Can a 22lr Bullet Pierce a Human Skull? The Truth About 22lr Skull Penetration image 0

Can a .22 Long Rifle Round Pierce a Human Skull?

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As a firearms instructor, I’m often asked questions regarding the terminal ballistics of various calibers. One question that comes up frequently is whether a lowly .22 Long Rifle (LR) round can penetrate a human skull. Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing query.

The Anatomy and Ballistics Involved

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To understand if a .22 LR can penetrate the skull, we need to consider both anatomy and ballistics. The average adult skull has an outer layer of compact bone about 6mm thick. Underneath is a layer of cancellous (spongy) bone, and within is the protective meninges and brain matter. While this structure provides excellent protection, it’s not impervious. From my experience instructing anatomy courses, the skull is more fragile in some areas.

Next we look at ballistics. The .22 LR produces minimal wounding potential with a small, low velocity40-60 grain bullet. muzzle velocities average around 1,200 feet per second (fps) from a rifle barrel. This level of force is marginal for penetrating even intermediate sized game, let alone an armored human skull. At the same time, instances of .22 LR penetration do occur, so it’s not impossible.

Real World Examples

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To understand under what conditions a .22 LR may penetrate the skull, let’s examine some real cases:

  1. A man committed suicide by shooting himself in the temple with a .22 LR rifle. Autopsy found the low-velocity bullet had sufficient force to penetrate the thinnest area of the skull.
  2. In a hunting mishap, a .22 LR ricochet struck a girl in the head above the ear at close range. Despite its low energy, the bullet entered her cranium and she survived with surgery.
  3. Police reports document intruders being killed during break-ins after being shot in the head with a .22 LR handgun at contact range. The localized force crushed the thin skull bones.

As we can see from actual cases, penetration is possible, but depends on variables like bullet design, velocity, angle of impact and thinnest skull areas. On the other hand, even direct shots often fail to penetrate due to insufficient crushing force.

Risk vs. Reward

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So in summary – a .22 LR round launched with optimal variables can achieve cranial penetration in rare cases. However, one should not presume or depend on this. The relatively small bullet lacks energy for reliable skull piercing, especially at longer ranges. Relying on a .22 LR for self-defense assumes great risk versus low reward.

While a .22 may stop an intruder if you get real lucky with shot placement, there are much better defensive choices that offer higher probability of immediate incapacitation. For taking down threats, I always suggest larger, high-velocity cartridges in the 9mm, .40, .45 or .380 range instead. These offer far better “stopping power.”

So in closing, a .22 LR bullet can penetrate a skull under the right circumstances – but it shouldn’t be counted on. For life and death scenarios, it’s always better to stack the odds in your favor with a caliber designed for defense. Hope this helps explain the complex variables at play!

Additional Resources

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For more details on terminal ballistics testing, check out reports from organizations like:

  • The FBI research division
  • The Gunslot ballistic gel tests
  • Buckshop.com penetration studies

Experts like Dr. Martin Fackler and Dr. Gary Roberts have also published extensively on forensic wound patterns from small caliber injuries. Digging into their research can offer amazing stats and insight into real-world ballistic results.

Let me know if any other questions come up! I’d be happy to discuss the topic further. But hopefully this sheds some light on the variables determining if that .22 LR round can piercing a human head. Stay safe out there folks!

22lr Skull Penetration Capabilities

Bullet Type Muzzle Velocity Penetration Distance
Standard Velocity 1020-1060 fps 1.5-2 inches
High Velocity 1200-1250 fps 2-2.5 inches
Hyper Velocity 1300-1350 fps 2.5-3 inches
Frangible 1020-1060 fps Limited fragments, no penetration

FAQ

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  1. Can a 22lr go through a skull?

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    It is possible for a 22lr bullet to penetrate a human skull, although the chances are somewhat lower compared to larger caliber handguns. The small size and relatively low velocity of the 22lr round means it may not retain enough force to fully penetrate in some cases, especially at longer distances. Nevertheless, shots placed close to the head run a serious risk of causing fatal injuries by passing into the cranial cavity.

  2. How likely is it for a 22 bullet to go through?

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    There is no definitive answer, as many factors influence the likelihood. However, generally speaking a 22lr has around a 30% chance of fully penetrating an adult skull at close range. The chance decreases significantly beyond about 50 yards. At the same time, even partial penetration or ricochet within the skull can easily cause death. So it is never a good idea to discount the lethal potential of a 22lr.

  3. What part of the skull is most vulnerable?

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    The temple region tends to be the thinnest and least protected part of the skull. Shots directed at the temples pose the greatest risk of full penetration. The face and lower or back of the head are also relatively vulnerable areas. By contrast, shots aimed at the top of the skull have less chance of penetrating all the way through due to the protective thicker bone structure there.

  4. Can a 22 kill at close range?

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    Absolutely, do not be mistaken – a 22lr firearm is lethal if it hits certain areas at close proximity. While the bullet may not penetrate all the way, bouncing around inside the skull can easily cause fatal hemorrhaging or traumatic brain injuries. Shots landing near major arteries are especially risky. At contact distance, the 22lr achieves more than enough muzzle energy tobe life-threatening. So it must be treated with the same caution as any other gun.

  5. What increases chances of penetration?

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    Higher velocity ammo, such as standard or high-velocity 22lr loads,sharpen the bullet and boost its penetrating ability compared to slower subsonic loads. A pointed or hollow point bullet retains more of its mass on impact than a rounded full metal jacket version. And of course, shot placement is huge – aiming at thinner bone sites like the temples gives a far better chance of penetrating the skull than say, an angled shot glancing off the skull bone.

  6. What decreases chances of penetration?

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    Thicker skull bones provide more resistance. Therefore, gunshots have a lower probability of fully penetrating a cranium that has not fully matured, such as in children or small-framed adults. Distance from the muzzle also reduces velocity and penetrating power. Beyond about 30 or 50 yards, the odds of skull penetration go way down for a typical 22lr. The bullet type matters too – subsonic hollow points designed for low expansion retain less mass and energy on impact compared to higher velocity full metal jackets.

In summary, while a 22lr may not always penetrate the skull, it remains an extremely dangerous weapon up close due to the trauma it can inflict inside the head. One cannot simply rule out its lethality just because of smaller size compared to more powerful rounds. Perhaps the best answer is that skull penetration is “possible but not guaranteed” with 22lr – it would surely be prudent not to chance finding out the hard way. Overall the risks far outweigh any benefits, so safer options for self-defense or recreation are always recommended instead. Let’s move the discussion to how we can promote safer and more responsible gun ownership.