22lr Ammo Buying Guide - What You Need To Know?
22LR (Long Rifle) ammo is one of the most popular and versatile types of ammunition in the world. Known for its affordability, low recoil, and wide range of applications, 22LR is perfect for target shooting, plinking, small game hunting, and even training.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, finding the right 22LR ammo can make all the difference in your shooting experience.
22lr Ammo Key Features To Highlight
- Versatility: Suitable for rifles and handguns.
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective types of ammo.
- Low Recoil: Ideal for beginners and training.
- Variety: Available in different grain weights, velocities, and bullet types (e.g., hollow point, round nose).
New .22 LR Ammo For 2025
- Remington Performance Wheel Gun .22: Improved primer mix and stronger brass. 40-grain at 1,248 fps, 38-grain at 1,340 fps. Budget-friendly for plinking, not match-grade but better than older Remington ammo.
- CCI Suppressor Max: Subsonic (970 fps) with 45-grain segmented hollow point. Quiet, reliable, and great for suppressed shooting or pest control. Slightly pricier but worth it for quiet performance.
- Federal Hammer Down .22 LR: Made for lever-actions: 40-grain copper-plated hollow point at 1,200 fps. Smooth feeding and reliable for small game. Comes in 325-round boxes for convenience.
- Aguila Super Extra Hollow Point: Affordable 38-grain copper-plated round. Great for plinking and pest control. Not the most precise but perfect for casual shooting on a budget.
- CCI Clean-22 Hyper Velocity: 31-grain polymer-coated bullet at 1,550 fps. Reduces barrel fouling and offers flat trajectories. Ideal for fast cycling in modern .22 LR firearms.
- Norma Tac-22 Subsonic: Quiet 40-grain hollow point at 1,070 fps. Perfect for suppressed shooting and small game. Affordable and consistent for noise-sensitive environments.
- Remington Standard Velocity .22 LR: Classic 40-grain lead round-nose at 1,150 fps. Reliable and affordable for plinking or small games. Works well in bolt-actions and semi-autos.
What’s the Difference Between Standard Velocity and High-Velocity 22LR Ammo?
Standard velocity 22LR ammo fires at around 1,050 to 1,100 fps, offering consistent accuracy and low recoil. It’s perfect for target shooting, competitions, and indoor ranges, especially in firearms with tighter tolerances. On the other hand, high-velocity 22LR ammo travels at 1,200 to 1,600 fps, delivering more energy and flatter trajectories.
This makes it ideal for hunting small game, plinking at longer distances, and cycling reliably in semi-automatic firearms. Choose standard velocity for precision and high-velocity for power and outdoor use.
Which 22LR Ammo is Best for Target Shooting vs. Hunting?
For target shooting, accuracy and consistency are key. CCI Standard Velocity (1,070 fps) is a top choice for its reliability and low recoil, while Eley Tenex offers premium precision for competitive shooters.
For hunting, you need stopping power and reliable expansion. CCI Mini-Mag (1,235 fps) and Winchester Super-X (1,435 fps) are excellent options, delivering high-velocity performance for small games. Whether you’re at the range or in the field, choosing the right 22LR ammo ensures optimal results.
FAQs
Is 22LR Ammo Good for Self-Defense?
While 22LR ammo is affordable and easy to shoot, it’s not ideal for self-defense due to its low stopping power. Larger calibers like 9mm or .380 ACP are more reliable for personal protection.
Can I Use 22LR Ammo in Any 22-Caliber Firearm?
No, 22LR ammo is designed specifically for firearms chambered in 22LR. It cannot be used in other 22-caliber firearms like 22 Magnum or 22 Short unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer.
What’s the Difference Between 22LR and 22 Magnum?
22LR is smaller, less powerful, and more affordable, ideal for target shooting and plinking. 22 Magnum (22 WMR) is larger, faster, and delivers more energy, making it better for hunting small game and outdoor use.
How Many Rounds Come in a Box of 22LR Ammo?
A standard box of 22LR ammo typically contains 50 rounds, but bulk packs can include 100, 200, or even 500 rounds, making it cost-effective for high-volume shooting.
Find Best Prices For 22lr Ammo From Premium Retailers
At Cheap Ammos, we help you to find the best prices for 22lr ammunition. Our goal is simple—helping shooters find quality ammo at the best prices from retailers they can trust. We compare prices across 35 premium retailers, ensuring you get the best deals.
Every retailer in our directory is handpicked based on reputation, product quality, and customer service, so you can shop with confidence.