25 ACP vs. 22 LR isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison. The 25 ACP (aka 25 Auto) is a centerfire cartridge, whereas the 22 LR is a rimfire cartridge. The 25 ACP was designed to replace the 22 LR … so why hasn’t it?
25 ACP vs. 22 LR: At a Glance
| Category | 25 ACP | 22 LR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recoil | Virtually identical | Tie | |
| Reliability | Centerfire cartridges tend to be more reliable | Rimfire cartridges tend to be less reliable | 25 ACP |
| Gun Variety | Fewer options | More options | 22 LR |
| Stopping Power | Shallower penetration; less energy transfer | Deeper penetration, greater energy transfer | 22 LR |
| Ballistics | Lower muzzle velocity and energy | Higher muzzle velocity and energy | 22 LR |
| Cost & Availability | Costlier firearms and ammunition; fewer options | Cheaper firearms and ammunition; more options | 22 LR |
What’s the Difference Between 25 ACP and 22 LR?
The primary difference between the 25 ACP and the 22 LR is this: the 25 ACP is a centerfire cartridge, whereas the 22 LR is a rimfire cartridge. These cartridges also have different dimensions.
| 25 ACP | 22 LR | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | Original design | 22 Long |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.2512 in | 0.223 in |
| Neck Diameter | 0.276 in | 0.226 in |
| Base Diameter | 0.278 in | 0.226 in |
| Case Length | 0.615 in | 0.613 in |
| Overall Length | 0.910 in | 1.000 in |
| Maximum Pressure (SAAMI) | 25,000 psi | 24,000 psi |
Now that we have a grasp on the differences in design, let’s discuss how they affect real-world performance.
Which Is Better for Self-Defense?
One might assume that the 25 ACP’s larger bullet and conception as a concealed carry cartridge make it the better option for self-defense – but that’s simply not the case.
The primary reason some people choose to carry the 25 ACP over the 22 LR is that the latter promises more reliable ignition (more on that in a bit). The 22 LR exhibits greater striking energy and deeper penetration. More pistols chambered for it are also available. On the downside, 22 LR bullets tend to expand less following impact. Worse yet, rimfire primers generally aren’t as reliable as centerfire ones.
Neither of these cartridges is my go-to for self-defense. Both fail to satisfy FBI standards for terminal ballistics. Bearing that in mind, I believe 22 LR to be the better of the two by a slim margin.
Ignition Reliability
In my experience, 25 ACP firearms don’t cycle reliably. I never made it through a full magazine with my grandpa’s pistol without a jam, even if I’d just cleaned it. This could very well have just been a quirk with his pistol, but it definitely turned me off of the 25 ACP.
I’ve also had many jams and failures to fire with 22 LR, so I wouldn’t consider it very reliable, either.
That said, the 25 ACP is the more dependable of the two by sheer virtue of the fact that centerfire primers are more reliable by design.
Continue reading 25 ACP vs. 22 LR: Bigger Isn’t Always Better on Ammo.com