"Real World" cheap/bulk 22LR ammunition comparison

[LiveLife]

Few years ago I embarked on a "Real World" testing of cheap/bulk 22LR ammunition using new 10/22 and T/CR22 out of the box to see how group sizes changed while factory triggers broke in from 7.5/6 lbs down to 4.5/4 lbs and after some "cheap" accurizing work was done to both rifles.

After 10,000 rounds were shot in both rifles, CCI SV/Blazer 40 gr emerged as most accurate ammunition consistently producing around 1/2"-3/4" groups and Aguila 40 gr producing around 3/4"-1" groups at 50 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...22lr-on-the-cheap.898035/page-2#post-12304052

Groups with "boxed" Aguila 40 gr

Two top left groups with "boxed" Aguila 40 gr and bottom groups with "loose bulk" Aguila 38/40 gr (Testing with Norma Tac-22 was preliminary and since it came "greased/lubed", will test further after proper "seasoning" of barrel)

So based on total composite of 5/10 shot groups obtained during the 10,000+ round testing, the following accuracy listing was produced ... BUT these are based on 10/22 and T/CR22 which have demonstrated preference for ammunition selection - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...t-shipped-pricing.902560/page-5#post-12304852

1. CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr LRN (New) - Boxed (Around 1/2")
2. CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr LRN (Old) - Boxed - Consistent group size (Around 1/2" - 3/4")
3. CCI Blazer 40 gr LRN - Boxed - Consistent group size (Around 1/2" - 3/4")
4. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN - Boxed - Based on initial testing 1/2"-3/4" groups (Testing to continue)
5. Aguila 40 gr LRN (Eley Prime) - Boxed - Consistent group size (No longer produced)
6. Aguila 40 gr LRN (Aguila Prime, New) - Boxed - Consistent group size (Larger than 1/2" to 3/4")
7. Aguila 40 gr LRN (Aguila Prime, Old) - Boxed - Consistent group size (Larger than 1/2" to 3/4")
8. Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Eley Prime) - Boxed - Consistent group size (No longer produced)
9. Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Aguila Prime) - Boxed - Consistent group size (3/4"-1")
10. Aguila 40 gr LRN Pistol Match - Boxed, Consistent group size around (3/4"-1")
11. Aguila 40 gr CPRN - 250 round Loose Bulk - Based on initial testing sub 1" to 1.25"
12. Aguila 38 gr CPRN - 250 round Loose Bulk - Based on initial testing around 1"
13. Federal Auto Match 40 gr LRN - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
14. Aguila 38 gr CPHP - Boxes - Group size varied
15. Federal Game Shok 40 gr CPRN - Boxed - Fairly consistent group size
16. Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
17. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr CPHP - Loose Bulk - Fairly consistent group size
18. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN - Loose Bulk - Small to large groups with flyers
19. Armscor 36 gr CPHP - Boxed - Varying group size with flyers
20. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN - Boxed - Group size varied
21. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 525 Blue Box (Old) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
22. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 525 Blue Box (New) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
23. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 550 Walmart Red Box (Old) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
24. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 550 Walmart Red Box (New) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
    
25. Winchester XPert 36 gr LRN 500 - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
26. Winchester 36 gr CPHP 555 - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
27. Winchester M22 40 gr CPRN 500 - Loose Bulk - Group size varied with flyers

 

[LiveLife]

So after collecting additional brands/weights and newer lots of 22LR ammunition, I decided to broaden the comparison testing by purchasing Winchester Wildcat (16.5" barrel) and Savage B22 Precision (18" heavy barrel).

BTW, Savage B22 Precision review (Sub 1/2" at 50 yards) - https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/savage-b22-precision-rimfire-rifle/388620

And Winchester Wildcat review (1/2" at 50 yards) - https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/winchester-wildcat-review/363885

So in addition to these "Old stock" ammunition from 2017-2019 ...

I will be testing these new brands/weights and newer lots of ammunition in 10/22, T/CR22 and now Wildcat and B22 Precision.

 

[Demi-human]

Fabulous! I love your threads. I wish I could shoot that much.

Let it be known I am for Team Savage!

 

[troy fairweather]

Be cool to do the same with some vintage 22 ammo,

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

My experience has been the same, CCI SV consistently delivers nice groups from most of my target guns, in some cases performing better than Eley or other premium "match" ammo brands.

Aguila, regardless of variety, always chambers and gos bang (which is more than I can say for WWB), and is fine for casual plinking or warming up, but doesn't excel in any of my guns.

