Types of 22LR Ammo: Complete Guide to Rimfire Selection

Understanding Different Types of 22LR Ammunition

The .22 Long Rifle (22LR) cartridge stands as one of the most versatile and widely used ammunition types in the shooting world. From casual plinking to competitive shooting and small game hunting, its popularity stems from its affordability, low recoil, and diverse applications. Understanding the different types of 22LR ammo is crucial for selecting the right ammunition for your specific needs.

What Makes 22LR Ammunition Unique?

22LR ammunition offers several distinct advantages:

• Exceptional affordability for high-volume shooting
• Minimal recoil ideal for training and practice
• Wide compatibility across various firearms
• Diverse selection of load types for different applications

Basic Categories of 22LR Ammunition

22LR ammunition comes in several distinct categories, each offering unique benefits for different shooting applications:

Velocity Classifications Explained

The rimfire market categorizes 22LR ammunition primarily by velocity:

• Standard Velocity: 1,070-1,125 fps
• High Velocity: 1,200-1,310 fps
• Hyper Velocity: 1,400+ fps
• Subsonic: Below 1,070 fps

Standard Velocity 22LR Ammunition

Standard velocity 22LR ammunition represents the most versatile category, offering an excellent balance of accuracy and performance. These rounds typically push a 40-grain bullet at velocities between 1,070 and 1,125 feet per second. 22LR Rifles are a popular choice for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting.

Performance Characteristics

Standard velocity ammunition delivers several key benefits:

• Superior accuracy potential
• Moderate noise levels
• Reduced barrel wear
• Excellent cost-effectiveness
• Consistent performance

Manufacturing Quality

Manufacturing processes for standard velocity ammunition focus on:

• Tight quality control standards
• Consistent powder charges
• Precise bullet seating
• Reliable primer composition
• Uniform case dimensions

High Velocity 22LR Ammunition

High velocity 22LR ammunition offers enhanced performance characteristics, with velocities ranging from 1,200 to 1,310 fps. This rimfire cartridge design represents a popular choice for general shooting and hunting applications.

Performance Benefits

High velocity rounds provide several advantages:

• Flatter trajectories for improved accuracy at range
• Enhanced terminal performance
• Better barrier penetration
• Reliable cycling in semi-automatic firearms
• Increased energy transfer

Ideal Applications

High velocity ammunition excels in:

• Small game hunting
• Varmint control
• General plinking
• Training exercises
• Field shooting

Hyper Velocity 22LR Ammunition

Pushing the boundaries of rimfire performance, hyper velocity ammunition achieves speeds exceeding 1,400 fps. These rounds represent the peak of 22LR ballistic capability.

Key Features

Hyper velocity ammunition offers:

• Maximum energy delivery
• Minimal bullet drop
• Enhanced expansion
• Superior terminal performance
• Excellent barrier penetration

Specialized Uses

Best suited for:

• Pest control
• Small game hunting at extended ranges
• Situations requiring maximum terminal effect
• Applications where trajectory is critical

Browse Our 22LR Ammunition Selection At Apex Ordnance

We supply a wide range of 22LR ammunition types, including standard velocity, high velocity, hyper velocity, subsonic, match grade, and specialty rounds designed for specific applications. From the top brands like Hornady, Speer, and Winchester, to our own line of premium 22LR ammunition, we have you covered.

Subsonic 22LR Ammunition

Operating below the speed of sound (1,070 fps), subsonic ammunition provides unique advantages for specific shooting applications.

Noise Reduction Benefits

Subsonic ammunition features:

• Significantly reduced report
• Minimal sonic crack
• Optimal suppressor performance
• Lower muzzle blast
• Reduced noise signature

Cost Considerations and Value

When selecting 22LR ammunition, consider these price factors:

Bullet Types and Design Features

Common Bullet Configurations

22LR ammunition utilizes various bullet designs:

• Lead Round Nose (LRN)

  • Traditional design
  • Cost-effective
  • Good accuracy potential

• Copper-Plated Round Nose (CPRN)

  • Reduced barrel fouling
  • Enhanced feeding reliability
  • Clean-shooting characteristics

• Hollow Point (HP)

  • Controlled expansion
  • Enhanced terminal performance
  • Hunting applications

Specialty Designs

Modern 22LR ammunition includes innovative bullet types:

• Segmenting bullets
• Polymer-tipped variants
• Match-grade projectiles
• Shotshell loads

Practical Selection Guide

Matching Ammo to Your Needs

Consider these factors when choosing 22LR ammunition:

1. Intended Use

   • Target shooting
   • Competition
   • Hunting
   • Training

2. Firearm Compatibility

   • Semi-automatic
   • Bolt action
   • Revolver
   • Lever action

3. Environmental Factors

   • Indoor vs outdoor
   • Range restrictions
   • Noise considerations
   • Weather conditions

Expert Tips and Best Practices for 22LR Ammunition

Storage and Handling

• Store in cool, dry conditions
• Rotate ammunition stock
• Inspect before use
• Keep in original packaging
• Monitor for signs of degradation

Performance Optimization

• Test multiple brands
• Document accuracy results
• Clean firearms regularly
• Monitor temperature effects
• Consider lot numbers

Common Questions About 22LR Ammunition

• What are the main types of 22LR ammo available?

  The main types of 22LR ammo include standard velocity, high velocity, hyper velocity, subsonic, match grade, and specialty rounds designed for specific applications.

• Which types of 22LR ammo are best for target shooting?

  Standard velocity and match grade types of 22LR ammo are ideal for target shooting due to their superior accuracy and consistent performance.

• What types of 22LR ammo should I use for hunting?

  High velocity and hyper velocity types of 22LR ammo are recommended for hunting due to their increased penetration and energy transfer capabilities.

• How do different types of 22LR ammo affect accuracy?

  Standard velocity and match grade ammo typically offer better accuracy due to lower recoil and more consistent powder charges, while high velocity rounds may sacrifice some precision for increased range.

• What are the different bullet types used in 22LR ammunition?

  Common 22LR bullet types include lead round nose (LRN), copper-plated round nose (CPRN), hollow point (HP), and specialty designs like segmenting or polymer-tipped bullets.

• How do types of 22LR ammo differ in price?

  Standard velocity bulk ammo is typically cheapest, while match grade and specialty types of 22LR ammo command premium prices due to tighter manufacturing tolerances.