.22 Ammo, Pistol vs. Rifle
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sparkyv
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Yes, some manufacturers make pistol or rifle specific 22LR ammo. Personally, I think it's a gimmick, but as with all firearms, one must test each ammo type out with each firearm to determine what works best. Note: I don't shoot high-end 22s. The fanciest I shoot is a CZ455 and it really likes Blazer!
In terms of match ammunition it is not a gimmick.I have had lots of failure to eject with SK STD Plus rifle ammunition in my match 22 lr's. Whatever the pressure curve of the stuff, it is not high enough to reliably function a blowback pistol. I am of the opinion that the pistol match ammunition is matched to the pressure curve of a blow back pistol, and it may be, on the average, higher than what is used in rifle match ammunition.
CCI SV is the lowest cost pistol ammunition that competitors use on the line, and yet that stuff still malfunctions. It is very frustrating to have an alibi due to a failure to eject, or a failure to fire.
cougar1717
Member
Specific pistol vs rifle 22LR does matter for edge cases and competition, but it is typically not an issue for the average plinker. Note: fps numbers below refer to velocity from rifles.
For your everyday plinker pistol, high velocity ammo (or at least 1200 fps out of a rifle) has the energy to cycle everything as long as basic things occur, like the bullet profile and feeding ramp/angle getting along and the extractor/ejector system working. HV ammo also cycles semi-auto rifles.
It's when you get into standard velocity ammo (approx 1080fps out of a rifle) that things have the ability go awry, depending on some factors. Most semi-auto pistols and rifles can cycle SV ammo IF the ammo is actually close to 1080 fps. Consider lot to lot fps variation, differences in the weight of slide and bolt mass for different guns, differences in recoil springs, shooting in cold weather vs hot weather - you can see that a certain combination of things may not always cycle a 22LR pistol.
Match ammos can have a pistol designation on them. These ammos are designed for use in pistols, but they can be used in rifles also, but may not cycle a semi auto. Match ammo with a "pistol" designation typically runs about 1030-1060fps out of a rifle. This points to there being an actual difference in the pressure curve.
As always, there are exceptions. It's good to know that your firearm cycles a certain ammo before buying a container load (or case) off the internet.
From recent memory, in those scarce days, when people were looking for any 22LR at all, some found and purchased Geco Rifle, an ammo specifically for bolt action rifles, or it's sister ammo Norma Tac 22. Ammos like these (and others) may function, but have a higher FTE percentage, simply because they weren't made for cycling every semi-auto out there. That is what the faster Geco Semi-auto was made for.
In those days, I went and tested at least 10 ammos that I could actually find to see if they would cycle an admittedly "finicky" 22LR pistol. The finicky pistol had trouble with the typical "conical nose" 36gr bulk box ammo at the rate of 1-2 problems per mag (10 rounds). However, it ran all 40gr ammo, with a reasonable amount of issues typical for rimfire. These included venerable ammos, like CCI SV/MM/SGB, Fed 510 Champion/ 710, etc. It ran Stingers no problem. It even ran CCI SSHP (which I was surprised about.) When went to try the Tac 22, it functioned with a small amount of issues..... but just barely. I noticed that the spent brass was only clearing the ejection port by 2-3" (versus clearing by feet with the HV ammos) and it was a hot summer day. I could see how a person could struggle with an ammo like this in a pistol on a cooler day.
For your everyday plinker pistol, high velocity ammo (or at least 1200 fps out of a rifle) has the energy to cycle everything as long as basic things occur, like the bullet profile and feeding ramp/angle getting along and the extractor/ejector system working. HV ammo also cycles semi-auto rifles.
It's when you get into standard velocity ammo (approx 1080fps out of a rifle) that things have the ability go awry, depending on some factors. Most semi-auto pistols and rifles can cycle SV ammo IF the ammo is actually close to 1080 fps. Consider lot to lot fps variation, differences in the weight of slide and bolt mass for different guns, differences in recoil springs, shooting in cold weather vs hot weather - you can see that a certain combination of things may not always cycle a 22LR pistol.
Match ammos can have a pistol designation on them. These ammos are designed for use in pistols, but they can be used in rifles also, but may not cycle a semi auto. Match ammo with a "pistol" designation typically runs about 1030-1060fps out of a rifle. This points to there being an actual difference in the pressure curve.
As always, there are exceptions. It's good to know that your firearm cycles a certain ammo before buying a container load (or case) off the internet.
From recent memory, in those scarce days, when people were looking for any 22LR at all, some found and purchased Geco Rifle, an ammo specifically for bolt action rifles, or it's sister ammo Norma Tac 22. Ammos like these (and others) may function, but have a higher FTE percentage, simply because they weren't made for cycling every semi-auto out there. That is what the faster Geco Semi-auto was made for.