I just bought a couple boxes of that Norma TAC22, but haven't had a chance to try it yet.

 

[allisd17]

My experience has been the same, CCI SV consistently delivers nice groups from most of my target guns, in some cases performing better than Eley or other premium "match" ammo brands.
.

I've been picking up my limit of CCI SV every time I go to Walmart.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I've been picking up my limit of CCI SV every time I go to Walmart.

They're doing limits? Haven't been in a Walmart in 2 years.....

 

[Demi-human]

You mean still doing limits. It’s been that long here.
Every time I go there is a full shelf, yet I am restricted to only three. That’s more than I get, but still, it’s the principle of the thing.

 

[Scout21]

They're doing limits? Haven't been in a Walmart in 2 years.....

Rimfire ammo is pretty much the only thing I buy from there.. As soon as it's cheaper online I'll be effectively boycotting them.

On an unrelated note, they really pissed me off when the gun counter clerk wouldn't give me a price on a rifle back when they were putting all of their rifles on clearance for ~$75. I'm not sure if the guy wanted to keep it for his buddies or what, but he flat out refused to give me a price for it. Left a really, really bad taste in my mouth after that.

To keep on topic, I used to love the Aguila standard velocity. Was as good as CCI SV at 2/3 of the price, close to 1/2 when on sale at Academy. Now it's cheaper to buy CCI. Aguila .22 prices seem to have at least doubled, nearly tripled in some places. Unfortunately I shot up my small stock not expecting to have to shell out so much for it upon resupply.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Rimfire ammo is pretty much the only thing I buy from there.. As soon as it's cheaper online I'll be effectively boycotting them.

On an unrelated note, they really pissed me off when the gun counter clerk wouldn't give me a price on a rifle back when they were putting all of their rifles on clearance for ~$75. I'm not sure if the guy wanted to keep it for his buddies or what, but he flat out refused to give me a price for it. Left a really, really bad taste in my mouth after that.

To keep on topic, I used to love the Aguila standard velocity. Was as good as CCI SV at 2/3 of the price, close to 1/2 when on sale at Academy. Now it's cheaper to buy CCI. Aguila .22 prices seem to have at least doubled, nearly tripled in some places. Unfortunately I shot up my small stock not expecting to have to shell out so much for it upon resupply.

Im finding Aguila Super at the local pawn shops for $.10/rnd.

 

[Scout21]

Im finding Aguila Super at the local pawn shops for $.10/rnd.

Not too bad of a price. I'd rather buy American made CCI for a similar price, though. It's weird that Aguila went up as much as it did while CCI didn't go up nearly as much. I guess Aguila realized that they were leaving money on the table.

 

[AJC1]

I don't know what the money limit is but the wolf match is best followed by cci minimags. And cci standard velosity.velocity.. I shoot a ton of the federal automatch because it's cheap and available. I would never try and compete with it. I haven't gone into the 15 dollar for 50 stuff.
I should have qualified in my 10/22 and cz 457.

 

[sparkyv]

Nice range report as usual, John. Most of my 22s like the CCI SV and Aguila LRN (Aguila prime) too, but some of my tests so far show that the Norma Tac-22 is gaining ground.

WME is excellent, but testing is limited due to the cost!

I don't know what the money limit is but the wolf match is best

 

[2ndtimer]

Nice range report as usual, John. Most of my 22s like the CCI SV and Aguila LRN (Aguila prime) too, but some of my tests so far show that the Norma Tac-22 is gaining ground.

WME is excellent, but testing is limited due to the cost!

I have also found that the Norma TAC-22 is very close to my CZ’s favorite SK Standard Plus, at half the cost (if you hurry).
https://normashooting.com/shop/cali...2-qty-50/?mc_cid=4c569941d7&mc_eid=7e068355fd
order two bricks for $80, and qualify for free shipping! I just might have to grab 2 more myself.

 

[hemiram]

Pretty much any .22LR ammo that feeds ok and is dud free is good for me. The stuff that doesn't feed well goes into my Pietta SA revolver. Last stuff I shot, Rem Thunderbolt wasn' too bad. Fed my .22 Henry OK, but my semiauto pistols didn't like it much. Only one dud out of 150 shot.

