The average 22 LR muzzle velocity ranges from 1,070 feet per second (fps) for standard loads up to 1,640 fps for hyper-velocity ammunition. This metric represents the speed of the bullet at the exact moment it leaves the barrel. The true 22lr muzzle velocity varies heavily depending on the specific ammunition type, bullet weight, barrel length, firearm, manufacturer specifications, and environmental test conditions.
22 LR Muzzle Velocity
| .22 LR Ammunition | Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Ammo Type | Barrel Length | Source |
| CCI Standard Velocity | 40 grain | 1,070 fps | Standard Velocity | 24 inches | CCI Ammunition |
| Federal AutoMatch | 40 grain | 1,200 fps | High Velocity | 24 inches | Federal Premium |
| Winchester Super-X | 40 grain | 1,300 fps | High Velocity | 24 inches | Winchester |
| CCI Stinger | 32 grain | 1,640 fps | Hyper Velocity | 20 inches | CCI Ammunition |
| Aguila Sniper Subsonic | 60 grain | 950 fps | Subsonic | 24 inches | Aguila Ammunition |
22 LR Muzzle Velocity Explained
Muzzle velocity is the measured speed of a projectile the instant it exits a firearm barrel. The average 22 LR muzzle velocity falls between 1,070 and 1,200 fps. Different loads produce different velocities because manufacturers alter the powder charge and bullet weight for specific shooting applications. The velocity printed on ammunition packaging frequently differs from home chronograph results because factory tests are conducted using standardized 24-inch pressure barrels under tightly controlled atmospheric conditions, whereas civilian tests use consumer firearms in varied weather.
22 LR Velocity By Ammunition Type
Standard Velocity
Standard velocity 22 LR ammunition typically travels at 1,070 fps. These loads are primarily designed for target shooting and match competition because they remain subsonic, preventing the aerodynamic turbulence that occurs when a bullet crosses the sound barrier. CCI Standard Velocity is a widely used example, rated exactly at 1,070 fps.
High Velocity
High velocity 22 LR ammo utilizes a larger powder charge to push a standard bullet faster, usually between 1,200 and 1,300 fps. This 22 LR high velocity profile provides a flatter trajectory for small game hunting. Winchester Super-X 40 grain ammunition is a typical example, measuring in at 1,300 fps.
Hyper Velocity
Hyper velocity loads push the limits of the cartridge, often exceeding 1,400 fps. Manufacturers achieve this by combining a lighter bullet with specialized powder. The CCI Stinger is a prominent example, firing a 32 grain bullet at a published 1,640 fps.
Subsonic
Subsonic 22 LR subsonic velocity loads are intentionally loaded to stay below the speed of sound, which is approximately 1,125 fps at sea level. While standard velocity is technically subsonic, dedicated subsonic hunting loads often drop the velocity even lower or use much heavier bullets. The Aguila Sniper Subsonic uses a 60 grain bullet traveling at 950 fps to maximize kinetic energy while remaining quiet.
22 LR Muzzle Velocity By Bullet Weight
Bullet weight plays a direct role in 22 LR bullet velocity. A heavier bullet requires more energy to move, resulting in lower speeds, while lighter bullets can be driven much faster by the same powder charge.
- 36 grain: Often used in bulk high-velocity packs. Federal Champion 36 grain hollow points travel at 1,260 fps.
- 38 grain: A common middle-ground weight for hollow points, usually hovering around 1,250 to 1,280 fps.
- 40 grain: The traditional standard weight. Target loads sit at 1,070 fps, while high-velocity 40 grain hunting loads range from 1,200 to 1,300 fps.
- Other weights:Specialized hyper-velocity loads use lighter bullets, like the 32 grain CCI Stinger at 1,640 fps.Heavy specialty loads like the 60 grain Aguila Sniper Subsonic drop down to 950 fps.
22 LR Muzzle Velocity By Barrel Length
Barrel length heavily dictates 22 LR velocity by barrel length because the expanding powder gases need time and space to accelerate the bullet. Independent chronograph tests demonstrate how velocity scales with barrel length. Do not treat one barrel’s velocity as universal, as identical lengths from different manufacturers will yield slightly different results.
- 4.1 Inches:A Taurus TX22 handgun firing Winchester 36 grain HP ammunition produces roughly 1,093 fps.