In those days, I went and tested at least 10 ammos that I could actually find to see if they would cycle an admittedly "finicky" 22LR pistol. The finicky pistol had trouble with the typical "conical nose" 36gr bulk box ammo at the rate of 1-2 problems per mag (10 rounds). However, it ran all 40gr ammo, with a reasonable amount of issues typical for rimfire. These included venerable ammos, like CCI SV/MM/SGB, Fed 510 Champion/ 710, etc. It ran Stingers no problem. It even ran CCI SSHP (which I was surprised about.) When went to try the Tac 22, it functioned with a small amount of issues..... but just barely. I noticed that the spent brass was only clearing the ejection port by 2-3" (versus clearing by feet with the HV ammos) and it was a hot summer day. I could see how a person could struggle with an ammo like this in a pistol on a cooler day.
There are Match grade rounds designed for pistol competition. The velocity of these (as stated on the box) is the approximate velocity when shot from a pistol. The velocity (as stated on the box) of most .22 rounds is equivalent to shooting that round from (if I recall correctly) a 24" barrel. The same round when shot from a pistol will be of substantially less velocity.
Bottom line is that each .22, rifle or pistol, is a law unto itself, so there is no one load that will work great in every firearm. Consider trying several brands of various velocities and see which work well in your firearm in terms of function (feeding, extraction and ejection) and in terms of accuracy from a rest at differing ranges. Some will definitely do better (or worse) than others. Also try a variety of common priced as well as at least a few of the more premium priced rounds. Out of all this, you will find several loads that you gun will like.
I like to use Standard Velocity (below 1130 or so fps as measured in a rifle, but above 1050) in my auto pistols. Generally, it is more accurate and it is much easier on the gun in terms of wear, especially in a finer target auto.
Of the Standard Velocities, I have had good luck with CCI Standard Velocity, CCI Green Tag, SK Standard, SK Pistol Match, SK Magazine, Wolf Match Target, Geco Rife, the various SV Federal Premium(s), Remington Target, Aguila SuperExtra SV, most of the Eley, Norma Tac and Norma Match, Geco Rifle and Geco Match.
I generally don't shoot HV (over 1200 fps) in auto pistols, but it is ok in good quality revolvers. I don't shoot the cheapo HV bulk stuff (1235-1300 fps range is common) in auto pistols, but some do. I never shoot Hyper Velocity (over 1400 fps) in any pistol or revolver.
Bottom line is that each .22, rifle or pistol, is a law unto itself, so there is no one load that will work great in every firearm. Consider trying several brands of various velocities and see which work well in your firearm in terms of function (feeding, extraction and ejection) and in terms of accuracy from a rest at differing ranges. Some will definitely do better (or worse) than others. Also try a variety of common priced as well as at least a few of the more premium priced rounds. Out of all this, you will find several loads that you gun will like.
I like to use Standard Velocity (below 1130 or so fps as measured in a rifle, but above 1050) in my auto pistols. Generally, it is more accurate and it is much easier on the gun in terms of wear, especially in a finer target auto.
Of the Standard Velocities, I have had good luck with CCI Standard Velocity, CCI Green Tag, SK Standard, SK Pistol Match, SK Magazine, Wolf Match Target, Geco Rife, the various SV Federal Premium(s), Remington Target, Aguila SuperExtra SV, most of the Eley, Norma Tac and Norma Match, Geco Rifle and Geco Match.
I generally don't shoot HV (over 1200 fps) in auto pistols, but it is ok in good quality revolvers. I don't shoot the cheapo HV bulk stuff (1235-1300 fps range is common) in auto pistols, but some do. I never shoot Hyper Velocity (over 1400 fps) in any pistol or revolver.
bannockburn
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I have found Wolf Match Target to work reliably in both my pistols and rifles and deliver top notch accuracy. Same can be said for CCI Standard Velocity. Another decent CCI loading is their MiniMags; a bit pricey but can give you very reliable and accurate performance as well. If I just want to have some fun plinking then less expensive ammo like Federal Auto-Match is used.
doubleh
Member
I'm another that thinks the labeling of either "pistol" or "rifle" of 22 rimfire to be a gimmick. One of the more accurate brands of lower cost 22 ammo I've found for my rifles is Aguila Pistol Match. I haven't tried it in pistols but I would expect it to be as good in them. Any ammo I've shot in either platform has preformed the same in both what ever the brand or labeling.
Jim Watson
Member
I have some SK Standard Plus, Wolf Match Target and Wolf Match Extra. I bought it to shoot in bolt action target and sporting rifles where it is about as accurate as I can hold, I got no real advantage from the high priced spread.
But now I am shooting mostly auto pistols and like Slamfires, it does not have the pop to function M41 or High Standard.
It will work in my old Woodsman, so I will plink it up eventually. Hmm, wonder about the ACE floating chamber, have to give it a try.
Caveat: This is salvaged ammo exposed to conditions of the Incident; wetted but not burnt.
But now I am shooting mostly auto pistols and like Slamfires, it does not have the pop to function M41 or High Standard.
It will work in my old Woodsman, so I will plink it up eventually. Hmm, wonder about the ACE floating chamber, have to give it a try.
Caveat: This is salvaged ammo exposed to conditions of the Incident; wetted but not burnt.
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