Today I went out and tried three different .22Mag loads through my NAA with 1 5/8 inch barrel. I used Winchester 30 grain high velocity, Federal 50 grain Game Shocks, and Hornady Critical Defense 45 grain bullets. I shot into gallon jugs of water. All three loads penetrated two full jugs and the bullets were recovered in the third. Not much difference there. Here's a photo of recovered bullets:
[Broken External Image]
You can see only the Hornady bullet expanded in water. I loaded one of each in my NAA and made a video of each one firing. You really can't tell any difference in report or recoil from the video so I'm not taking the trouble to put it on youtube. However, subjectively the Hornady sounded and felt like it was a hotter round than the other two. Maybe some day I'll get another Chrony and find out for sure.
I know one bullet in water does not make a thorough and complete test, but from now on I'll have Hornady CD in my NAA. I also know that a .22 Mag is NOT a good choice for a self defense weapon. But I'd sure hate to be on the receiving end of any of these and especially the Hornady.
[Broken External Image]
You can see only the Hornady bullet expanded in water. I loaded one of each in my NAA and made a video of each one firing. You really can't tell any difference in report or recoil from the video so I'm not taking the trouble to put it on youtube. However, subjectively the Hornady sounded and felt like it was a hotter round than the other two. Maybe some day I'll get another Chrony and find out for sure.
I know one bullet in water does not make a thorough and complete test, but from now on I'll have Hornady CD in my NAA. I also know that a .22 Mag is NOT a good choice for a self defense weapon. But I'd sure hate to be on the receiving end of any of these and especially the Hornady.