22 LONG RIFLE AMMO

22 LR Ammo: The Most Popular Rimfire Cartridge

Introduction to 22 Long Rifle Ammo

The .22 Long Rifle (LR) is the most widely used rimfire cartridge in the world. Introduced in the late 19th century, it has become the go-to option for target shooting, small game hunting, plinking, and even competition shooting. The 22 LR is praised for its affordability, low recoil, and widespread availability, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned shooters. The consistency and precision of rimfire ammunition are crucial for achieving optimal performance in these activities.

Whether you’re looking for high-velocity, subsonic, or match-grade ammunition, 22 LR ammo offers versatility and reliability for a variety of shooting applications. When comparing different types of 22 LR ammo, many shooters also consider their experiences with other ammo to determine the best fit for their needs.

History and Development

The .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridge boasts a rich history dating back to 1887, when it was developed by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company as an improvement over the .22 Long and .22 Short cartridges. Its increased power, accuracy, and effectiveness made it an instant success among hunters and target shooters.

Over the years, advancements in bullet types and propellants have enhanced performance, ensuring better accuracy, reduced fouling, and more reliable ignition. Today, millions of rounds are produced annually, catering to a wide range of uses, from small game hunting to precision target shooting.

Key Specifications of 22 Long Rifle Ammo: Muzzle Velocity

Bullet Diameter: 0.222 inches
Case Type: Rimfire
Bullet Weights: 29 gr, 36 gr, 38 gr, 40 gr, and more
Muzzle Velocity:

1,640 fps (Hyper-Velocity)
1,200–1,300 fps (High-Velocity)
1,050 fps or lower (Subsonic)

Muzzle Energy: 90–140 ft-lbs
Effective Range: Up to 150 yards
Parent Case: .22 Long

CCI Standard Velocity: Known for its reliability and performance, CCI Standard Velocity .22LR ammunition is highly regarded for its consistency and accuracy. Users report fewer misfeeds and jams, making it a preferred choice for shooting drills and various firearms.

Types of 22 Long Rifle Ammo

There are several types of .22 LR ammunition available, each tailored for specific purposes:

Hollow Point (HP) Ammo: Designed for hunting small game, hollow point bullets expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel that ensures a quick, humane kill.
Copper Plated Round Nose (CPRN) Ammo: A popular choice for target shooting, CPRN bullets are coated with a thin layer of copper. This coating helps reduce lead exposure and fouling in the barrel, making it a cleaner option for extended shooting sessions.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Ammo: Commonly used for target shooting, FMJ bullets have a copper jacket that encases the lead core. This design minimizes lead exposure and ensures consistent performance.
Hyper-Velocity: Extremely fast rounds (1,600+ fps), such as CCI Stinger, with a flatter trajectory for longer-range shooting.
Subsonic: Designed for quiet shooting, especially with suppressors.

Each type of .22 LR ammo offers unique benefits, making it important to choose the right one based on your specific shooting needs.

Bullet Weight Options

.22 LR ammunition comes in a variety of bullet weights, typically ranging from 36 to 40 grains. The choice of bullet weight can significantly impact performance, depending on the intended use:

.22 LR ammunition comes in various bullet weights, which affect velocity, trajectory, and impact:
20–30 Grain: Found in lightweight, hyper-velocity rounds like CCI Copper-22.
36 Grain: Offers a balance of speed and expansion—popular for target shooting.
38 Grain: A mid-range option used in subsonic and hunting rounds.
40 Grain: Most common weight; provides better penetration and accuracy.
60 Grain: Used in specialty Aguila Sniper Subsonic rounds, which offer higher momentum but lower velocity.

Selecting the appropriate bullet weight is crucial for optimizing your shooting experience, whether you’re aiming for precision on the range or success in the field.

Velocity and Range

The velocity of .22 LR ammunition can vary based on the type of bullet and propellant used. Typical muzzle velocities range from 1,000 to 1,200 feet per second (fps), with some high-velocity loads reaching even higher speeds. The effective range of .22 LR ammo is generally considered to be around 100 to 150 yards. However, certain high-velocity rounds can extend this range to 200 yards or more, providing greater flexibility for different shooting scenarios. Understanding the actual velocities and effective range of your chosen .22 LR ammo is essential for achieving the best performance in your shooting activities.

22 Long Rifle vs. Other Rimfire Calibers

The 22 LR is often compared to other rimfire cartridges like the .22 Magnum and .17 HMR. Here’s how it stacks up:

Feature	22 LR	22 Magnum	17 HMR
Velocity	1,050–1,700 fps	1,875–2,200 fps	2,550–2,650 fps
Energy	90–140 ft-lbs	320 ft-lbs	245 ft-lbs
Effective Range	50–100 yards (up to 200 w/ specialty rounds)	200+ yards	150+ yards
Recoil	Minimal	Moderate	Low
Cost per Round	Very Low	Higher	Higher
Availability	Extremely Common	Less Common	Moderate

The 22 LR stands out for affordability and availability, making it the best option for beginners and recreational shooters. However, for more power and range, 22 Magnum and 17 HMR offer superior ballistics.

