The most common recommended ammunition for 22LR caliber

Recommended 22LR ammunition

For sport shooting, hunting, for beginner shooters to learn, for experienced shooters to practice, so anyone 🙂

The most common and most sought after 22LR ammunition.

As I wrote this post and began to delve into the world of 22LR ammunition, more and more complex uses began to emerge. If you find something you like, you will stick to it, because buying 50-100 types of ammunition and trying them out is no small task. The general public is unlikely to take the test.

I found an internet article where the shooter tried 54-55 types of 22LR ammunition. With each ammo, he fired 5×5 shots at a target from 50-75-100 yards. 🙂 Yes. This is no small job. And he didn’t make it that much. He analyzed the cards and averaged the standard deviation. How many would agree to this?

The beauty of the matter is that only a small percentage of the domestically popular ammunition was included in the sample. And of course the test is approx. 2010. Not today.

The article is available here: .22LR Rimfire Ammo Comparison Test

I collected the experience of several acquaintances and the available internet tests and based on the offers and technical parameters, I made this small collection. I classified the ammunition into several groups. Ammunition recommended for sports and competition. Ammunition recommended for hunting. Ammunition recommended for plinking for practice, education and training. Of course, 22-caliber ammunition is also available for self-defense, but I have not detailed them here.

However, it must not be forgotten that the rifle selects the ammunition. In other words, such tests are only good as a guideline as to which ammunition your rifle will be best with, only your own experience will show.

Practice, plinking 22LR ammunition

In the case of practice and hobby shooting, the primary consideration is price. We want to practice as much as possible as cheaply as possible. The destructive effect or penetrating power of the projectile is not a primary consideration. Of course, as the shooting performance improves, we can look for better quality ammunition.

• SK Standard Plus 40gr.
• Remington Thunderbolt 40gr.
• Federal Auto Match 40gr.
• Federal Champion 40gr.
• CCI Standard Velocity 40gr.
• Aguila Super Extra Lead Solid Point 40gr.

SK Rifle Match 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

The SK brand is a subsidiary of Lapua. SK ammo is made in the same factory as Lapua ammo, and its quality proves it. Excellent value for money ammunition, which is a great choice for sport shooting, practice and hunting. The Rifle Mach is perhaps the best choice for everyday use. In fact, many sports shooters are happy to use it in competitions as well. And it works well with most 22LR rifles.

A good choice for speed point and silhouette competitions, for example. And if it’s a quick point and silhouette, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR scope is a great choice.

Disadvantage

• Limited suitable for hunting due to its soft material

SK Long Range Match 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

Another popular subsonic ammunition from the SK brand is the SK Long Range Match. Its exceptionally good ballistic value compared to other ammunition provides the projectile with a flatter, more precise trajectory. Depending on the length of the barrel, the projectile’s muzzle velocity just crosses or brushes the lower limit of the speed of sound. This SK ammunition also represents a great price/value, although it is slightly more expensive than the other SK bullets listed, but the difference is not significant.

It is also recommended for sports and hobby purposes and is perhaps more suitable for hunting than other general purpose 22LR SK ammunition.

A good choice for speed point and silhouette competitions, for example. And if it’s a quick point and silhouette, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR scope is a great choice.

Disadvantage

• Harder to get

SK High Velocity Match 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

The supersonic type of SK ammo is the High Velocity Match. In addition to the high starting speed, it is characterized by an excellent ballistic value. The projectile falls below the speed of sound at about 60-65m, so it has a serious destructive effect within this range. But it also keeps its energy well over longer distances.
Its accuracy is acceptable. Recommended for hunting and hobby shooting. Maybe for practice.

The quality of the ammunition can be guaranteed by the fact that SK ammunition is made in the same factory as Lapua ammunition. Due to the excellent price/value ratio, these ammunitions are in high demand among shooters.

It is also important that these ammunitions perform equally well with the most common 22lr rifles.

The above ammunition is a good choice for hunting and rodent control. Due to its low price, it is also excellent as practice ammunition. A whole range of excellent scopes are available for hunting and hobby. For example, T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR, which is a target scope with a great price/value ratio and a good choice for longer distances. Or the DISCOVERY VT-T 4.5-18X44SFVF scope, which also performs well on larger calibers. And due to the long shooting distance, even a more serious HD telescope can be used excellently. Let’s say a DISCOVERY HD/34 FFP 4-24X50SFIR, which is also made for larger calibers, but due to its ballistic turret, long-range ballistics can also be handled excellently. But even a scope with a lower magnification can be a particularly good choice for it. Let’s say a Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 riflescope, which, in addition to excellent image quality, does not add significant weight.

