The Most Common Recommended 22LR Ammunition
Recommended 22LR Ammunition
For sport shooting, hunting, beginners learning the basics, experienced shooters practising — in short, for everyone 🙂
In this post I'd like to take a closer look at 22LR ammunition. What makes it so special? It practically provides an entry point into the world of live-fire shooting. The small calibre combined with minimal recoil gives even complete beginners an easy and enjoyable first experience. You can learn to handle a live firearm while having fun — and all of this at a fraction of the cost of other calibres.
It is perhaps the most versatile calibre, perfectly suited for:
- Casual or hobby shooting
- Competitive sport shooting — popular in several disciplines
- Tactical training or firearms instruction
- Pest control
- Small game hunting
The wide availability of a diverse range of ammunition makes this calibre even more attractive. There is a huge selection of both general-purpose and specialised loads. Of course, this also makes the choice more difficult — you simply cannot try everything. We recommend ammunition to each other, but it's worth remembering that the same round may perform very differently in your friend's rifle than in yours. All we can do is narrow down the options based on technical data and intended use, then pick our favourite from that shortlist.
The Most Common and Most Popular 22LR Ammunition
As I was writing this post and started diving deeper into the world of 22LR ammunition, I kept discovering wider and more complex areas of application. Anyone who finds a favourite load tends to stick with it — sourcing and testing 50–100 different types is no small task, and the general public is unlikely to take that on.
I came across an article online where a shooter tested 54–55 different 22LR loads. He fired 5×5 shots per load onto a target at distances of 50, 75, and 100 yards. 🙂 Yes, that's a serious undertaking. And he didn't stop there — he analysed the targets and averaged the group sizes. How many people would sign up for that?
The catch is that only a small fraction of the loads popular in Europe were included in the sample. And of course the test dates from around 2010. It's not exactly current.
You can find the article here: .22LR Rimfire Ammo Comparison Test
I gathered the experiences of several fellow shooters and drew on available online tests, manufacturer specifications, and recommendations to put together this small collection. I've grouped the ammunition into several categories: loads recommended for sport and competition, for hunting, and for practice, training, and plinking. There are also 22LR self-defence loads, but I haven't covered those here.
One thing to always keep in mind: the rifle chooses the ammunition. These kinds of tests are useful as guidance at best — which load will perform best in your specific rifle is something only your own experience can tell you.
Sport & Competition 22LR Ammunition
For sport and competition use, the primary criteria are accuracy and reliable functioning. Price matters too, of course, but it is not the top priority.
Hunting 22LR Ammunition
For hunting, the bullet's terminal performance and energy transfer are the key factors — ideally at the greatest possible distance. Accuracy matters too, but not to the same degree as with sport loads. And price is always a consideration.
Practice & Plinking 22LR Ammunition
For practice and hobby shooting, the primary consideration is price. We want to shoot as much as possible for as little as possible. Terminal performance and penetration are not a priority. As your shooting improves, you can move up to better-quality ammunition.
SK Rifle Match 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.172
- Muzzle velocity: 1073fps – 327.1m/s
- Muzzle energy: 102ft-lbf – 139J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 121J / 306m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 109J / 289m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 90ft-lbs / 1009fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 81ft-lbs / 958fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
SK is Lapua's sister brand. SK ammunition is manufactured in the same factory as Lapua rounds, and the quality reflects this. It offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it a great choice for sport shooting, practice, and even hunting. The Rifle Match is perhaps the best all-round option for everyday use. In fact, many competitive shooters use it successfully in matches. And it performs well in the vast majority of 22LR rifles.
A solid choice for rapid-fire and silhouette competitions. And speaking of those disciplines, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR riflescope is an excellent pairing.
