ACCORDING to Cartridges of theWorld the best information available indicates that the 22 Long Rifle was developed by the J Stevens Arms & Tool Company in 1887. It started out as a 22 Long case with a 5gr black powder charge and a 40gr bullet instead of the original 29gr bullet used in the 22 Long.
The 1888 Stevens catalogue refers to No 1, 2, 9 and 10 model break-open rifles being available and the New Model Pocket or Bicycle rifle as also chambered in the .22lr. Apparently the .22lr was, at some time available in black, semi-smokeless and of course smokeless powder loads. The first high velocity ammo was introduced by Remington in 1930.
The 7th edition of (1993) states that the .22lr was, at that time, the most popular match cartridge in existence and also the most widely used small game and varmint calibres. The cartridge was also a favourite of poachers for killing game out of season with close-up head shots –
