Max Range of .22?

Question

What is the maximum accurate range a .22 rifle neglecting shooters accuracy on a calm day?

.22 longrifle that is, i know it is at least 100 as i've shot that far open sights accurately

Answer 1

For good old plinking, I set the limit on the 10/22 and its iron sights at 200yards. There is a 14x14in metal plate of hardened steel for the high-power shooters at my club, but the .22LR will reach out there and give you a hint of a report soundling like a "tink" when it runs into that plate.

People seem to have misconceptions on what you can do with these..if I only made bets with the doubters thinking I can't hit that plate off-hand at 200 yrds with iron sight on the 10/22, I'd be rich. lol

Answer 2

First off, there are a lot of variations in .22LR's. A 10/22 that's had 15,000 rounds through it is going to be far less accurate than a new one with a $500 accuracy kit.
Secondly, define accurate. Also widely varied, when I shoot my .308 at 100 yards I practice on spent shell casings and run about 95%. With any .22 I'd doubt that percentage would be consistently possible. Considering a the accuracy of a .22 I would call any 10 shot group larger than 2 or 3" not accurate and from my experience that's going to be between 75 and 150 yards depending on the rifle A clean, stock, relatively new rifle probably around 100.
A .22 travels slowly enough, it's just a matter of time before it tumbles. Also, the above assumes calm day off a solid bench.

Answer 3

My bad, My first answer was wrong! I was taught 100 to 200 yards! wow I guess I should do some more studying before I shoot a gun again! Anyway here is your answer from wikipedia.

The .22 LR is inexpensive, often costing less than two US cents per cartridge. It is effective within 150 meters (490 ft) (after 150 meters the ballistics of the round are such that the large "drop" will be difficult to compensate). The relatively short effective range, low report, and light recoil has made it a favorite for use as a target practice cartridge. The accuracy of the cartridge is good, but not exceptional; various cartridges are capable of the same or better accuracy. Still, the effectiveness of this cartridge is often underestimated. The trajectory of the .22 LR "has a 2.7 inch rise at 50 yards and 10.8 inch drop at 150 yards when zeroed at 100 yards." [1] "Practically speaking, a .22 LR rifle needs to be zeroed at about 75 yards to avoid over-shooting small animals like squirrels at intermediate distances." [2]

The newest commercial rimfire, the .17 Mach 2, is based on the .22 LR case, but is slightly stretched in length (case length is similar to the CCI Stinger) and necked down. The light, aerodynamic .17 caliber (4.5 mm) bullet gives a much higher velocity than the .22 LR, for similar energy and a much flatter trajectory, but at the expense of increased cost and noise.

As a hunting cartridge, the .22 LR is mainly used to kill small vermin such as rats and squirrels. It is also highly effective on rabbits at distances closer than 150 meters and on ground hogs, marmots, and foxes closer than 80 meters. It has been successfully used on large creatures such as coyotes, but range should be limited to no farther than 65 meters, head and chest shots are mandatory with the most powerful and accurate .22 cartridge the hunter can use accurately. The hunter would best find what cartridge out of the various high velocity and hyper velocity shoots well for him by preliminary testing. For greater range or larger game, a more powerful cartridge should be used to ensure a clean kill. Examples include larger rimfire rounds such as the .22 WMR, .17 HMR, or any centrefire cartridge. Like any bullet, the .22 LR is nonetheless dangerous and capable of killing humans and large animals at close range.

Answer 4

As a shooter that uses the range, I just have to throw this in. Most information is based on a 40 grain bullet. Anyone tried that 150-200 yards with the semi-military sub-sonic 60 grain? It probably doesn't make much difference, I've just not seen it used yet.

Answer 5

unless its a .22 magnum 200 yaeds is far. a normal .22 rifle would be topping out around 100 yards and thats with a good scope.
The bullet could travel much futher but accuratly and with enough power left to be lethal 100 yards is good. get out and do lots of practice with the great fun.
are they paper targets or are you hunting with it.

Answer 6

Just punching holes in paper, not hunting game animals.
With out any wind the 22LR will punch paper at 250 to 300 yards depending on many factors.
1= you must have a weapon that can do the job, good bolt action or single shot preferred.
2= quality ammo.
3= quality optics.
4= stable shooting bench or platform or just go prone with bipods.
5= the skill needed to make the shot.
With good weather conditions and proper equipment and skill you could beat 300 yards for paper punching.

A responsible hunter would not shoot game over 100 yards.
And would use his hunting skills to cut that down to 50 or 75 yards, for small game larger game like coyotes you cut it down to 50 yards maximum.

D58

Answer 7

i think of a few of those solutions are out of wager. I actually have a glock 23 gen 4. I make a hundred and fifty backyard photos every day with it. it is production unit in the present day out of the container. For those of you who doubt those weapons attain that far accurately. I advise you bypass on youtube and watch human beings like Hickok 40 5 and countless others. Making 230 backyard photos very accurately.

Answer 8

50 yd.s is easy, 100 yd.s a stretch, and anything longer requires a marksman and is not normally even tried. If you just put holes in paper targets, try 150/200 yd.s, but if you are hunting, 100 yd.s is max.

Answer 9

200 yds

----update----

I have read the replys below, and I know a 22LR can be accurate at 200yds. And yes I use a scope. Whenever you shoot long range, you have to know the ballistics of your bullet.

The question was not what you can kill, but can it be accurate on a "calm" day.

Answer 10

The old .22 LR ammo boxes had the legend ont he box lid: "Range one mile be carefull."

H