Advantages
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Consistent performance
- Readily available
- Suitable for sport shooting
Disadvantage
- Limited suitability for hunting due to soft lead construction
SK Long Range Match 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.176
- Muzzle velocity: 1106fps – 337.1m/s
- Muzzle energy: 109ft-lbf – 147J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 128J / 314m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 114J / 296m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 95ft-lbs / 1035fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 85ft-lbs / 980fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
The SK Long Range Match is another popular subsonic load from the SK range. Its exceptionally good ballistic coefficient gives the bullet a flatter, more precise trajectory compared to other loads. Depending on barrel length, the muzzle velocity just crosses or grazes the lower boundary of the speed of sound. This SK load also represents excellent value, though it is slightly more expensive than the other SK rounds listed — the difference is not significant.
Also recommended for sport and hobby shooting, and arguably more suitable for hunting than the other general-purpose 22LR SK loads.
A great choice for rapid-fire and silhouette competitions. The T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR riflescope pairs very well with it.
Advantages
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Consistent performance
- Outstanding ballistic coefficient
- Suitable for sport shooting
- Also suitable for small game hunting
Disadvantage
- Harder to find in stock
SK High Velocity Match 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.171
- Muzzle velocity: 1263fps – 385m/s
- Muzzle energy: 142ft-lbf – 192J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 156J / 347m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 134J / 321m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 117ft-lbs / 1149fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 101ft-lbs / 1065fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
The High Velocity Match is SK's supersonic offering. It combines high muzzle velocity with an excellent ballistic coefficient. The bullet drops below the speed of sound at approximately 60–65m, meaning it delivers significant terminal energy within that range — and it retains its energy well at longer distances too. Accuracy is acceptable. Primarily recommended for hunting and hobby shooting, or as a practice load.
The quality is guaranteed by the fact that SK ammunition is produced in the same factory as Lapua. Thanks to the outstanding price-to-performance ratio, these loads are highly sought after among shooters.
It's also worth noting that these rounds perform well across the most common 22LR rifles.
A great choice for hunting and pest control. Its low price also makes it an excellent practice load. Recommended scopes include the Discoveryopt LHT 6-24X44SFIR FFP, the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z, or for long range the Discoveryopt HD GEN II 5-30×56 SFIR FFP ZeroStop. Or something more compact like the DISCOVERYOPT HD 2-12X24SFIR FFP — superb image quality without the weight penalty.
Advantages
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Consistent performance
- Readily available
- Suitable for sport shooting
Disadvantage
- Limited suitability for hunting due to soft lead construction
Lapua Polar Biathlon 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.172
- Muzzle velocity: 1106fps – 337m/s
- Muzzle energy: 109ft-lbf – 147J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 127J / 314m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 113J / 296m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 95ft-lbs / 1034fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 85ft-lbs / 979fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
The Lapua Polar Biathlon is one of the most expensive competition-grade loads in the Lapua lineup — the result of strict quality control and premium materials. Accuracy and consistency are its defining traits: true match quality. It performs well in tests too. In the comparison test linked above, it finished third at 50 yards, behind an Eley load and another Lapua round. If price is a secondary concern, it's a great choice.
Specifically recommended for sport and precision shooting.
A fine choice for competition. If precision matters, pair it with a quality scope. In the more affordable segment, the T-Eagle AR 6-24x50 SF is a solid option, while the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z or Discoveryopt ED PRS GEN2 5-25X56SFIR FFP-Z are excellent pairings, especially at longer ranges.
Advantages
- Excellent groups at longer distances
- Consistent performance
- Outstanding ballistic coefficient
- Recommended for sport shooting
Disadvantage
- Among the more expensive options
Lapua Center-X 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.172
- Muzzle velocity: 1073fps – 327m/s
- Muzzle energy: 102ft-lbf – 139J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 121J / 306m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 109J / 290m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 90ft-lbs / 1009fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 82ft-lbs / 958fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
If precision and accuracy are the top priority, the Lapua Center-X belongs on the list. It is widely used and appreciated among competitive shooters. That said, SK has been gaining ground at its expense in recent times — largely due to the price difference.
