How to Shop for 22 Ammo

Published on January 31, 2025
Duration: 26:14

This guide explains how to choose .22 LR ammunition based on your specific needs, emphasizing that most shooters overspend on ammunition that exceeds their requirements. It details the differences between standard, high, and hyper velocity rounds, their impact on accuracy, and appropriate uses for hunting and plinking. The instructor advises against paying premiums for marketing terms and highlights that bullet weight and velocity are key factors in performance.

Quick Summary

For accurate shooting with .22 LR, standard velocity ammunition (under 1100 fps) is recommended as it avoids the destabilizing effect of breaking the sound barrier. Hyper velocity rounds are fun for short-range plinking but lose accuracy quickly. For hunting small game, standard lead bullets suffice, while larger game may benefit from heavier hollow points.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to .22 LR Ammunition
  2. 00:10Usefulness of .22 LR
  3. 01:13Variety of .22 LR Offerings
  4. 01:31How to Choose .22 LR Ammo
  5. 02:25Ammo Choice for Different Shooting Levels
  6. 03:43Cost Considerations for Bulk Ammo
  7. 04:32High-Level Competition Ammo Needs
  8. 05:07Selecting Ammunition Types
  9. 05:28Velocity Levels Explained
  10. 06:40Standard Velocity vs. Supersonic
  11. 07:35Bullet Stability Below Sound Barrier
  12. 09:04Bullet Weight and Stability
  13. 09:39Hyper Velocity Ammunition Characteristics
  14. 10:42Destabilization of Light Hyper Velocity Rounds
  15. 11:23Fun Factor of Hyper Velocity Ammo
  16. 12:13Choosing Accurate Ammunition
  17. 13:29Beware of 'Target' and 'Match' Labels
  18. 14:03European vs. US Ammunition Quality
  19. 15:24Impact of Primers on .22 LR Accuracy
  20. 17:09Summary: Accuracy and Standard Velocity
  21. 17:18Subsonic Ammunition Explained
  22. 18:33Bullet Shape and Type (Hollow Point vs. Lead)
  23. 19:55When to Use Hollow Points
  24. 20:44Larger Game and Hollow Points
  25. 21:44Bullet Plating and Lubrication
  26. 23:59Lubrication Types and Action Gumming
  27. 24:17Removing Lubricant Residue
  28. 24:41Final Advice: Don't Overspend
  29. 25:11Having Fun with .22 LR

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important factor when choosing .22 LR ammunition for accuracy?

For accuracy, standard velocity .22 LR ammunition (below 1100 fps) is generally preferred. This avoids the destabilizing effect of breaking the sound barrier, which can negatively impact bullet flight consistency. European brands like SK and Lapua are often cited for their accuracy.

When is hyper velocity .22 LR ammunition a good choice?

Hyper velocity .22 LR ammunition, while fun for short-range plinking and offering explosive impact, is not ideal for accuracy beyond 50-60 yards. Its lighter bullets (30-32 grains) lose velocity and stability quickly after breaking the sound barrier, leading to larger groups.

Do I need hollow point .22 LR bullets for hunting small game?

For small game like squirrels and rabbits, standard lead .22 LR bullets are usually sufficient. Hollow points are generally unnecessary and can cause excessive meat damage. Aiming for the head is recommended for preserving meat.

What is the difference between standard velocity and subsonic .22 LR ammunition?

Subsonic ammunition is simply any .22 LR round traveling below the speed of sound (under 1100 fps). Standard velocity ammunition also falls into this category. The term 'subsonic' gained popularity with suppressors but doesn't inherently mean better performance than other sub-1100 fps rounds.

Should I worry about copper plating on .22 LR bullets?

No, you do not need to worry about copper plating on .22 LR bullets. Manufacturers select the appropriate bullet coating or lubrication based on the ammunition's intended velocity. Whether it's copper-plated or plain lead with lubrication, it's designed to function correctly and prevent bore fouling at its specified speed.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from GunBlue490

View all →