Disadvantage

• Limited suitable for hunting due to its soft material

Lapua Polar Biathlon 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

Among Lapua ammunition, one of the most expensive competition ammunition is the Lapua Polar Biathlon. The use of quality materials is the result of strict regulations. It is characterized by precision and consistent performance. Competition quality. It also performs well in tests. In the comparison test shared above, it finished third at 50 yards behind the Eley and another Lapua ammo. If the price is a multiple consideration, then it is a good choice.

Ammunition specifically recommended for sports and precision purposes.

A good choice for competitions. And if precision is important, you should choose a suitable telescope. In the cheaper segment, the T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR is also a good choice, but for example the DISCOVERY ED LHT 3-15X50SFIR FFP or the Discovery ED PRS 5-25x56SFIR are also good pairings. Especially if I want to find a goal in the longer term.

Disadvantage

• It is one of the more expensive ammunitions

Lapua Center-x 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

If precision and accuracy are most important, then the Lapua Center X should not be left out of the list. Widely used and popular type among competitors. But we have to add that, due to its price, SK ammunition has recently pushed it a bit into the background.

Lapua Center X is subsonic ammunition that brings out the best in most rifles. Especially at longer distances, the difference will be striking compared to other cheaper ammunition.

Ammunition recommended for sports and precision purposes. It is also suitable for hunting, but there are several cheaper alternatives.

A good choice for competitions. And if precision is important, you should choose a suitable telescope. In the cheaper segment, the T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR is also a good choice, but for example the DISCOVERY ED LHT 3-15X50SFIR FFP or the Discovery ED PRS 5-25x56SFIR are also good pairings. Especially if I want to find a goal in the longer term.

Disadvantage

• More expensive than most

Eley Tenex Biathlon 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

When talking about 22LR ammunition for competition, we can’t leave out Eley Tenex ammunition. Most of the competitors in international competitions and Olympics use these ammunitions. Of course, shooting image and quality come at a high price. These ammo are expensive. They weren’t even intended for can hunting. This ammunition was intended to be used to win 50m events in international competitions. If that’s your goal, buy it anyway. Otherwise, it may not be your ammo. 🙂

Ammunition designed at the forefront of competition ammunition.

If you do choose this ammunition, you are obviously looking for the top category in both weapon and scope. Thus, the scope will be selected for the desired shooting. I would definitely buy an ED lens. My favorite would be the DISCOVERY ED FFP 4-16X50SF or the DISCOVERY ED LHT 3-15X50SFIR FFP or, for longer distances, the Discovery ED PRS 5-25x56SFIR.

Disadvantage

• One of the most expensive ammunition
• Sometimes it’s hard to get

Remington Yellow Jacket 33gr.

Why do we recommend it?

Copper-coated ammunition with a drilled tip made for hunting. It is characterized by a high starting speed. Around 90 meters, its speed falls below the speed of sound. In addition to high penetrating power, it has a significant destructive effect. This makes it ideal for hunting. It belongs to the lower price segment among hunting ammunition. On the other hand, I am not sure that I would choose this for precision purposes, but it is a good choice for rodent control and hunting in the 22LR category.

Its ballistic value is not ideal, so its speed and energy are greatly reduced at greater distances.

With a thin reticle scope, we can get the most out of this ammunition. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting
• It doesn’t perform well in some weapons
• Not ideal for longer distances

Remington Golden Bullet 36gr.

Why do we recommend it?

Copper-coated ammunition with a drilled tip made for hunting. The projectile has a high muzzle velocity, which is approximately 60 meters below the speed of sound. In addition to high penetrating power, it has a significant destructive effect. This makes it ideal for hunting. It also belongs to the lower price segment among hunting ammunition. Its accuracy is rather average. So for target shooting, there is more that is more suitable for this price. But it is a good choice in the 22LR category for rodent control and dune hunting.

Its ballistic value is rather average. But it is good ammunition for hunting.

With a thin reticle scope, we can get the most out of this ammunition. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting
• It doesn’t perform well in some weapons

CCI Stinger 32gr.

