Understanding Grain Weight and its Impact
What is Grain Weight?
The term “grain” is a unit of weight, typically used in the measurement of bullets, gunpowder, and other small items. One grain is equal to 1/7000th of a pound. Therefore, a bullet labeled “36 grain” weighs slightly less than a bullet labeled “40 grain.”
Velocity and Energy
This seemingly small difference in weight has significant effects on the bullet’s flight characteristics and its behavior upon impact. Generally, lighter bullets, like the 36 grain variety, tend to travel at a higher velocity – the speed at which the bullet leaves the muzzle of the gun. Conversely, heavier bullets, like the 40 grain rounds, usually leave the barrel at a slightly slower speed. However, the heavier bullets often retain more energy downrange, meaning they carry more kinetic energy, or “punch,” when they hit their target.
Other Influencing Factors
But weight isn’t the only factor that influences how a .22 LR bullet performs. Other variables play significant roles, including bullet shape, powder type and load, barrel length of the firearm, and the rifling twist rate. The shape of the bullet, for example, determines how it interacts with the air as it travels. A hollow point bullet is designed to expand upon impact, transferring more energy to the target, while a solid bullet often offers greater penetration. The type of powder and its charge, carefully measured by ammunition manufacturers, directly impacts the velocity. The barrel length in turn affects velocity and bullet stability, and finally, the twist rate of the rifling within the barrel also greatly affects bullet stability and how consistently it travels.
36 Grain .22 LR Bullets
Characteristics
These rounds often feature a bullet type that is typically a hollow point or copper-plated solid point. Their design priorities are often focused on expanding on impact to deliver a more decisive strike. The 36 grain bullets will, in most cases, have a higher velocity compared to the 40 grain rounds. They leave the muzzle faster. This increased velocity often translates to a flatter trajectory. Some common muzzle velocities for 36 grain rounds can be found in the 1280 to 1380 feet per second (FPS) range, though this can vary depending on the manufacturer, barrel length, and powder used.
Advantages
The advantages of 36 grain bullets include a flatter trajectory, making them a reasonable choice for target shooting at varying distances, and also in some applications they might be suitable for small game hunting. The flatter trajectory minimizes the need for holdover adjustments when aiming, particularly helpful for targets at further distances. A faster velocity also means the bullet gets to the target sooner, minimizing the effects of wind. For small game, the flatter trajectory and potential for expansion on impact, depending on the bullet design, can contribute to a clean and ethical harvest.
Disadvantages
However, 36 grain bullets also come with some disadvantages. Their lighter weight can mean they are potentially more susceptible to wind drift compared to heavier bullets, requiring the shooter to compensate for the wind’s influence. Since these rounds are often hollow points, the expansion upon impact may lead to slightly less penetration through dense materials. In addition, the cost can be slightly more per round compared to the more common 40 grain bullets.
40 Grain .22 LR Bullets
Characteristics
These rounds often feature solid or copper-plated solid bullet designs, where the bullet is constructed of lead and may have a thin copper coating to enhance performance and reduce lead fouling in the barrel. 40 grain bullets generally leave the barrel at a slightly lower velocity than their 36 grain counterparts. Muzzle velocities usually range from around 1100 to 1250 FPS, again depending on the manufacturer and barrel length.
Advantages
The advantages of the 40 grain bullets include a generally more consistent energy transfer at impact due to their mass. They tend to penetrate better through various materials, making them a sound choice for more challenging game. Another advantage of 40 grain bullets is that they are often more readily available in a greater variety of brands, as well as they often have a slightly lower cost per round. Also, in some firearms, the 40 grain bullets may deliver superior accuracy.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of 40 grain bullets are the opposite of the 36 grain issues. Because of their lower velocity they can experience a slightly more arched trajectory, meaning they drop more over a given distance. This necessitates more holdover for shooting at further distances. Though a minor disadvantage, the lower velocity can affect the impact energy and overall effectiveness in certain hunting situations, when the target is more mobile.
Performance Comparison: Shooting Applications
Target Shooting
For target shooting, accuracy and trajectory become the primary considerations. While both 36 and 40 grain bullets can be accurate, the 36 grain bullets’ flatter trajectory might give them a slight edge at longer distances, reducing the amount of holdover required. However, the differences in trajectory become less significant at shorter distances, where both bullet weights can deliver excellent results. Wind conditions also heavily influence accuracy; therefore, the greater resistance to wind of the 40 grain bullet could provide more stable shots. However, the best bullet for target shooting ultimately depends on the firearm and the shooter’s preferences. One may have a firearm with a barrel that is better-suited to the heavier bullet.
Small Game Hunting
In small game hunting, terminal ballistics and effectiveness are crucial. The desired outcome is a quick, ethical harvest. The 40 grain bullets, with their higher energy transfer at impact and better penetration, are often preferred for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and other similar-sized animals. Their ability to penetrate through bone and tissue ensures a decisive hit. However, in hunting situations, the bullet design and desired result will make a significant difference in the choice, as hollow point 36-grain ammo might deliver better terminal ballistics in some instances.
Plinking and General Range Use
For plinking and general range use, cost, availability, and overall performance become paramount. The 40 grain bullets often win here due to their widespread availability and affordability. They offer a good balance of accuracy, performance, and cost, making them ideal for casual shooting sessions. However, if precision is important, or if you are regularly shooting at extended distances, 36 grain ammunition could be considered.
Considerations and Recommendations
Testing in Your Firearm
Regardless of your intended application, the key to finding the right .22 LR bullet is through experimentation. Testing different ammunition types in YOUR firearm is paramount. What shoots accurately in one rifle might not perform as well in another. Factors such as barrel twist rate, chamber dimensions, and the overall quality of the firearm play significant roles.
Bullet Design and Impact
Bullet design and its construction play a critical role in the performance you can expect. Hollow point bullets are engineered to expand upon impact, increasing the bullet’s diameter and transferring more energy to the target. This can lead to devastating results in hunting and self-defense scenarios. Solid bullets, on the other hand, maintain their shape upon impact, providing deeper penetration. They are often preferred for general plinking and training, allowing the shooter to practice safely and repeatedly. Copper plating can further enhance bullet performance by reducing lead fouling in the barrel.
Recommendations Based on Needs
Ultimately, choosing between 36 grain and 40 grain .22 LR ammunition comes down to your specific needs and how the bullets perform in your firearm. Consider the type of shooting you’ll be doing, the ranges you plan to shoot at, and, of course, your budget.
For target shooting at longer distances, the flatter trajectory of 36 grain bullets might give them a slight advantage, but if you are trying to reach a variety of distances, the 40 grain bullets may be more accurate with less adjustment. For small game hunting, the greater penetration and energy transfer of 40 grain bullets often make them the preferred choice. The solid design usually means the bullet will have less chance of being affected by wind, which makes this type of ammunition suited for this sort of work. If you are looking for an economic and easily available type of ammo, then the 40 grain ammo is also a clear winner for you.
Conclusion
There is no single “best” .22 LR bullet; the ideal choice depends on the specific application and the shooter’s requirements. Both 36 grain and 40 grain bullets have their strengths and weaknesses. The best way to determine which .22 LR bullet is right for you is to try them both, testing different brands, bullet types, and grain weights in your rifle. Head to the range, shoot at the targets, compare the results, and the best decision should be the ammo you prefer. Take notes and see what group sizes you achieve. Then, decide which one provides the most accuracy and effectiveness in your particular firearm.
