what .22lr ammo for rimfire challenge?

MrBitey

MrBitey

Well-Known Member
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Benefactor
Life Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2020
Messages
1,992
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
I've shot steel plates a few times with 22lr pistol and rifle, but I haven't tried different ammo. I recently bought a couple of steel plates to practice with, and the instructions suggest using ammo that is supersonic (so that the bullet splatters rather than bounces), but the instructions aren't specific to 22lr. Is there a recommended ammo for the rimfire competition? Do you use the same ammo for pistol and rifle?

I have a bunch of CCI SV which is lead round-nose subsonic, CCI clean which has a polymer coating and is rated at 1235fps, CCI mini-mags which are very similar to the CCI clean but copper plated, and Federal Game Shok 36g which is copper plated and a little faster at 1260fps. FWIW, I'm shooting a T/CR 22 rifle and a Ruger Mark IV tactical.
 
I always ran Federal bulk
The most appropriate ammo for rimfire challenge is the cheapest that runs 100% in your gun. Pretty much all .22 will splash on steel
 
I shoot Wolf Match Extra for steel challenge. I worry more about the 9mm ricochets whizzing past than about which .22 splashes. All we usually get from Rimfire’s is lead fragments of little weight.
 
.22 ammo is a toss up regardless of price. Try a bunch on paper and see what is most accurate and reliable in YOUR gun. It varies, sometimes with surprising results. But, as mentioned, I also lean toward CCI products for max reliability and consistency, short of going to dedicated match ammo.
 
CCI Mini-Mag’s are my favorite for consistency and reliability without being too expensive. If you are chasing groupings, something from SK which is proper match ammo should set you up for success. I’m not sure if anyone makes a frangible loading for 22lr or if it’s even necessary. As always, proper angling of the plates, eyes and ears and a healthy distance from the target is usually all you need.
 
Last edited:
I have shot cases of Federal bulk pack, Federal Automatch and CCI Blazer at rimfire challenge and practice. There is no advantage to subsonic expensive ammo or high velocity ammo at 15 yards.
Federal bulk back isn't as reliable as Federal Automatch. Remington Golden Bullets have a terrible reputation but ran in all my guns.
 
Last edited:
Well, I tried CCI clean, CCI SV, and Federal Game Shok, and I had a lot of trouble with the Federal ammo. The gun had ~400 rounds through it since last cleaning, and ~500 rounds since new. I'll give it another try next time out at the range, but I'll probably stick with CCI clean since it ran well and I have a lot on hand. I'll also try the mini-mag since that's very similar to CCI clean and I also have a lot of that on hand.
 
Anything that is plated/jacketed and not waxy/sticky. I don't do lead round nose.

Like said above, anything that runs reliably in YOUR guns and doesn't cost too much.

for 1000 yard rifle the ammo matters a LOT

for 15 yards on giant targets, only thing you need is reliability
 
The best I've found is either CCI Standard and Eley Contact. I prefer CCI Standard if I can get it, but sometimes it dries up and I have to switch to Eley.

As others have said, the cheap stuff that runs reliably is what I would recommend.
 
Accuracy really isn't a concern.
Reliability is the primary requirement.
That's different for every gun.
The distances are quite close and the targets typically 4" and above.

I like fresh ammo with consistent rim thickness. Federal value pack was a favorite before the great Obama ammo famine.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom