hollow Point 1/16
Crafted from durable materials for precise performance, the 1/16-inch Forster Hollow Pointer is a reliable choice for home reloaders. The adjustable stop collar on the case trimmer lets you control the hollow point depth, making it versatile for different ammunition types. While it’s specifically designed for cast bullet nose drilling, users appreciate its affordability and ease of use for personal defense loading.
Buyer’s Guide
22LR hollow point ammunition combines precision with safety, making it particularly suitable for defense, competition shooting, and training purposes. Understanding the key aspects of these cartridges helps in selecting the right load for your firearm and shooting goals.
Caliber & Performance
22LR hollow points maintain the standard caliber while incorporating specialized jacket materials and design features. The hollow point structure improves weight distribution, offering controlled expansion at typical target distances. This design balances terminal performance with cartridge versatility across different firearms.
Ballistic Coefficients & Trajectory
Hollow point loads generally feature lower ballistic coefficients compared to standard 22LR, affecting their long-distance flight characteristics. However, their stable internal ballistics and consistent velocity make them reliable across various shooting scenarios. Understanding your specific shooting distance is crucial for accurate load selection.
Construction Variations
The jacket materials in 22LR hollow points can vary between copper-plated, nickel-plated, and jacketed varieties. These differences affect corrosion resistance, expansion characteristics, and terminal performance. Research the specific construction of available loads to match them with your intended use and firearm.
Ethical Considerations & Training
When selecting 22LR hollow points, consider their intended use. These cartridges perform reliably in training scenarios and home defense situations due to their predictable expansion characteristic. Unlike hollow points, 22LR FMJ rounds are more suitable for range practice and target shooting applications.
FAQ
What is 22lr hollow point ammunition?
22lr hollow point ammunition features a bullet design that expands upon impact, typically creating a larger wound channel. This type of ammunition balances terminal performance with the low recoiling characteristics of the. 22 caliber.
These cartridges combine a soft lead core with a copper jacket, creating a hollow cavity that expands into a mushroom shape when striking a target. The design enhances reliability of wound channel creation while maintaining legality in restricted areas.
How does 22lr hollow point perform in comparison to standard 22lr ammunition?
22lr hollow points typically retain their jacket and expand upon impact, resulting in more consistent and powerful performance compared to standard 22lr bullets which fragment less reliably.
While both types deliver similar initial velocity and energy, hollow points exhibit superior penetration and expansion characteristics, making them a preferred choice for personal protection and varmint hunting.
What is the legal status of 22lr hollow points?
22lr hollow points are legal to own and carry in most states, though some local jurisdictions prohibit their use in semi-automatic firearms. Always check your specific area’s regulations.
These cartridges can be loaded into both single-shot and semi-automatic. 22 caliber firearms, though some older or smaller-action pistols may not handle them properly. Verify compatibility with your firearm before purchase.
How do 22lr hollow points compare in cost to standard 22lr ammunition?
22lr hollow points generally cost more per round than standard loads due to the additional manufacturing process for creating the expanded bullets.
While the cost per round is higher, the improved performance and reliability may justify the expense for certain applications like concealed carry or pest control.
What factors affect the performance of 22lr hollow points?
The type of gun and barrel length significantly impact performance. Longer barrels typically provide better velocity and expansion characteristics.
Shooting conditions, including surface type and target material, also influence how these bullets perform upon impact. Proper barrel alignment and correct grip are crucial for optimal results.
Are 22lr hollow points suitable for both new and experienced shooters?
While these cartridges can be easier to shoot than larger calibers, they still require proper technique and equipment. Beginners should practice with standard 22lr before transitioning to hollow points.
Due to their expanding nature, experienced shooters often prefer hollow points for their predictable performance and consistent expansion patterns. Both groups should familiarize themselves with the proper use and limitations of this ammunition type.
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