22LR Ammo Types Questions

[new_gunner]

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of buying a 22LR pistol.
After reading some threads in this forum and searching 22LR ammo types information on the internet, I have some questions that I hope can be clarified.

1.
What are the differences between "Copper Plated" and "Grain Plated" 22LR ammo? Which type that will work better in most pistols?

2.
What are the differences in "Plated" ammo and "Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)" ammo?

3.
In "Plated" 22LR ammo, is there any part of the lead that is exposed/visible?
I am trying to avoid ammo that have exposed/visible lead.

4.
Why are 22LR pistols more ammo finicky than 22LR rifles?

Thank you very much in advance.

[Occams Rasor]

I hate to brake the bad news to you, but, in this day and age you shoot what you can get, not what you want. The supply of all 22lr is still tight. I have never heard of .22lr in FMJ nor copper plated. The copper color on say CCI MiniMags in really a copper wash, not a true plating process. As far as pistols being more finicky, depends on the model. Post what you are thinking of buying and you will get plenty of feed back on your selection.
Best of luck on your new purchase.

[new_gunner]

Thank you very much everyone.

mrrabbit, thank you very much for your detailed explanations.

[Chaos47]

Why are you "trying to avoid ammo that have exposed/visible lead." ???

Because you are under the miss-assumption that its bare lead.
They are coated with a lubricant that is generally wax or tallow.
Match grade ammo is almost never plated and pretty much always coated with wax or tallow.

If its good enough for the Olympics its good enough for you.

[Tarasdad]

Here's another tidbit: elemental lead isn't the problem, particulate lead is.

[Tank 57]

You can minimize lead exposure with simple steps.Shoot with good ventilation.Wash your hands after handling ammo.

[new_gunner]

Thank you very much, everyone.

Chaos47, you are right. I was under the impression that the bullets are bare lead.

[Socalman]

Very good explanation by MrRabbit. The one thing that needs to be emphasized in our current time is SHOOT WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT A PRICE YOU WILL SPEND. Just a few years ago .22LR was in the range of $.02 - .03 a round. Today it is more difficult to find and a good price range will be in the 12 - 15 cent a round range.