22Plinkster has long been putting tiny rounds into tiny holes and has likewise expanded into shooting 22 into various medium (including a remarkable test of 22LR vs Drywall). In light of the upcoming Independence Day holiday, Mr. Plinkster is out to see how many balloons a 22LR can penetrate. Given that the 22 penetrates 4.5 internal walls, it would stand to reason that 100+ balloons would be a cinch.

Or not, Plinkster comments that he asked a few industry professionals what they thought the penetration would be. Answers varied from ~15 to as high as 49 balloons, all under half of the potential total. By those estimates, the rubber would be quite draining on kinetic energy as they are penetrated, perhaps by the minute rubber-band effect until the projectile broaches the material. Or, its possible that the round is deflected easily by the material or the compressed pressure of the air during the “pop”

While not quite 100, the fast rimfire round performs extremely well, popping at least 60 balloons during a light breeze. Unfortunately, trying to line up 100 balloons in a row was practically difficult, so its up to the user to surmise the potential penetration of the rounds under idea conditions.

I, for one, hope Plinkster is able to pick up some solid high-speed equipment, which would answer this now pressing question. How many balloons can a 22LR go through under ideal conditions?