Accurate 22lr ammo

Lager

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Recently got back into the game of 50 yard 22lr bench rest competitions.. Since I still haven't won the lottery and raising grankids on my own, money is important so I went with the sporter rifle class. Trying to save some money on ammo so I went back to the Wolf ammo and that isn't working for me.. It might shoot 10 perfect 10 rings, then throw off a zinger. They are always in a vertical spread either up or down.. The English made match target did the best with only 4 zingers out of 25 shots per card. I then tried the English match Extra, which is supposed to be better ? That was even worse. Then found some older german made Target match, that didn't work either. Whats the point of competing if Im losing to guys that are using better quality ammo ? So, I just bit the bullet and received some Lapua Center X via fed Ex.. The kids will still eat well, but I might be on a Ramen noodle diet for the next month.. Im kidding of course, but Im hoping the better ammo will do the trick.
 
Tried the federal gold medal match ?

https://www.outdoorlimited.com/rimf...n-gold-medal-target-711b-40-gr-lrn-50-rounds/


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No I haven't,, Im a little skeptical of ammo that only costs $2.75 per 50 rounds.. The Wolf was costing me $8 per 50, the Lapua Center X was $12 that I just bought.. I used to use the Eley Black box at $17, but from what I hear and see? All the comp shooters that I see have been steering clear of the Eley due to lack of quality control and inconsistent accuracy and are now using Lapua. But, you might be on to something ?? Thanks for the heads up..
 
SK Rifle Match did very well in my last Rifle, but CenterX was even better. It had less fliers and and being cheaper than Eley Match and Federal UM22 made me happy. I would use it with money on the line. I wish I had gotten in on Gold Medal Ultra Match when it was cheaper, but lots of places have gotten pretty high on it again (that link above is Target and isn’t even close to UltraMatch).
 
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SK Rifle Match did very well in my last Rifle, but CenterX was even better. It had less fliers and and being cheaper than Eley Match and Federal UM22 made me happy. I would use it with money on the line. I wish I had gotten in on Gold Medal Ultra Match when it was cheaper, but lots of places have gotten pretty high on it again (that link above is Target and isn’t even close to UltraMatch).
I really misnamed this post when I said " Accurate" I should have said, Consistent.. The Wolf target is pretty darn accurate usually. I will rank highest or within one or two shots of the winner in the X counts,, that target is the size of this period point .
Can hit that target close to 25-30 % of the time.. Its the zingers that are hurting me,, those can be 1 to 2 inches off, always vertically stringed either up or down.. A Lot of guys use the SK rifle match and it appears to be either a hit or miss? Some of it shoots very well, then they reorder and it doesn't work out so good.. I'm hoping, I can get back to where I used to shoot using this Center X.
 
That is what I assumed you meant. I think that is how you differentiate the ammo . CenterX is more consistent for me than RM over the long run. I have runs where RM has scored better than other ammos, but CemterX does it more consistently. I have a little Eley Black, but haven’t used it enough for a fair comparison.
 
My CZ455 loved the Lapua CenterX box I tried. Got some more to do some more testing. Eley Match has been my go to when I really care. $17 is high - can be found easily for $14 but it’s still pricey.
 
I don't know if this will work for you, but I shoot my KYL targets with CCI Standard velocity 1070 fps, 40 gr. Those targets are set at 25 and 100 yards. In my limited experience, I haven't found a really consistent .22 lr ammo. Gonna be a few weak rounds in every box. I don't shoot competition, so I haven't tried any really expensive stuff.
 
CCI SV can be accurate and every rifle is different. I have found it to be accurate enough for plinking at MOA or larger targets usually within 50yds, but for consistent shooting in 1/2 MOA rifles or better, it hasn’t lived up. This coming from someone who loves it and has many many rounds of it.
In my scores I have tracked on the fun 22lr games we play on the site here, my lowest scores on every single target have always been with CCI SV, but those targets are 1/4” to 3/8” targets. The better the ammo, the better the scores for me, and RM has been the sweet spot for accuracy for the money. It gets more consistent with CX but at twice the price, but not twice the scores. RM on the other hand was twice the price of CCI, but scores could be 5 times better.
On the KYL, I don’t trust that I’m going to hit that 1/4” target even half the time, but going with RM or better, I feel like I can hit it every time (I don’t, but it happens much more often).
Also, my match rifle with match chamber didn’t like the inconsistent sizes of the ammo either. Very sticky with the bolt with made it more difficult to shoot quickly. None of my other chambers have ever had an issue with it, but they aren’t as tight.
 