The Lapua Center-X is a subsonic load that tends to bring out the best from most rifles. The difference versus cheaper ammunition becomes particularly apparent at longer ranges.
Recommended for sport and precision shooting. Also suitable for hunting, though there are more affordable alternatives for that purpose.
An excellent match choice. The T-Eagle AR 6-24x50 SF works well in the more affordable range, while the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z or Discoveryopt ED PRS GEN2 5-25X56SFIR FFP-Z are also great pairings for longer ranges.
Advantages
- Excellent groups at longer distances
- Consistent performance
- Outstanding ballistic coefficient
- Recommended for sport shooting
Disadvantage
- More expensive than most
Eley Tenex Biathlon 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead, nearly flat nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.167
- Muzzle velocity: 1160fps – 354m/s
- Muzzle energy: 120ft-lbf – 162J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 137J / 325m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 120J / 304m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 102ft-lbs / 1072fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 90ft-lbs / 1007fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
When talking about competition-grade 22LR ammunition, Eley Tenex simply cannot be left off the list. The majority of competitors at international events and the Olympics use these rounds. Of course, that level of performance comes at a price — these are expensive loads. Then again, they weren't designed for tin-can plinking. This ammunition was developed to win 50m events at international competitions. If that's your goal, you'll buy it regardless. Otherwise, it may not be the load for you. 🙂
Designed for the very top of the competition ammunition hierarchy.
If you choose this load, you're clearly looking for top-tier equipment across the board. Personally, I'd go with an ED-lensed scope — my top picks would be the DISCOVERYOPT ED-PRS GENⅡ 4-20X52SFIR FFP-L, the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z, or for longer ranges the Discoveryopt ED PRS GEN2 5-25X56SFIR FFP-Z.
Advantages
- Excellent groups at longer distances
- Consistent performance
- Used in Olympic competition 🙂
- Recommended for competition use
Disadvantages
- Among the most expensive loads available
- Sometimes difficult to source
Remington Yellow Jacket 33gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Copper-plated hollow point
- Bullet weight: 33gr / 2.138g
- BC: 0.109
- Muzzle velocity: 1500fps – 457m/s
- Muzzle energy: 165ft-lbf – 223J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 153J / 378m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 115J / 328m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 116ft-lbs / 1260fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 88ft-lbs / 1097fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
A hollow point, copper-plated hunting load with high muzzle velocity. It drops below the speed of sound at approximately 90 metres. The combination of high penetration and significant terminal energy makes it ideal for hunting. It sits in the lower price bracket among hunting loads. It's not what I'd choose for precision shooting, but for pest control and varmint hunting it's a solid option in the 22LR category.
Its ballistic coefficient is not ideal, so velocity and energy drop off significantly at longer ranges.
A fine-reticle scope helps you get the most out of this load. The DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP is a good option, as is the hunting-focused T-Eagle AMG 3-15x44 FFP IR, or the Discoveryopt LHT 3-12X42SFIR FFP.
Advantages
- One of the most affordable loads
- High muzzle velocity with significant energy transfer
- Pleasant for hobby shooting
- Readily available
- Good choice for small game and pest control
Disadvantages
- Not recommended for precision shooting
- May not perform well in some firearms
- Not ideal at longer distances
Remington Golden Bullet 36gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Copper-plated hollow point
- Bullet weight: 36gr / 2.333g
- BC: 0.127
- Muzzle velocity: 1280fps – 390m/s
- Muzzle energy: 131ft-lbf – 178J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 135J / 341m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 111J / 309m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 102ft-lbs / 1129fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 85ft-lbs / 1029fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
A hollow point, copper-plated hunting load. The bullet drops below the speed of sound at approximately 60 metres. High penetration paired with significant terminal energy makes it well suited to hunting. It also sits in the lower price bracket. Accuracy is average, so for target shooting in this price range there are better options — but for pest control and varmint hunting it does the job in the 22LR category.
