Do you find handgun ammo to be too hard to handle? As a beginner, I was always plagued with inaccurate shots due to handgun ammo. Soon, I took my trainer’s advice and bought a .22 rifle and the best 22 Rimfire LR Ammo I could find. The rest, as they say, is history!
Not only was it easier to use, but it was cheaper too! I could use it for days on end without worrying about breaking the bank. Moreover, they produced the most minimal recoil. All in all, they helped me pave my way to shooting stardom.
My guide to the best 22LR rimfire ammunition can help you learn and pick out the best ammo for your needs. Let’s dive in!
At a Glance: Our 5 Best 22 Rimfire LR Ammo
- Remington .22 LR Thunderbolt Ammunition
- CCI® .22 Stinger Rimfire Ammunition
- Remington .22 LR Golden Bullet Rimfire Ammunition
- Winchester® .22 36 gr. Rimfire Ammunition
- Winchester .22 40 gr. LR Ammo
- Federal .22LR Auto Match Ammunition
About the 22LR Ammo
Recently, I have become a fan of the 22LR ammo because of its versatility. The 22LR ammo is also known as 22 Long Rifle ammo and is the most popular form of ammunition in the US. It is basically .22 caliber rimfire ammunition that can accommodate a variety of pistols and rifles.
Moreover, hunters, shooters, and even law enforcement officers seem to favor the 22 ammo. The major reasons for its soaring popularity are the low noise, low cost as well as the minimal recoil. The minimum recoil and the fast muzzle velocity make it much more accurate.
Furthermore, it makes for the perfect teaching cartridge as it has very minimal recoil. It helps students develop their skills. Lastly, it is quite affordable, at about $4 for 50 pounds.
Types of 22LR Ammo
Majorly, there are four main types of 22LR ammo available on the market based on their velocities. These include:
- Subsonic Rounds
These are the heaviest and so produce muzzle velocities that are lesser than the speed of sound. In addition, this also means that they are quiet and accurate. Usually, small game hunters go for this type of ammo. The standard weight is 41–0 gr. while the velocities are about 950 fps.
- Standard Velocity Rounds
Standard velocity rounds produce a muzzle velocity that is almost equal to the speed of sound. They are more suited for rifles with longer barrels. The standard weight for these is about 40 gr. while the nominal muzzle velocity is about 1110 fps.
- High-Velocity Rounds
These rounds usually produce about 20% higher muzzle velocities. This is because they use smokeless cartridges which are more efficient than black powder ones. The standard weight is either 36 or 40 gr., whereas the nominal velocity tends to be around 1300 fps.
- Hypervelocity Rounds
Hypervelocity bullets are the lightest in weight, weighing about 30–32 gr. Generally, they can achieve high velocities ranging from 1400 to 1800 fps.
Rimfire vs. Centerfire Ammunition
If you want to know why you might need the 22LR rimfire ammo, I suggest you first learn the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammo.
First, the major difference is between the primers. For those who are unfamiliar, the primer is the part where the hammer hits the bullet. In the centerfire ammo, the primer is in the center, whereas, in the rimfire, the hammer hits at the rim of the round. In case, if you wish for an in-depth view into the two ammo, watch:
Pros and Cons of Rimfire Ammunition
Pros
- Affordable: Rimfire ammo is quite cheap to manufacture. It costs about 5–10 cents for a single 22LR rimfire cartridge.
- Low Recoil: Since the rimfire mechanism is only used with smaller cartridges, there is almost always a very small amount of gunpowder. This allows for lesser recoil.
- Beginner-friendly: Due to low recoil, it tends to be easier for beginners to use it and make accurate shots.
Cons
- Not reloadable: Since the primer is inside the case, the cartridge cannot be reloaded like the centerfire ammo.
- Small Calibers: They are only used with small calibers since the rim needs to be very thin for the mechanism to take place.
Factors to Consider When Buying 22LR Ammo
The major factors to consider are:
- Bullet Weight
The bullet weight can help you determine the amount of coil and muzzle velocity. For beginners, I suggest they go for heavier weights as those will have the lightest recoil. Generally, most 22LR ammo is about 40gr.
- Bullet Type
Another important factor to consider is the bullet type. There are two main types of bullets: the Lead round nose (LRN) and the Copper Plated Hollow Point (CPHP). The LRN is more versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. On the other hand, it tends to get messy and requires frequent gun maintenance.
The CPHP helps to reduce the muzzle build-up and helps the bullet retain its shape.
- Number of Rounds
Most 22LR rounds are available in bulk quantities of upto 500. In fact, some are even available in buckets of 1400 rounds. If you’re using them for training, I recommend buying a standard pack of 100 as it may suffice for most days.