I was trying to find that earlier. Keep in mind every rifle is different, but it does a good job of showing a decent comparison of different ammos. It does a good job of giving you an idea of what you can try in your rifle.
it also shows what a bargain CCI SV is for the performance it gives. I've won some 25yd shooting contests with it, and not from a benchrest.
 
it also shows what a bargain CCI SV is for the performance it gives. I've won some 25yd shooting contests with it, and not from a benchrest.
It was the reason I felt so good about purchasing it over other practice type ammo, and why I keep so much. That being said, it goes back to what your needs are. On this test, the best ammos have around half the spread. That can be a huge difference depending on your targets. If your targets are 1 MOA, you are probably fine. If they are 1/4-1/2 MOA, you probably want other options, especially at longer distances. Ask yourself what you are shooting at and at what distances.
 
The sweet spot for me considering accuracy and price is Lapua Standard Plus. I am not a competitive shooter and I am not going to pay over $10/box for .22 ammo, but it is worth it to me to pay $6 a box for Std Plus over the bulk ammo. I tested a number of loads in my CZ455 from the $7 to $9 range and there were a few that shot marginally better, but not enough difference to pay 25-50 percent more for. BTW, prices mentioned are from Outdoor Ltd-- Standard Plus is $5.45/50 there if you pick it up.
 
Based on my match rifle...
STD + is one I really wanted to like, but it was only marginally better than CCI for me. Pistol Match at $5.99 was probably three times better for me, but Rifle Match at $6.99 was 30% better than PM. I have more fun shooting when I am using RM because of the consistent hits, so I use it the most. I would only use CX with money on the line.
That being said, I sold the rifle and haven’t tested all the lots on my other rifles yet. With prices going up the last few months, I hope they enjoy the CCI because I have a lot of rounds to shoot up.
 
Based on my match rifle...
STD + is one I really wanted to like, but it was only marginally better than CCI for me. Pistol Match at $5.99 was probably three times better for me, but Rifle Match at $6.99 was 30% better than PM. I have more fun shooting when I am using RM because of the consistent hits, so I use it the most. I would only use CX with money on the line.
That being said, I sold the rifle and haven’t tested all the lots on my other rifles yet. With prices going up the last few months, I hope they enjoy the CCI because I have a lot of rounds to shoot up.
If I remember correctly, you had a couple of CZ's ?
 
The sweet spot for me considering accuracy and price is Lapua Standard Plus. I am not a competitive shooter and I am not going to pay over $10/box for .22 ammo, but it is worth it to me to pay $6 a box for Std Plus over the bulk ammo. I tested a number of loads in my CZ455 from the $7 to $9 range and there were a few that shot marginally better, but not enough difference to pay 25-50 percent more for. BTW, prices mentioned are from Outdoor Ltd-- Standard Plus is $5.45/50 there if you pick it up.
I call that MOS, or Minute of Squirrel and Im good with that.. Love that company Outdoor Limited,, that's where I get a majority of my ammo. I get with in two days for a great price.. Costs me about $12 for shipping for shipping from Greensboro to Salisbury, but I don't have the time to drive there myself so its worth it.. Highly suggest that company to anyone on here..
 
Based on my match rifle...
STD + is one I really wanted to like, but it was only marginally better than CCI for me. Pistol Match at $5.99 was probably three times better for me, but Rifle Match at $6.99 was 30% better than PM. I have more fun shooting when I am using RM because of the consistent hits, so I use it the most. I would only use CX with money on the line.
That being said, I sold the rifle and haven’t tested all the lots on my other rifles yet. With prices going up the last few months, I hope they enjoy the CCI because I have a lot of rounds to shoot up.
When you mention RM or Rifle Match ammo, exactly what ammo are you talking about. Is it a CCI, Remington, Winchester? Which brand? I'd like to give it a try.
 
I believe RM refers to this:

SK-Rifle-Match.png


BTW, My Lux hates CCI but loves Geco. My Varmint loves CCI and anything high dollar but hates Geco :confused:

+1 for Outdoor Limited, one of the members here that I met during a sale recommended them and I am forever grateful.
 
I believe RM refers to this:

SK-Rifle-Match.png


BTW, My Lux hates CCI but loves Geco. My Varmint loves CCI and anything high dollar but hates Geco :confused:

+1 for Outdoor Limited, one of the members here that I met during a sale recommended them and I am forever grateful.

Thanks. I found it. Also, the part about rifles liking or disliking particular ammos isn't just with .22. All my rifles do better with certain ammos of the same grain weight. Right now my Sav Stealth BA .308 likes Fed GM Sierra Matchking 168 gr, but I'm still testing ammo with that one.
 
