Thread: More fragmentive .22 rounds?

I wouldn't overstate this ricochet problem with 22s. Here in Cantab our team doesn't go out for 2-3 shoots a year, popping 4-5 bunnies each time. Instead we have shot them very heavily, literally by the tens of thousands, and most with 22s. In this situation of maximum test for rifles/ammos/gear, not one team member has expressed ongoing concern with 22 ricochets. I've also owned and trialled 17M2, 17HMR, 22WMR, 223 etc as variants - all good, but not bought to replace 22 due to ricochets. They're for added range etc as Vulcan mentions. Some thoughts:

* We only use hollow points, not solids as we need optimum pill expansion to put them down hard every time. Some boys use sub setups, but more go with HV for max range and punch. A matter of preference. Our average kill distance 70 meters - rifles shot in for 75m. The boys did not miss much from 0-100m with 22s.
* Use very accurate 22s, ours all sub 1/2" groups at 50m at best - some quite a bit better. And be well 'shot-in' yourself - regular range time is important.
* Shot placement - its always centre/lower chest if head on, or centre/lower shoulder if side on. That stops them all quick. Deep penetration with the front on shots, and bone impact for shoulder shots (pill expansion) and almost zero out the other side.

Yes we all wing a few due to our own movement, bunny movement, wind etc, but quick precise follow up shots deal with that. If you're getting belly/centre body mass shots etc which will go straight through, then take the extra moment to still yourself, get that precision shot. Have never had a problem with straight thru ricochets, but for myself and the other team boys we've always focussed 100% on keeping ourselves and rifles very sharp.

Cheers Mudz