Why do we recommend it?

One of the types of ammunition with the highest muzzle velocity. Even at a distance of 50 m, the projectile is above the speed of sound. Ammunition specially developed for hunting. But thanks to the drilled tip and high impact speed, it has a great destructive effect, but at the same time it causes a lot of small dirt in the small game intended for food. For this reason, it is more suitable for pest control and weed control.

Its accuracy is rather average and the ballistics are also more curved, which requires practice at longer ranges.

It belongs to the group of more expensive ammunition.

Very good choice for hunting and rodent control. Due to the strong ballistics, it is worth buying a thin reticle scope with a fine pitch. I also heartily recommend several excellent scopes suitable for hunting. For example, T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR, which is a great price/value target scope. Or the DISCOVERY VT-T 4.5-18X44SFVF scope, which also performs well on larger calibers. But even a scope with a lower magnification can be a particularly good choice for it. Let’s say a Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 riflescope, which, in addition to excellent image quality, does not add significant weight.

Disadvantage

• It is among moderately expensive ammunition.
• Strong ballistics, requires practice.

CCI Velocitor 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

Among the 40gr 22LR ammunition, it is one of the ammunition with the highest muzzle velocity. Its energy is significant even at 100m. Effective hunting ammunition. In addition to high penetrating power, a high destructive effect makes this ammunition one of the most effective 22LR caliber hunting ammunition. Its accuracy is rather average. But it makes up for it with its efficiency.

Ammunition belonging to the middle price category.

Very good choice for hunting and rodent control. I also heartily recommend several excellent scopes suitable for hunting. For example, T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR, which is a great price/value target scope. Or the DISCOVERY VT-T 4.5-18X44SFVF scope, which also performs well on larger calibers. But even a scope with a lower magnification can be a particularly good choice for it. Let’s say a Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 riflescope, which, in addition to excellent image quality, does not add significant weight.

Disadvantage

• It is among moderately expensive ammunition.

Aguila Super Extra Copper-plated HV Solid Point 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

High-velocity copper-coated ammunition specially developed for hunting. Its starting speed is 1255fps, which is about 383m/s. The initial velocity of the projectile is high and it hits the target with great energy. Compared to lower velocity ammunition, it has a higher sound and more recoil. Its dispersion is also larger, its accuracy is not at competition level, but it is considered good among hunting ammunition. The runway is slightly more curved. Thanks to the copper jacket and the high speed, it hits the target with great penetrating power and has a great destructive effect. A perfect choice for small game hunting and pest control.

An affordable ammunition in its category.

Very good choice for hunting and rodent control. I also heartily recommend several excellent scopes suitable for hunting. For example, T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR, which is a great price/value target scope. Or the DISCOVERY VT-T 4.5-18X44SFVF scope, which also performs well on larger calibers. But even a scope with a lower magnification can be a particularly good choice for it. Let’s say a Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 riflescope, which, in addition to excellent image quality, does not add significant weight.

Disadvantage

• Its accuracy is not competitive

Aguila Supermaximum Copper-plated Solid Point 30gr.

Why do we recommend it?

Supersonic copper-jacketed ammunition specially developed for hunting. Its starting speed is 1700fps, which is about 518m/s. Even over 100m, the projectile flies above the speed of sound and hits the target with outstanding energy. Its accuracy is not competition-level, but it is considered good among hunting ammunition. Its flat trajectory ensures an accurate hit even at long distances. Due to the copper jacket, flat nose and high impact speed, it has a great destructive effect in addition to high penetrating power. A perfect choice for small game hunting and pest control.

An affordable ammunition in its category.

Very good choice for hunting and rodent control. I also heartily recommend several excellent scopes suitable for hunting. For example, T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR, which is a great price/value target scope. Or the DISCOVERY VT-T 4.5-18X44SFVF scope, which also performs well on larger calibers. But even a scope with a lower magnification can be a particularly good choice for it. Let’s say a Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 riflescope, which, in addition to excellent image quality, does not add significant weight.

Disadvantage

• Its accuracy is not competitive

SK Standard Plus 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

SK ammunition’s standard ammunition is Standard Plus. Cheaper than the others, although the standard deviation is a bit larger. At the same time, several of my fellow shooters use it successfully in competitions. This proves the thesis that the ammunition is selected by the gun, but I would not classify this ammunition as sports ammunition. More like practice ammunition.