Top 6 Best 22LR Ammo Reviews
Remington .22 LR Thunderbolt Ammunition
Remington .22 LR Ammo is perfect for target shooting and plinking. The ammo is specifically built for continuous shooting as it comes in a pack of neatly arranged 500 rounds.
Key Features
- 500 lead round nosed cartridges
- Rimfire brass primer
- 40 gr. weight while the muzzle velocity is 1255 fps
- Versatile performance
What Other Users Are Saying
Most users found the Remington to have unbeatable quality when it came to target shooting. Since the Remington comes in a pack of 500 round, you can use it for competitive shooting or range training. The bullets include a lead round nose design that helps ensure accurate shots for hunters.
Moreover, the lead nose expands considerably well so you can use it during hunts as well. However, users did note that the lead can often lead to regular rifle cleaning. On the other hand, the superior muzzle velocity of 1255 fps certainly helps most users overlook the small drawback.
Furthermore, the brass rimfire primer ensures that the cartridge does not corrode. To add to the users’ convenience, the bullet rarely misfires or jams, if cleaned properly.
Interested in how it holds up in real time? Watch:
Pros
- Heavy bullets that expand considerably well
- Rarely ever misfires or jams
- Comes in a bulk pack so you can make continuous shots
- High muzzle velocity ensures accurate shots
- Non-corrosive brass primer
Cons
- The rifle may require frequent cleaning
- The cartridge cannot be replaced or removed
To Sum Up
All in all, the Remington Thunderbolt .22LR ammo is an all-star that can help you tackle all kinds of tasks, from plinking to target shooting and hunting.
Overall Rating: 4.9
CCI® .22 Stinger Rimfire Ammunition
If you’re looking for high-speed 22 LR ammo, the perhaps the Stinger will be perfect for you. With a muzzle velocity of 140 fps, the ammo is popular for varmint hunting.
Key Features
- Copper plated lead hollow bullets, 50 in a pack
- Lightweight at 32 grains bullet weight
- High muzzle velocity at 140 fps
- Nickel plated brass casing for smooth feeding
What Other Users Are Saying
Almost all of the users were thrilled with the hypervelocity hollow point projectile that comes with the cartridge. First, the 32-grain bullet expands greatly when it comes in contact with the target. This creates a larger wound and enables deeper penetration.
Furthermore, the Stinger is equipped with the highest muzzle velocity in the best 22 LR ammo list. Moreover, the lead hollow point is plated with a thin copper layer that reduces any build up in the muzzle.
In addition to this, the casing includes a nickel-plated brass construction that not only eliminates corrosion but also reduces friction for smoother feeding.
Watch how it holds up in a penetration test:
Pros
- Corrosion-free and durable rounds
- Vast expansion and deeper penetration
- High muzzle velocity that ensures accurate shots
- No jamming or buildup in the muzzle
- Lesser maintenance required in the gun
- Consistent shots
Cons
- Only 50 rounds in one box
- Might lead to some possibility of wear in rifle parts
To Sum Up
The CCI Stinger has made its mark on the ammunition world due to high muzzle velocities and an intricately designed cartridge. Overall, it is best suited for small game hunting.
Overall Rating: 4.8
Remington .22 LR Golden Bullet Rimfire Ammunition
Of the many highly rated packs from Remington, the Golden Bullet is perhaps the best 22 LR ammo on the market. It is best suited for plinking, range shooting or practicing.
Key Features
- 100 Plated Round Nosed cartridges
- 40-grain bullet and 1255 fps muzzle velocity
- Best for plinking or target shooting
- Reliable feeding
What Other Users Are Saying
The Golden Bullets are quite popular amongst most rifle enthusiasts. These come in a pack of 100 rounds which makes it easier for you to practice. So, you won’t have to worry about the rounds ending. While the plated round nosed design might lack the ballistics of the LRN, it does not make as much of a mess.
Generally, most users found them to be quite clean. Moreover, the 40-grain weight is quite sufficient to ensure accurate shots. In addition, the plated bullets feed reliably well out of a long-range rifle without any frequent jams.
For a detailed review, watch:
Pros
- Clean and do not require regular maintenance
- Bullets feed reliably out of the rifle
- Perfect for training, hunting, as well as tournaments
- Available in a bulk pack
- Accurate shots with sufficient velocity
Cons
- Does not expand too much so might not be suitable for hunting
- Cartridges are not reusable
To Sum Up
The Golden Bullets by Remington are a trademark in the ballistic world. They are popular with most beginners as they can help in training as well as practicing. As an added bonus, they are as cheap as dirt!
Overall Quality: 4.7
Winchester® .22 36 gr. Rimfire Ammunition
When talking about the best 22 LR ammo, who can forget the Winchester .22 rimfire ammo? The ammo comes in a pack of 333 rounds and helps you make accurate shots at target practice or hunts.
