Caliber matchup
| Metric | 5.56 NATO | .22 LR |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 62 gr | 40 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 3060 fps | 1255 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1290 ft·lb | 140 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.45 | $0.08 |
| Recoil | Light | None |
| Introduced | 1980 | 1887 |
| Best role | AR-15 standard | Training / plinking |
5.56 NATO: Flat, light-recoiling, cheap; the American rifle round.
.22 LR: The cheapest trigger time there is.
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