Of course, it can also be used for pest control and small game hunting.

Great general purpose ammo. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s a good choice for the price/value ratio. The price ranges widely. And since we are in the hobby category, a T-Eagle ER 4-16X44SFIR or its bigger brother the T-Eagle ER 6-24x50SFIR can be the perfect companion.

Disadvantage

• Not optimal for hunting

Remington Thunderbolt 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

And then let’s look at a particularly cheap ammunition. One of the cheapest ammunition on the market in 22LR caliber is the Remington Thunderbolt. It might be strange that Remington produced the cheapest ammunition. A good choice if I want to buy a larger quantity. A good choice for hobby or experience shooting. A good choice for rodent control or small game.

I would not choose this ammunition for competition or precision shooting. On the contrary, it compensates for many things with its fairly good ballistic value and high initial speed. It is a particularly good choice for a hobby and its low price does not burden the budget either. It’s also great for practice. Maybe for beginners to learn the basics.

Jó választás hobbi és élménylövészethez. And for hobby purposes, we can also have great fun with a nice cheaper scope. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting
• It doesn’t perform well in some weapons

Federal Auto Match 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

A general ammunition in the 22LR category with a pleasant price/value ratio, optimized for semi-automatic weapons. With a medium ballistic value of 0.138 and a high initial velocity, we get a popular practice ammunition, which can be purchased quite cheaply even in larger batches. I do not recommend it for competition purposes, but it can be good for hobby shooting, practice or limited hunting. It can be recommended in addition to or as a replacement for Remington Thunderbolt ammunition.

Of course, it can also be used for pest control and small game hunting.

Jó választás hobbi és élménylövészethez. And for hobby purposes, we can also have great fun with a nice cheaper scope. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting
• It doesn’t perform well in some weapons

Federal Champion 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

A moderately inexpensive 22LR practice ammo. It’s worth trying to see if the rifle likes it. There are rifles that produce surprisingly good dispersion and there are rifles that are not so successful. Worth to try. Especially for practice and hobby shooting. A quick ammo. With a high initial speed, which is approximately 50m below the speed of sound. With an average ballistic value of 0.139, we can still shoot appreciable scatter with it at medium range. I do not recommend it for competition purposes, just like any of the ammunition listed here, but it can be used for practice and limited hunting. But not all guns will love it. It can be recommended in addition to or as a replacement for Remington Thunderbolt ammunition.

Of course, it can also be used for pest control and small game hunting.

Jó választás hobbi és élménylövészethez. And for hobby purposes, we can also have great fun with a nice cheaper scope. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting
• It doesn’t perform well in some weapons

CCI Standard Velocity 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

The golden mean. If you don’t have SK Standard and you want cheap, easy-to-use ammunition, this will be your favorite. It can also be recommended for beginners. Even in the 22LR category, with a small recoil, it is an ammunition with a pleasant scattering pattern at 50m. This is the ammunition that does not give any extras. It does its job and it does it well. You may not win a race with that. But there’s a good chance your rifle will like it and you’ll have fun too.

Of course, it can also be used for pest control and small game hunting, although at a shorter range.

Jó választás hobbi és élménylövészethez. And for hobby purposes, we can also have great fun with a nice cheaper scope. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting

Aguila Super Extra Lead Solid Point 40gr.

Why do we recommend it?

And then perhaps the cheapest ammunition on the domestic market. For practice, training, plinking. I have very mixed experiences about it. Some like it, some don’t. At 50m, the deviation is a bit large. But it has a surprisingly good ballistic value. In other words, it conserves energy over a longer period of time. And the ballistics are pretty flat too. It just doesn’t matter what it’s shot from. This is the ammunition that you buy, try and always keep with you from then on. Or you will never buy again. Due to its price and ballistic value, I definitely recommend a test.

Of course, it can also be used for pest control and small game hunting.

Jó választás hobbi és élménylövészethez. And for hobby purposes, we can also have great fun with a nice cheaper scope. Such a scope, for example, the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, can also be good for it. Or even the T-Eagle AR 2.5-15X32SFIR developed for hunters. Or the DISCOVERY VT-Z 3-12X42SFIR SFP 2022.

Disadvantage

• Not recommended for precision shooting
• Not all rifles will be good