The 22 Long Rifle is the world's most popular cartridge, with annual production well into the billions of rounds. Developed in 1887 for blackpowder, it has been loaded with smokeless powder since the 1890s. The 22 Long Rifle is a rimfire cartridge using the .613-inch case developed for the 22 Long, but standard is a heavier 40-grain bullet at 1180 feet per second. .22 Long Rifle ammunition is widely manufactured and varies tremendously, from sub-sonic and match ammunition at lower velocities to lighter bullets at higher velocities, all the way to a 30-grain bullet at 1700 feet per second. With low report, almost no recoil, and superb accuracy the 22 Long Rifle has no equal for short-range target shooting, plinking, and training in both rifle and pistol; and with high velocity hollow-point ammunition is extremely effective for small game and pests out to perhaps 75 yards. Virtually all manufacturers offer 22 Long Rifle, with choices in both rifles and handguns in all action types.