 

[Idahou]

I have much less experiences with .22 LR but on european (Czech) market i find out that issue is also in weak necks of cartridges, which leads to bending by manipulation and then malfunctions.
From my experiences Sellior & Bellot HV HP are realiable and accurate enough - never measured but also never had issue with groups. About 2000 rounds, just bought another 1000 and ordered Tippman M4 22

 

[allisd17]

So after collecting additional brands/weights and newer lots of 22LR ammunition, I decided to broaden the comparison testing by purchasing Winchester Wildcat (16.5" barrel) and Savage B22 Precision (18" heavy barrel).

BTW, Savage B22 Precision review (Sub 1/2" at 50 yards) - https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/savage-b22-precision-rimfire-rifle/388620

And Winchester Wildcat review (1/2" at 50 yards) - https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/winchester-wildcat-review/363885

So in addition to these "Old stock" ammunition from 2017-2019 ...

I will be testing these new brands/weights and newer lots of ammunition in 10/22, T/CR22 and now Wildcat and B22 Precision.

The Savage B22 looks like a sweet rifle. I just bought a Savage Mk II Varmint and it shoots 1/2" groups at 50m with CCI SV.

 

[LiveLife]

I used to love the Aguila standard velocity. Was as good as CCI SV at 2/3 of the price, close to 1/2 when on sale at Academy. Now it's cheaper to buy CCI. Aguila .22 prices seem to have at least doubled, nearly tripled in some places. Unfortunately I shot up my small stock not expecting to have to shell out so much for it upon resupply.

Good news!

Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (Not loose bulk which has shown to be less accurate than boxed - Some damage could be done to priming compound at rims with loose rounds banging around) is down to $35/500 shipped when 4 bricks of 500 are purchased with free shipping - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...t-shipped-pricing.902560/page-7#post-12359126

From my around 11,000 round testing shot from new 10/22 and T/CR22 (Soon Savage B22 Precision and Winchester Wildcat), Aguila 40 gr CPRN consistently produced the smallest 5/10 shot composite groups at 50/100 yards. Only CCI SV/Blazer 40 gr LRN and Aguila 40 gr LRN produced smaller groups.

Happy days again, especially if/when 22LR prices continue to fall.

The Savage B22 looks like a sweet rifle. I just bought a Savage Mk II Varmint and it shoots 1/2" groups at 50m with CCI SV.

Originally I was planning to buy just the Winchester Wildcat due to magazine compatibility with 10/22 (like T/CR22) but since 10/22 has shown preference for ammunition selection (T/CR22 to a lesser degree), I wondered if 10/22 magazine compatible Wildcat may be affected as well.

Since I am doing ammunition accuracy comparison, decided to remove the magazine feeding/bolt moving factors and get a bolt action. After a quick research, Savage B22 Precision was the obvious choice with documented accuracy of sub MOA.

 

[LiveLife]

22LR ammunition ... comparison testing ... I decided to ... (purchase) Winchester Wildcat (16.5" barrel) and Savage B22 Precision (18" heavy barrel)

UPDATE: After doing some research, I decided to get the 18" barrel Wildcat over 16.5". Some reviews reported while 16.5" barrel produced higher muzzle velocities, 18" barrels produced smaller groups. (BTW, while handling the Wildcat in person, I noticed the barrel comes free-floated from factory. )

Savage B22 Precision arrived at the LGS damaged (both receiver to MDT chasis bolts were broken among other parts of the rifle) so it's being returned. Based on some match shooters' reviews at RFC and report of some barrels producing 2"-3" groups at 100 yards suspecting QC issue of Canadian made barrels (My factory 10/22 barrel is producing around 1.25"-1.5" groups in comparison), I decided to hold off on B22 Precision for now while I continue with 22LR ammunition comparison testing with 10/22, T/CR22 and Wildcat.

I am still interested in the bolt action B22 Precision and this will give me a chance to check out semi-auto A22 Precision as well in the meantime.

 

[LiveLife]

UPDATE: After doing some research, I decided to get the 18" barrel Wildcat over 16.5". Some reviews reported while 16.5" barrel produced higher muzzle velocities, 18" barrels produced smaller groups. (BTW, while handling the Wildcat in person, I noticed the barrel comes free-floated from factory. )

UPDATE 1: After some thought/further research, I decided on getting BCA dedicated 22LR 16" heavy barrel upper for my birthday present as comments report sub 3/4" groups at 50 yards with bulk ammo - https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/22...el-1-16-twist-15-mlok-scg2-nrail-branded.html

It's been raining hard (We get 80"-100" annually) and haven't had a chance to shoot it but will post review/groups on the "Accurizing 22LR ..." thread or in a new thread if I can't get the archived thread unlocked.