Key Features
- 333 Lead Hollow point cartridges
- 36 gr. bullet weight
- The high velocity of 1280 fps
- Copper plated to reduce fouling
What Other Users Are Saying
Most users agreed that the Winchester makes for great plinking, target practicing, and hunting. The ammo comes in a pack of 333 rounds which are perfect for continuous shooting. Moreover, the Copper Plated Hollow Point (CPHP) rounds ensure maximum expansion of the bullet upon impact.
Furthermore, the copper plating helps reduce fouling and eliminates any chances of corrosion. With the Winchester, the muzzle velocity users achieved is about 1280 fps. If that wasn’t enough the 333 bullet rounds come at a very affordable price yet, still it refuses to compromise over the quality.
Watch for more information:
Pros
- Comes in a bulk pack of 333 rounds which are great for continuous shots
- Help reduce fouling as well as corrosion
- Can be used for a wide variety of applications
- High muzzle velocities for better accuracy as well as straighter shots
- High expansion of the bullet
Cons
- Can get a little dirty
- Feed might not be too reliable with frequent duds
To Sum Up
All in all, the Winchester 22 LR ammo comes at an affordable price and allows you to perform a variety of tasks.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Winchester .22 40 gr. LR Ammo
It’s no surprise that the Winchester has yet another round of best 22 LR ammo with its 40 gr. variety. This one, however, comes in a pack of 100 and includes lead round nosed bullets.
Key Features
- 100 lead round nosed cartridges
- 1300 fps muzzle velocity
- 40-grain bullet weight
- Can be used in a wide variety of ways
What Others Are Saying
What most users loved was the affordable price and the quantity the LRN cartridges came in! There are about 100 rounds in each pack. Furthermore, each cartridge includes a lead tip which expands significantly well. This makes it perfect for hunting, self-defense, as well as plinking.
Like all LRN cartridges, users reported this one, too, has problems with messiness. So, if you’re going to opt for this pack, be ready to clean your gun frequently. Moreover, the rimfire primer ensures that the gun never jams up or feeds incorrectly.
To know more, watch:
Pros
- Smooth and reliable feeding
- Considerable expansion of the bullet which tends to leave larger wounds
- You can train yourself at gun cleaning
- Comes in a pack of 100 which is sufficient for practicing
- Rare misfires and jams
Cons
- Requires regular gun maintenance
- Cannot be reused
To Sum Up
When it comes to reliable performance, you can only expect the best from the Winchester 22LR 40 gr. ammo. Not only is it versatile, but rarely ever jams or misfires.
Overall Rating: 4.3
Federal .22LR Auto Match Ammunition
The Federal Auto Match is neatly designed to give you superior performance and output. It has been loaded with 40-grain lead and round-nosed bullets. Generally, these bullets will be the best choice for any semiautomatic .22 LR firearm or rifle.
Key Features
- Ideal for semi-autos as well as long-range rifles. Works best with the specified firearms
- Made for .22 long rifles
- 40-grain lead round nose bullets. Perfect for long distance shooting and hunting
- Pack of 325 rounds. Enough for good practice
- Will last for months at a time. No issue of durability.
What Other Users Are Saying
The Federal Auto Match .22 LR is the best ammunition for your firearm. First, it has amazing feeding and cycling properties and is great for shooting and target practice. This set of 325 bullets will cost you no more than an average round box. However, it will certainly give better performance and high-grade functionality. In addition, it is the best choice for long rifles and the like.
Watch how accurate it is:
Pros
- Perfect for long rifles and semi-automatics
- Has 40-grain lead bullets that are round-nosed
- Match-grade performance and conduct
- Ideal for use with target practice and long-range shooting
- Contains 325 rounds per box. Enough to last you days and even months
Cons
- Is harder to eject
To Sum Up
All in all, I can definitely see where the Federal Auto Match comes from. This ammunition set is worth the price. I recommend it for long-rifles as well as long-range .22 LR shooters.
Overall Rating: 4.3
Other Great 22LR Ammo
- Federal 22LR Copper Rimfire Ammunition
- Federal .22 LR HP Value Pack
- Remington® .22 LR HV Ammo Bucket
- Federal .22 LR High-Velocity Ammunition
Conclusion
So, whether you’re looking to defend yourself or practice shooting, my top choices for the best 22 LR ammo are bound to serve you well. But, which one is my favorite? Hmmm… undoubtedly, the Remington Thunderbolt takes the crown for me. It comes in a pack of 500 rounds and features an affordable price!
Some folks make an issue with the lead nose being too messy. However, I personally enjoy cleaning my gun. This makes it an added bonus for me! So, if you’re a beginner just learning to shoot, the Thunderbolt can help your practice for hours on end.