I believe RM refers to this:

SK-Rifle-Match.png


BTW, My Lux hates CCI but loves Geco. My Varmint loves CCI and anything high dollar but hates Geco :confused:

+1 for Outdoor Limited, one of the members here that I met during a sale recommended them and I am forever grateful.
That is the one. Grafs did have the best pricing on it, but prices have gone up. They do bounce prices up and down so you have to keep an eye on them.
I like Outdoor Limited too. Prices are usually pretty good if you can pick up.
 
I call that MOS, or Minute of Squirrel and Im good with that.. Love that company Outdoor Limited,, that's where I get a majority of my ammo. I get with in two days for a great price.. Costs me about $12 for shipping for shipping from Greensboro to Salisbury, but I don't have the time to drive there myself so its worth it.. Highly suggest that company to anyone on here..
Exactly! I almost wrote minute of squirrel.
 
Thanks. I found it. Also, the part about rifles liking or disliking particular ammos isn't just with .22. All my rifles do better with certain ammos of the same grain weight. Right now my Sav Stealth BA .308 likes Fed GM Sierra Matchking 168 gr, but I'm still testing ammo with that one.
You are exactly right. If you are super serious, you have to look at lot #s as well, but I am not that serious. I have had lots that were spectatcular, and some that were just good. I don’t lot test, but the guys that do, do it to be even more consistent.
 
You are exactly right. If you are super serious, you have to look at lot #s as well, but I am not that serious. I have had lots that were spectatcular, and some that were just good. I don’t lot test, but the guys that do, do it to be even more consistent.

I hadn't even thought of that.
 
I finally unboxed grandson's CZ452, slapped a scope on it and shot last Saturday. Decided just to shoot at 25 yards since I think that is the distance the Hunter's Ed group shoots. Anyhoo, the dot on the target squares is 1/8", the Ely Match group was just under 1/4". This is definitely not a bench gun but it shouts damn well for the first time out. Trigger is at 2.5#, scope reticle is too wide and the stock sucks for shooting off a rest but I'll take it for the first time out. Plus, I'd beem shooting at 458 socom and 300mag before that and my brain was a little shook up.

Taking it out to 50 this weekend.
 

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My CZ455 loves the Geco Bolt Action Optimized, and it is also very cheap ammo. However, it generally has a few fliers mixed in - just enough that I would not use it for a serious competition. But if I am just going to go out and plink at <50 for giggles, I generally pull out the Geco.

As for best overall bang for the buck, I have gotten really good results with the Eley CMP Standard. I have run my current lot across my magneto speed chrono and it consistently produces an SD of less than 10 - and some boxes have hovered around 6-8 over groups of 10 shots. It also holds its own in my rifle out to 400 yards. At 7 cents per round shipped, it is a bargain IMHO.
 
I finally unboxed grandson's CZ452, slapped a scope on it and shot last Saturday. Decided just to shoot at 25 yards since I think that is the distance the Hunter's Ed group shoots. Anyhoo, the dot on the target squares is 1/8", the Ely Match group was just under 1/4". This is definitely not a bench gun but it shouts damn well for the first time out. Trigger is at 2.5#, scope reticle is too wide and the stock sucks for shooting off a rest but I'll take it for the first time out. Plus, I'd beem shooting at 458 socom and 300mag before that and my brain was a little shook up.

Taking it out to 50 this weekend.
Welcome to the madness,, looking forward to your results...
 
When you mention RM or Rifle Match ammo, exactly what ammo are you talking about. Is it a CCI, Remington, Winchester? Which brand? I'd like to give it a try.
The SK rifle match is a really good choice, its not real expensive and very accurate/consistent.. Its nice to shoot a round that goes where its supposed to.. Nothings worse then taking all the time to shoot at a target and have it miss. You don't know it was you, the weapon or the equipment that caused it..At least with some decent ammo, you have at least eliminated that variable..
 
I was never super deep into the .22 accuracy game. But, one thing I noticed years ago when comparing ammo was variation in rim thickness. I had some boxes of Federal Gold Medal Match and Federal Ultra Match, IIRC. I think one was labeled 700 and the other 900? One was one level down from Olympic grade match and the other was the match practice ammo. They looked identical with a distinctive dimpled case head and I was told the cheaper ones were the culls from OC when selecting the full on match ammo. I found the practice ammo to sometimes have noticeable variations in rim thickness. The more expensive ammo was dead on the same size for every round. I've heard some guys will mike every round and toss out the out of "spec" ones. Might this account for your fliers? I don't know how consistent Wolf is regarding rim thinkness.