The ballistic coefficient is average, but it's a practical hunting load.
The DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP is a good scope pairing, as is the T-Eagle AMG 3-15x44 FFP IR, or the Discoveryopt LHT 3-12X42SFIR FFP.
Advantages
- One of the most affordable loads
- High muzzle velocity with significant energy transfer
- Pleasant for hobby shooting
- Readily available
- Good choice for small game and pest control
Disadvantages
- Not recommended for precision shooting
- May not perform well in some firearms
CCI Stinger 32gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Nickel-plated brass
- Bullet type and material: Copper-plated hollow point
- Bullet weight: 32gr / 2.074g
- BC: 0.085
- Muzzle velocity: 1640fps – 500m/s
- Muzzle energy: 191ft-lbf – 259J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 158J / 389m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 108J / 323m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 121ft-lbs / 1303fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 84ft-lbs / 1086fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
One of the highest muzzle-velocity loads in the 22LR category. The bullet remains supersonic even at 50m. Developed specifically for hunting. However, the hollow point combined with the high impact velocity produces extreme terminal disruption — which also means significant meat damage in game intended for the table. For that reason it's better suited to pest control and varmint hunting.
Accuracy is average and the trajectory is more curved, which requires practice at longer ranges.
It falls in the higher price bracket.
An excellent choice for hunting and pest control. I'd happily recommend the DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP, the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z, or the compact Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 IR FFP — excellent image quality without the weight penalty.
Advantages
- High muzzle velocity
- Exceptional terminal performance
- Good choice for hunting
Disadvantages
- Mid-to-high price bracket
- Curved trajectory requires practice
CCI Velocitor 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Nickel-plated brass
- Bullet type and material: Copper-plated hollow point
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.125
- Muzzle velocity: 1435fps – 437m/s
- Muzzle energy: 183ft-lbf – 248J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 180J / 372m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 140J / 329m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 136ft-lbs / 1237fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 107ft-lbs / 1098fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
Among 40gr 22LR loads, this is one of the highest muzzle-velocity options. Energy remains significant even at 100m. An effective hunting round. The combination of high penetration and exceptional terminal performance makes it one of the most capable 22LR hunting loads available. Accuracy is average, but terminal effectiveness more than compensates.
Mid-price-range load.
A very good choice for hunting and pest control. Recommended scopes: the DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP, the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z, or the lightweight Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 IR FFP.
Advantages
- High muzzle velocity
- Exceptional terminal performance
- Good choice for hunting
Disadvantage
- Mid-to-high price bracket
Aguila Super Extra Copper-plated HV Solid Point 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Copper-plated round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.161
- Muzzle velocity: 1255fps – 383m/s
- Muzzle energy: 140ft-lbf – 190J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 153J / 344m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 130J / 317m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 115ft-lbs / 1137fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 98ft-lbs / 1053fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
A high-velocity, copper-plated load developed specifically for hunting. Muzzle velocity is 1255fps (approx. 383m/s). The bullet launches fast and hits hard. Compared to slower loads, it produces more noise and more recoil. Grouping is larger, so accuracy is not at competition level — but solid for a hunting load. The trajectory is slightly curved. The copper jacket combined with high impact velocity delivers strong penetration and significant terminal damage. A perfect choice for small game hunting and pest control.
An affordable option within its category.
Recommended scopes: the DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP, the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z, or the Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 IR FFP.
Advantages
- High muzzle velocity
- Exceptional terminal performance
- Affordable price
- Good choice for hunting
Disadvantage
- Accuracy is not at competition level
Aguila Supermaximum Copper-plated Solid Point 30gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Copper-plated flat nose
- Bullet weight: 30gr / 1.944g
- BC: 0.148
- Muzzle velocity: 1700fps – 518m/s
- Muzzle energy: 193ft-lbf – 261J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 195J / 448m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 147J / 389m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 147ft-lbs / 1486fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 113ft-lbs / 1304fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
A supersonic, copper-jacketed load developed specifically for hunting. Muzzle velocity is 1700fps (approx. 518m/s). The bullet remains supersonic beyond 100m and arrives at the target with outstanding energy. Accuracy is not at competition level but is solid for a hunting load. The flat trajectory ensures precise hits even at longer ranges. The copper jacket, flat nose, and high impact velocity combine to deliver strong penetration and significant terminal damage. A perfect choice for small game hunting and pest control.
