Correct, though I would recommend hearing protection with a 22LR.

Especially if you are sighting in off ofa bench rest, I'd recommend plugsAND muffs. Not only does it do a superb job of reducing muzzle blast, it also blocks just about everything else going on around you (sound wise). Since you are in your own little world, this lets you settle into better managing the all important"battle within." It also lets you realize at a basic level that recoil is the thump on your shoulder not the bang in your ears.

That said, once your "frisky cartridge" rifle is sighted in you should not be shooting off of the bench at all.... field positions are what counts.... not many bench rests in the elk woods, though a side bracingoff ofan aspen is a close second.

** Informed, hands on, thirdparty guidance,
** Physiology,
** Mechanics and Physics,
** Psychology,
** Execution