While I am sure that most would opt to select .223/5.56 NATO over .22LR for home defense, but I have heard the argument that .22 would be “better” for home defense since its reduced energy would mean that it would penetrate through fewer walls. On the flip side, others argue that the 5.56 would be better as the round would tumble dissipating its energy and thus penetrate less.

Fortunately, both have now been put to the test in relatively similar conditions. A few tests come to mind on 5.56 through drywall (my favorite being the slow-motion from RichardBeck). I like the slow motion as it shows that the round does indeed start to loose stability. Still, the round is able to penetrate through nearly 8 walls, coming to rest on the inside of the last piece of drywall.  (Interestingly, the 9mm Critical Defense load actually penetrates one drywall section less).

And now, the 22LR was tested by none other than the Rimfire man himself… 22Plinkster. Using the hottest loads (CCI Velocitor and CCI Stingers), Plinkster uses a similar set up and shoots with both a handgun and rifle.

The results?

From a purely drywall penetration perspective, the .22 LR will be the better choice. Even with the hot loads, the rounds penetrate fewer sections of drywall that the center-fire rounds. With the handgun, the 22LR penetrates the equivalent of 4.5 internal walls and with the rifle nearly all the way through the 6th wall sticking in the dry wall.

My take-away – don’t miss. Both rounds will go through the typical amount of walls through a home.