22 Short Ammo Common Uses & History

22 Short ammunition was introduced in 1857 along with the Smith & Wesson Model 1 as the first metal-cased cartridge developed in the United States. These black powder weapons were used during the Civil War. Though the relatively low power of .22 Short ammo makes it unlikely that many soldiers use them as a primary weapon. The relatively low case capacity of the cartridge is less of a limitation than it once was. Since smokeless powder is considerably more space efficient than black powder.

Originally a short-range defensive cartridge (an application for which it is woefully inadequate by modern standards). The .22 Short remains in use today for both target shooting and hunting uses. During the 20th century. It was also use for Olympic and other competitive shooting events as well as shooting galleries at fairs and carnivals. Compared to most other calibers. The .22 Short is very quiet and light in the recoil department, making it an easy round to shoot.