the only handgun you had was a 22lr for personal defense from both 2 legged and 4 legged predators what load would you use and why? Should it be solids for maximum penetration or standard velocity hollow points for a combination of penetration and expansion or possibly hyper velocity rounds like stingers. Just curious to everyone's thoughts.

The fastest heavy solid I could find.I would not worry about over penetration but under penetration. And practice practice practice!!!!!!!!!

CCI Stingers.

+1 on CCI Stingers

Ok so 1 for solid 2 for stingers. Please expand or why you would use stingers.

Aguila SSS Sniper Subsonic | Lead
No. 1B222112
BULLET WEIGHT VELOCITY ENERGY
60 grs. 950 f.p.s 848 ft. lbs

Lethal!!!

Doc

As difficult as 22lr is to obtain these days I'd use whatever I'm lucky enough to lay my hands on. But in reality I'd also have a bigger gun.

Heavest solid I could fine to get bullet deep as I can.Might just pull factory lead and make my own.

WW 37 gr. hollow points have always shown excellent results on small game. Should also work adequately on humans, up close. I hope no one asks about starting a bear thread.

I used to do a lot of trapping and always had good luck dispatching raccoon, coyotes, and bobcats with CCI Mini Mag hollow points. I haven't had any experience on anything larger, but with proper shot placement it would be better than nothing.

At typical handgun velocities, I don't think it matters all that much. The .22 LR projectiles I've seen fired from handguns and recovered at autopsy didn't reliably expand like they do when fired from rifles so penetration if often very similar to solids.

I find CCI Velocitors to be more accurate than Stingers in my guns and they do it without giving up too much in the FPS department.

I would probably use hyper velocity (Stingers). Or HV 36gr hollow points. Ruger Mark II or S&W 17. As I have stated before, a small gun in hand is superior to no gun. If attacked I would go for the eye socket or ear hole first. Neck / spine second. Just showing without firing would probably stop a 2 legged varmint. If a big 4 legged critter attacked. I would run for cover first. If cornered I would punch with my left hand and fire at the above mentioned aiming points. Probably while screaming violently.
My friend was attacked by a Grizzley in Colorado a few years ago and his Rem 700 jammed as the Bear pinned him to a tree. He shoved the non firing rifle so far down the bear's throat that his scope and stock has teeth marks on it and the saliva & blood from the bear's mouth was all over him and the gun. He hurt the bear enough that it left. Had he been wearing a belt gun he could have probably shot her in the eye! One lucky guy to live through that!

Stingers

CCI stinger

Ive see what they do to a woodchuck

IMO a 22 LR loaded right is a viable option.
Not the best choice, but I can but 10 in a group better than I can 5 with my 38 or 9MM

Also let me add that the scenario here is defensive, protection at close range. Not a shootout where I am pinned down at some distance. I choose hollow points in my little gun because I want as much damage to the targeted area as possible. Penetration via solids are probably more lethal but probably not instantly. I want to neutralize and damage the face & neck area so I can gain advantage to get away. I do not expect stopping power from a .22 but I intend to survive the incident.
As an FYI, I do usually carry, and my deep conceal gun is a NAA 22 magnum mini Revolver loaded with HP ammo when I just can't conceal a 1911 or a small 9mm auto. In rural PA it is more likely to encounter a biting dog or a stupid human than it is a black bear although I have had a few non-confrontational bear encounters that have caused me to reach for my gun while hunting.

Thanks for all the replies. It looks as if Stingers have it so far. I would probably go with Stingers also as I have seen some dramatic damage done with those little rounds over the years.

I concur. CCI stingers, hands down!
Steve

Typo? My math gives me about 120 ftlb, beats a knife or stick anytime.

As a deputy sheriff I carried Stingers in my Freedom Arms Mini Revolver shirt pocket gun. They would still be my choice.

I've taken animals up to 150# with Aguila 38 gr. HP subsonics. The 60s should work good, too. Bullet placement is everything.

I like that last sentence.