.22 defensive ammo

[fizik]

I've just picked up a little .22 Beretta Bobcat that I'm wanting to have as a BUG and also as a little pocket pistol for the warm days I'm unable to conceal my usual G21. I know no .22 ammo is great ballistically unless it's gonna bounce around inside a BG and do damage that way, but I'm wanting to keep the best that I can in the gun. What recommendations do you guys have for ammo to load it with? I'm going to pick up some mini mags and some hornaday vmax stuff today to try out and then go from there. It's also possible that I'll get rid of this gun if necessary and get a .380 keltec pocket gun, I just like how small this is and the capacity for its size.

[Magiccarpetrides]

those are neat little guns....stay away from lead nose and go with the highest velocity you can find.

[enfield]

Get rid of it now. Just my humble opinion . . .

[fizik]

Get rid of it now. Just my humble opinion . . .

Why? because of the gun or the caliber? I know some people have had issues with certain ammo in the Bobcats, but this one functioned perfectly for the few mags I put through it. I'd just like to know why you say that.

[enfield]

Because you said you wanted to carry it as a backup or primary carry piece. You should get rid of it until the urge to carry it passes.

The caliber is inadequate for self-defense and there are so many better choices out there. You can get a .380 in the same size pistol and a .380 is barely adequate for SD.

[Mike.357]

a 22 short has killed a lot of people.

[Guest c_o_jones]

[DBTN]

Killing and stopping, as in ending the fight, are not always the same. Yes, the .22 will kill and has killed many. That should not be disputed. It's ability to stop a determined aggressor before they do you harm, however, is dismal. That is why it is a poor choice.

[Guest gunslinger707]

Personally i would rather trust the Bobcat loaded with CCI Mini mag's winchester xpediter or Remington yellow jacket's than the Kel-Tec size .380's. JMHO

[Guest 70below]

If it was between carrying a .22 or nothing, I would carry the .22........but otherwise, .380 is the smallest caliber I would carry and have any confidence. I would not enjoy being shot with a .22, but at the same time, I would not want to know I lost my life or a member of my family because I chose to carry a .22 instead of something that is more appropriate. My preference would be 9x19 or larger.

[Guest Astra900]

Remington's Viper, truncated cone, is a good load. It penetrates fairly well.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

+1 to enfield, DBTN, and 70below.

If you have options other than a .22 for SD, please exercise them.

That said, if I had to use a .22 for SD I'd probably load it with Remington's Viper or CCI's Mini-Mag...both of which are high velocity, non-HP.

Edited February 24, 2009 by Todd@CIS

[musicman]

+1 to enfield, DBTN, and 70below.

If you have options other than a .22 for SD, please exercise them.

Yea, you mean they haven't come out with a Bobcat in .17 yet?!

[Eric]

I have a Bobcat I have been carrying while awaiting the return of my Glock. I love the little gun while wanting to travel light. I carry CCI Stingers in the gun. they have been 100% out of the gun. They are also a 1640 FPS round. Pretty fast moving little round. They have a little more punch then the average .22 round.

I will continue to carry this gun because I love the size when I cannot carry my Glock

[Guest HexHead]

Yep. CCI Stingers.

[musicman]

I'd be a little cautious throwing around the idea that Stingers are flying out of your barrel at 1640FPS. I'm not sure, but that may be velocity from a rifle, and even if it's from a pistol, I doubt they used a 2" snub. Also, many manufacturers are optimistic with their listings as well.

Not to pee in your cheerios, but just FYI.

[mousegunner]

I carried a Beretta Bobcat four years ago when my p3at had gone back to Kel-Tec for fixing. The barrel on mine kept tipping up when it shouldn't have! But I think mini-mags would be good ammo. They seem to do well with all .22 pistols.

[Eric]

I'd be a little cautious throwing around the idea that Stingers are flying out of your barrel at 1640FPS. I'm not sure, but that may be velocity from a rifle, and even if it's from a pistol, I doubt they used a 2" snub. Also, many manufacturers are optimistic with their listings as well.

Not to pee in your cheerios, but just FYI.

I do not like pee on any of my food and you are correct... How about they are a great .22 round for the purpose described...

[Guest Rick O'Shay]

Unless you are expecting to be attacked by an angry squirrel or possibly a ticked off Chihuahua I would forget the .22

I live in Memphis, TN, not exactly known for moderate summer weather and still manage to comfortably conceal a 4" 1911 in an IWB holster.