Best Uses for 22 Long Rifle Ammo:

Due to its balance of power, accuracy, and low cost, 22 LR ammo is ideal for:

Plinking & Recreational Shooting – The most affordable and fun option for casual target practice.
Small Game Hunting – Effective on rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals. A single test firing, or 'one shot', from various ammunition loads into ballistic gel can evaluate their terminal performance, emphasizing precision and effective stopping power at specific ranges.
Competition Shooting – Used in precision shooting sports such as bullseye pistol and biathlon.
Training & Beginners – Low recoil and cheap ammo make it perfect for new shooters.

Reliability and Accuracy

.22 LR ammunition is renowned for its reliability and accuracy, making it a favorite among shooters. However, performance can vary depending on the firearm and the quality of the ammo. Top brands like CCI, Aguila, and Remington are known for producing reliable and accurate .22 LR rounds. When selecting .22 LR ammo, look for options that offer tight grouping and low recoil, such as Aguila ammunition. Additionally, consider the actual velocities and bullet weight to ensure optimal performance. High accuracy and consistent performance are key factors that make .22 LR a trusted choice for various shooting applications.

Popular 22 LR Ammo Brands

Numerous manufacturers produce high-quality .22 LR ammunition, including:

CCI – High-velocity and match-grade rounds
Federal – Reliable bulk packs for plinking
Remington – Subsonic and hollow point hunting ammo
Aguila – High-velocity options for performance shooting; Aguila ammo is known for its accuracy and reliability in shooting tests, with Aguila Super Extra .22 producing the tightest bullet grouping and firing flawlessly

Each of these brands offers consistent performance, accuracy, and reliability for various shooting needs.

What Rifles & Pistols Use 22 LR?

The 22 LR is compatible with a huge range of rifles and pistols, including:

Popular .22 LR Rifles:

Ruger 10/22 – The most popular semi-auto .22 rifle
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 – AR-style .22 rifle
Savage Mark II – Bolt-action precision for hunting and target shooting

Popular .22 LR Handguns:

Browning Buck Mark – A high-quality target pistol
Ruger Mark IV – A top-tier .22 semi-auto pistol

Because 22 LR is so common, nearly every major firearm manufacturer produces .22 LR rifles and handguns.

Pros and Cons of 22 LR Ammo

Pros

Affordable – One of the cheapest ammo types available
Low Recoil – Perfect for beginners and training
Versatile – Suitable for hunting, target shooting, and self-defense (in a pinch)
Widely Available – Found in virtually every gun shop and sporting goods store

Cons

Limited Power – Not ideal for large game or self-defense
Shorter Effective Range – Less energy beyond 150 yards
Susceptible to Wind – Light bullets can drift more than heavier centerfire rounds

Despite these limitations, the 22 LR remains one of the most practical and widely used cartridges in the world.

Where to Buy 22 LR Ammo

Finding 22 LR ammo is easy, but getting the best deals can take some searching. Here are top options from us here at Pro Armory:

Final Thoughts: Why 22 LR is a Great Choice

The .22 Long Rifle is the most practical and versatile rimfire cartridge ever made. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-shoot round, a hunter needing effective small game ammo, or a competitor wanting precision performance, 22 LR delivers on all fronts.

Its low cost, minimal recoil, and broad firearm compatibility make it an essential caliber for every shooter. While it lacks the power for larger game or serious self-defense, its sheer convenience, affordability, and accuracy ensure that 22 LR remains a favorite worldwide.

If you want a cost-effective, reliable, and fun-to-shoot cartridge, the 22 LR is your best bet.

FAQs

What is the maximum effective range of .22 LR?

The typical effective range of .22 LR is 50–100 yards. However, with high-velocity or hyper-velocity rounds, accuracy and energy retention can extend up to 200 yards under ideal conditions.

Can you hunt deer with .22 LR?

No. While some states allow .22 LR for deer hunting, it is not recommended due to low energy and limited penetration. It is best suited for small game like rabbits, squirrels, and varmints.

Is .22 LR ammo good for self-defense?

.22 LR is not the best choice for self-defense due to low stopping power. However, it can be lethal with accurate shot placement, and many people use .22 LR handguns for concealed carry in last-resort situations.

What is the best .22 LR ammo for accuracy?

Match-grade ammo like CCI Standard Velocity, Eley Tenex, and Lapua Center-X are known for exceptional accuracy in target shooting and competition.

Can .22 LR ricochet easily?

Yes, .22 LR bullets are lightweight and have a high tendency to ricochet, especially when hitting hard surfaces like rocks or metal. Always be mindful of your backstop while shooting.