- 6 Inches: Handguns in this range begin to maximize standard velocity powders. Testing by Ballistics By The Inch indicates that a 6 inch barrel firing typical 40 grain ammunition yields approximately 1,000 to 1,050 fps, though results vary by exact firearm chambering.
- 16 Inches:A CZ 457 rifle with a 16 inch barrel firing CCI Standard Velocity 40 grain ammunition yields 1,084 fps.
- 18 Inches:A Ruger 10/22 with an 18 inch barrel firing Winchester Super-X 40 grain ammunition achieves 1,299 fps. This length generally provides the peak 22 LR muzzle speed for the cartridge.
- 20 Inches: Testing indicates that pushing a standard 40 grain bullet through a 20 inch barrel often yields velocities identical to 18 inch barrels. In some rifles, shooters will measure a slight decrease in FPS due to the friction of the longer bore outstripping the burning powder.
22 LR Muzzle Velocity vs 22 WMR
The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) utilizes a longer, wider case that holds significantly more gunpowder than a .22 LR. This larger case capacity is why the .22 WMR produces a much higher 22 LR vs 22 WMR velocity despite firing the identical caliber projectile.
| Feature | .22 LR | .22 WMR |
| Bullet Weight | 40 grain | 40 grain |
| Typical Muzzle Velocity | 1,200 fps | 1,910 fps |
| Typical Muzzle Energy | 128 ft-lbs | 324 ft-lbs |
| Source | Federal AutoMatch | Winchester Super-X |
Muzzle Velocity vs Downrange Velocity
Muzzle velocity is measured exactly at the barrel exit. As soon as the bullet enters the air, aerodynamic drag begins to slow it down.
- 25-yard velocity: The bullet has typically lost 5 to 10 percent of its initial speed.
- 50-yard velocity: Standard 40 grain bullets often drop below 1,000 fps, losing noticeable kinetic energy.
- 100-yard velocity: Most standard and high-velocity 22 LR bullets will drop into the 850 to 950 fps range. A 1,200 fps muzzle velocity does not mean the bullet impacts a target at 1,200 fps.
Manufacturer Velocity vs Chronograph Results
Shooters often notice conflicting velocity figures when comparing manufacturer published velocity to independent chronograph measurements. Manufacturers test their ammunition using 24 inch universal pressure barrels in climate controlled laboratories. Home chronograph tests use mass-produced firearms with varying barrel lengths, chamber tolerances, and real world weather conditions. Ballistic calculator estimates also rely on mathematical models that may not account for the exact bore friction of a specific rifle. This explains why different sources provide different numbers, and why a box claiming 1,255 fps might only measure 1,180 fps on a consumer chronograph.
FAQs
What is the muzzle velocity of a 22 LR?
The muzzle velocity of a 22 LR ranges from 710 fps for specialized quiet loads to 1,640 fps for hyper-velocity ammunition, depending heavily on the specific brand and bullet weight.
What is the average 22 LR muzzle velocity?
The average 22 LR muzzle velocity for standard target ammunition is 1,070 fps. High-velocity hunting ammunition averages between 1,200 and 1,300 fps.
How fast is a 22 LR bullet in FPS?
A standard 22 LR bullet travels between 1,070 and 1,200 FPS when fired from a rifle length barrel.
What is the muzzle velocity of a 40 grain 22 LR?
A 40 grain 22 LR bullet typically has a muzzle velocity of 1,070 fps in standard target loads and up to 1,300 fps in high-velocity hunting loads.
What is the fastest 22 LR ammunition?
The fastest 22 LR ammunition widely available is the CCI Stinger, which fires a 32 grain hollow point bullet at a published muzzle velocity of 1,640 fps.
Does barrel length affect 22 LR muzzle velocity?
Yes, barrel length directly impacts velocity. A 22 LR bullet will travel much slower out of a 4 inch pistol barrel than it will out of an 18 inch rifle barrel, which provides more time for the expanding gases to accelerate the projectile.
How does 22 LR muzzle velocity compare with 22 WMR?
The 22 WMR produces significantly higher muzzle velocities than the 22 LR. A 40 grain 22 LR typically travels at 1,200 fps, while a 40 grain 22 WMR can reach speeds over 1,900 fps due to its larger powder capacity.