An affordable option within its category.
Recommended scopes: the DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP, the DISCOVERYOPT ED-LHT GEN II 3-15X50SFIR FFP-Z, or the Discovery ED AR 1-6X24 IR FFP.
Advantages
- High muzzle velocity
- Exceptional terminal performance
- Affordable price
- Good choice for hunting
Disadvantage
- Accuracy is not at competition level
SK Standard Plus 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.132
- Muzzle velocity: 1073fps – 327m/s
- Muzzle energy: 102ft-lbf – 139J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 117J / 301m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 102J / 281m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 88ft-lbs / 993fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 77ft-lbs / 931fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
The Standard Plus is SK's general-purpose load. It's cheaper than the others, though the groups are slightly larger. Even so, several of my shooting friends use it successfully in matches — which supports the idea that the rifle chooses the ammunition. That said, I wouldn't classify this as a sport load. I'd put it at the top of the practice category.
Also suitable for pest control and small game hunting.
A great all-round load. Not the cheapest, but solid value for money. In the hobby category, the DISCOVERYOPT HT GEN2 4-16x44SFIR FFP or its bigger sibling the DISCOVERYOPT HT Gen2 6-24x44 SF IR FFP would be a perfect pairing.
Advantages
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Consistent performance
- Readily available
- Top of the hobby/practice category
Disadvantage
- Not optimal for hunting
Remington Thunderbolt 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.143
- Muzzle velocity: 1255fps – 383m/s
- Muzzle energy: 140ft-lbf – 190J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 150J / 340m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 126J / 312m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 112ft-lbs / 1125fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 95ft-lbs / 1036fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
Let's look at a genuinely budget-friendly option. The Remington Thunderbolt is one of the cheapest 22LR loads on the market. It might seem surprising that Remington produces the most affordable option — but here we are. A good choice when buying in bulk. A good choice for hobby or experience shooting. A good choice for pest control or small game.
I wouldn't choose it for competition or precision shooting. However, its decent ballistic performance and high muzzle velocity compensate in many other ways. It's particularly good for hobby use and won't strain your budget. Also great for practice, or for beginners learning the fundamentals.
A fine choice for hobby and experiential shooting. Recommended scopes: the T-Eagle EOS 6-24x50 AOE HK, the hunting-oriented T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR, or the Discoveryopt HT 3-12X40SF FFP.
Advantages
- One of the most affordable loads
- High muzzle velocity with significant energy transfer
- Pleasant for hobby shooting
- Readily available
- Good choice for small game and pest control
Disadvantages
- Not recommended for precision shooting
- May not perform well in some firearms
Federal Auto Match 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.138
- Muzzle velocity: 1200fps – 366m/s
- Muzzle energy: 128ft-lbf – 173J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 139J / 328m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 118J / 302m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 104ft-lbs / 1084fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 89ft-lbs / 1004fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
A pleasant general-purpose 22LR load with a good price-to-performance ratio, optimised for semi-automatic firearms. A moderate BC of 0.138 combined with high muzzle velocity makes for a likeable practice load that's easy to source in larger quantities. Not recommended for competition, but fine for hobby shooting, practice, or limited hunting use. A viable alternative or companion to the Remington Thunderbolt.
Also suitable for pest control and small game hunting.
Recommended scopes: the T-Eagle EOS 6-24x50 AOE HK, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR, or the Discoveryopt HT 3-12X40SF FFP.