UPDATE 2: Recently, I was able to purchase 10+ brands/weights/lots of ammunition to add to 30+ brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition on hand. Will post pictures tomorrow when more rain is expected (We got some sun in the afternoon and I was busy mowing our acreage ).

 

[12Bravo20]

Another good thread with solid information.

I have to say that my experiences match yours closely as far as the different ammo goes. Though I do not have a Ruger 10/22 anymore. I will say that CCI always performs best with Aquila a code second depending on the rifle.

I have tested my Marlin Model 70, several AR22 rifles, Savage MkII BTVLSS with varmint barrel and a Romanian M69 Trainer. What did surprise me is that the Savage MkII BTVLSS actually shoots CCI Mini Mags the best at 100 yards or less. My heavy barrel AR22 does best with CCI Standard while the little Romanian M69 does quite well with Federal Champion 510 and isn't too far behind the Savage or CMMG AR22 at 25 and 50 yards.

I do have some other ammo to test in the Savage and CMMG AR22 to see how they do past 100 yards.

 

[LiveLife]

UPDATE:

Adding Advantage Arms 22LR slide kit for Gen3 Glock 22 with 2-7x32mm scope for pistol group testing at 25 yards in addition to 50/100 yard rifle testing with 10/22 factory barrel, T/CR22 bull barrel and BCA 22LR AR upper - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...for-more-solid-mounting.923430/#post-12724116

While waiting for rain to stop for a range day, will start compiling 40+ brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition for testing.


`

 

[LiveLife]

While waiting for rain to stop for a range day, will start compiling 40+ brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition for testing.

Old stock from 2019 (Lot # in parenthesis):

1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33)
2. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067)
3. Aguila 40 gr LRN Pistol Match boxed (10ED02)
4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (29GL12 Eley Prime)
5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27 Aguila Prime)
6. Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418)
7. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (40006 Rev D)
8. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (14A290)
9. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (2FM056)
10. Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 275 round (14P171)
11. Federal Game-Shok 40 gr CPRN boxed (26F141)
12. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092)
13. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (D13Z81233)
14. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236)
15. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 555 round (1P862L)
16. Winchester Xpert 36 gr LHP loose bulk 500 round (1PG61L)

New stock from 2022-2023 (Lot # in parenthesis):

1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33 ... Yes, same # as 2019 but this lot was bought in 2022)
2. Aguila 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 250 round (08DP198)
3. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (16BM37)
4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (02DZ54)
5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 250 round (15CN955)
6. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 500 round (09AL87)
7. Blazer 38 gr LRN loose bulk 525 round (A03EE80)
8. Blazer 40 gr LRN boxed (H21DA07)
9. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (D06DA01 40006 Rev G)
10. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (E19DA07 40006 Rev G)
11. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 100 round (40238 Rev E)
12. CCI MiniMag 36 gr CPHP boxed 100 round (40237 Rev E)
13. CCI MiniMag Meat Eater 36 gr CPHP boxed 300 round (42054 Rev A)
14. ELEY Club 40 gr LRN boxed (3114-30165)
15. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401)
16. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L207P01)
17. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (Cannot read lot #)
18. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (B09DA02)
19. Federal Range Pack 40 gr LRN loose bulk 800 round (L201U03)
20. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 325 round (L331Q01)
21. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 round blue box (1GJ420)
22. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (50R043)
23. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (G58420570)
24. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E28WB1234)
25. RWS Target Rifle 40 gr LRN boxed (56064)
26. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 333 round (E129734)
27. Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 1000 round (2TH10M)
28. Winchester Super-X 36 gr CPHP wooden boxed 500 round (2MH81M)
29. Winchester Super-X 40 gr CPHP loose bulk 300 round (3SM20L)

 

[Mousegun]

On a day with no or limited wind, my high end 177 cal. air rifles outshoot my 22 Marlin 39. It is truly amazing how far air guns have come in the last 5 years with no end in sight. They do get very expensive though.

Air rifles, just like powder burners, have to find the pellet they like best before excellent groups can be had and tests like the fabulous one above can be found on air gun forums.

These shot were taken at 40 yards. 50 yards do not open the results much at all.

 

[DMW1116]

This might be worth trying for my Victory 22 and 9mm loads. What is the scope mount? I presume that’s a pistol type scope?