Just a thought.
 
Are doing any kind of ammo prep?

Using a rim gauge?
http://www.championshooters.com/ind...t_id=2574&virtuemart_category_id=3&Itemid=111
https://www.brownells.com/reloading...y&utm_campaign=itwine&utm_content=749-004-994

Reamed the chamber?
http://benchrest.com/showthread.php?66307-22LR-quot-match-quot-chamber

Some reading regarding rim thickness-
https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=546664

22lr can be quite challenging especially since there are only a few variables you can work with.
 
My CZ455 loves the Geco Bolt Action Optimized, and it is also very cheap ammo. However, it generally has a few fliers mixed in - just enough that I would not use it for a serious competition. But if I am just going to go out and plink at <50 for giggles, I generally pull out the Geco.

I've been spending most of my time with my Varmint but yesterday did some offhand practice at 25m with the Lux. It loves Auto Match and Geco Bolt Action (which BTW is no longer marketed as such) but the Geco has usually been more reliable.

However, yesterday I shot some NRA smallbore targets and 2/20 were FTF's even trying them twiceo_O

CCI SV is not always stellar for me in regards to accuracy but has been extremely reliable during timed qualifications and competitions when it counts most.
 
I was never super deep into the .22 accuracy game. But, one thing I noticed years ago when comparing ammo was variation in rim thickness. I had some boxes of Federal Gold Medal Match and Federal Ultra Match, IIRC. I think one was labeled 700 and the other 900? One was one level down from Olympic grade match and the other was the match practice ammo. They looked identical with a distinctive dimpled case head and I was told the cheaper ones were the culls from OC when selecting the full on match ammo. I found the practice ammo to sometimes have noticeable variations in rim thickness. The more expensive ammo was dead on the same size for every round. I've heard some guys will mike every round and toss out the out of "spec" ones. Might this account for your fliers? I don't know how consistent Wolf is regarding rim thinkness.

Just a thought.
The serious guys definitley do this. Many of the ammo manufacturers do this with their classifications. CCI SV and Green Tag are same, but Green Tag is the better spec. Wolf does it, Target and Match Extra, and goes on and on. On rim thickness, that is one problem with CCI SV and match chambers. That is what caused it to stick like crazy in my match chamber. None of the SK stuck.
 
I read a discussion where this may be one of the reasons various guns may favor one ammo over another. The rim dimension and chamber cut variances affect free bore.
 
Thanks. I found it. Also, the part about rifles liking or disliking particular ammos isn't just with .22. All my rifles do better with certain ammos of the same grain weight. Right now my Sav Stealth BA .308 likes Fed GM Sierra Matchking 168 gr, but I'm still testing ammo with that one.
Oddly enough, it seems like the Federal GMM 168gr is universally liked by almost all rifles. I consistently hear how well it performs across multiple rifles.
 
Speaking about ammo and doing all the measurements you can think of? I had the opportunity to talk with a couple for very good shooters that have been competing in this insane sport for a long time using match rifles and are very successful at it. After a long match one day,, we were hot, sweaty and just sitting around awaiting scores when I brought up the topic about ammo selection and measurements. They just chuckled and told me stories on how they used to chrono all their lots, measure everything they could think of.. Separate out all the minor variations hoping to get the magical number then spent hours crunching numbers.. They had one sentence of advise after spending years of doing this, "Paul, you get what you pay for"
 
My savage b22 fv-sr LOVES center x... stupied accurate even at 100yds. At 50yds or less I can use cci standard velocity or aguila standard and it does great. But only to 50yds. With center x I have no issues hitting very small targets out to 100yds.
 
Went to my range today and tested 4 ammos. Don't know how valid my testing is, as I'm not the best shooter, it was quite windy and gusty, and I only shot one 5 round group with each ammo from 150 yards. I consider any "flyers" in a group as just part of the group. In other words, I may have 4 shots in a quarter sized spot, and one 6" away. To me, that is a 6" group. That said, here are my results.
150 yards
CCI-Stinger, 32/1640, 6 3/4"

150 yards
Fed-HV Match, 40/1200, 4"

150 yards
CCI-Mini Mag Copper Plated HP, 36/1260, 3 1/2"

150 yards
CCI-SV, 40/1070, 2 5/16"

I'll run this test again in a day or two, and I'll shoot at least two 5 shot groups of each. Also may add CCI Velocitor to the mix.
 
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