Advantages
- One of the most affordable loads
- High muzzle velocity with significant energy transfer
- Pleasant for hobby shooting
- Optimised for semi-automatic firearms
- Readily available
- Good choice for small game and pest control
Disadvantages
- Not recommended for precision shooting
- May not perform well in some firearms
Federal Champion 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.139
- Muzzle velocity: 1240fps – 378m/s
- Muzzle energy: 137ft-lbf – 185J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 146J / 335m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 123J / 308m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 110ft-lbs / 1112fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 93ft-lbs / 1024fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
A moderately priced 22LR practice load. Worth trying to see whether your rifle likes it — some rifles produce surprisingly tight groups with it, while others less so. Particularly good for practice and hobby shooting. A fast load with high muzzle velocity, dropping below the speed of sound around 50m. The moderate BC of 0.139 still allows decent grouping at mid-range. Not recommended for competition — as with none of the loads in this category — but usable for practice and limited hunting. Not every rifle will take to it. Worth considering alongside or as an alternative to the Remington Thunderbolt.
Also suitable for pest control and small game hunting.
Recommended scopes: the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR, or the Discoveryopt HT 3-12X40SF FFP.
Advantages
- One of the most affordable loads
- High muzzle velocity with significant energy transfer
- Pleasant for hobby shooting
- Readily available
- Good choice for small game and pest control
Disadvantages
- Not recommended for precision shooting
- May not perform well in some firearms
CCI Standard Velocity 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.123
- Muzzle velocity: 1070fps – 326m/s
- Muzzle energy: 102ft-lbf – 138J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 115J / 298m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 100J / 278m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 86ft-lbs / 986fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 75ft-lbs / 922fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
The golden middle ground. If the SK Standard is out of stock and you need an affordable, easy-to-use load, this will become your go-to. Suitable for beginners too. Minimal recoil with a pleasant group size at 50m make it an enjoyable round even within the 22LR category. It doesn't do anything flashy — it just gets the job done. You may not win a match with it, but chances are your rifle will like it and you'll have a good time.
Also suitable for pest control and small game hunting, though more effective at shorter ranges.
Recommended scopes: the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR, or the Discoveryopt HT 3-12X40SF FFP.
Advantages
- One of the most affordable loads
- Recommended and pleasant for hobby use
- Readily available
- Also good for pest control and small game
- Performed well in most firearms
Disadvantage
- Not recommended for precision shooting
Aguila Super Extra Lead Solid Point 40gr.
Technical Specifications
- Case material: Brass
- Bullet type and material: Lead round nose
- Bullet weight: 40gr / 2.592g
- BC: 0.175
- Muzzle velocity: 1130fps – 344m/s
- Muzzle energy: 113ft-lbf – 154J
- Energy/velocity at 50m: 132J / 319m/s
- Energy/velocity at 100m: 117J / 300m/s
- Energy/velocity at 50yds: 99ft-lbs / 1053fps
- Energy/velocity at 100yds: 88ft-lbs / 995fps
*Velocity and energy figures are approximate and depend significantly on the firearm used.
Why do we recommend it?
And finally, perhaps the most affordable load on the domestic market. For practice, training, and plinking. Reviews are very mixed — some people love it, others don't. Groups at 50m are on the larger side. But the ballistic coefficient is surprisingly good, meaning it retains energy well at longer distances and the trajectory stays fairly flat. It all depends on the rifle, though. This is one of those loads you buy, try, and either keep in your range bag forever — or never purchase again. Given the price and the BC, I'd recommend giving it a try at least once.
Also suitable for pest control and small game hunting.
Recommended scopes: the T-Eagle EOS 6-24×50 AOE HK, the T-Eagle AR 2-12X40 SFIR, or the Discoveryopt HT 3-12X40SF FFP.
Advantages
- The most affordable load I found
- Recommended and pleasant for hobby use
- Readily available
- Also good for pest control and small game
Disadvantages
- Not recommended for precision shooting
- Will not suit every rifle