Picking .22 LR Match Ammunition

by
posted on August 24, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
22lrchoices1.jpg
To determine the best .22 LR match ammunition for your rifle, purchase one or two boxes of the ammunition brands and quality levels you wish to examine. Research online, as ammo manufacturers have plenty of information (especially muzzle velocity) that you can use to pinpoint the specific .22 LR match ammunition characteristics you are looking for.

Next, go to the the local rifle range on a clear, calm day and set up a suitable target at 50 yards. Shoot from a bench using a solid rest. Fire five fouling shots first, then begin your record strings. Take your time and make each shot count. Fire at least five groups of five shots each, then measure the extreme spread of each group and average the results (add them together then divide by five). Clean the bore of your rifle thoroughly and repeat the process with other brands and/or loads. After you identify one or two brands which are superior, retest only using those.

Once you have identified the brand and load your rifle prefers, conduct similar tests with different lot numbers from the selected load to determine which works best. Prudent competitors then purchase ammunition from that lot in quantity to assure a future supply.
Learn about how .22 LR cartridges are made

Latest

Longshot Midwayusafoundation 1
Longshot Midwayusafoundation 1

Longshot Cameras Teams With MidwayUSA Foundation to Support the Next Generation of Competition Shooters

Longshot Cameras has signed on as a sponsor of the MidwayUSA Foundation, the country’s largest private funder of youth shooting sports.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Goes Nationwide in New Michael Bane ‘Triggered’ Episode

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge takes center stage in new episode of Michael Bane’s ‘Triggered.’

How To Make the U.S. National Rifle Team Roster

USNRT Head Coach Brandon Green breaks down what the team does, who can try out and how to help in a new video.

PROOF Research Unveils PXT Rifle Barrel Technology

PROOF Research debuts PXT exponential twist barrel technology, claiming 30 to 100 percent longer barrel life and 20 to 50 percent better accuracy.

Beretta 92X Performance Dark Series for USPSA Competition

Beretta’s 92X Performance Dark Series adds an optics-ready slide, Graphite Grey Tinitec finish and refined match details to the steel-frame platform.

ATA Western Satellite Grand Returns to Utah in June

The 38th Annual Western Satellite Grand American runs June 2-7, 2026, at the Vernal Rod and Gun Club in Vernal, Utah.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.