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

2026 Pyarmyd Ag 1
2026 Pyarmyd Ag 1

Airgunners Head to Ohio as Pyramyd Cup Expects Its Biggest Field Yet

Four days, three disciplines and a field drawn from across the world, with Hatsan USA signing on as platinum sponsor.

Red, White and Blue: Smith & Wesson’s America 250 Revolvers

Smith & Wesson commemorates America’s 250th with limited-edition Model 642 and Model 66 revolvers, both no-lock, engraved and fitted with blue grips.

New: Steiner MPS 2.0 Micro Pistol Sight

Steiner’s second-generation enclosed-emitter pistol dot moves to a CR2032, adds oversized brightness buttons and a magnetic battery cover. MSRP is $631.99.

Berger Bullets Selected for SOCOM’s M1200 6.5 Creedmoor Load

Berger 6.5 mm 140-grain OTM bullets have been selected for loading in the M1200 6.5 Creedmoor Special Ball Long-Range Ammunition for U.S. Special Operations Command.

CCI’s Henry Golden Boy Collector’s Edition .22 LR Reaches Retailers

CCI’s Henry Golden Boy Collector's Edition .22 LR is shipping nationwide, delivering 275 rounds of 36-grain copper-plated hollow point at $31.99.

Results: 2026 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Prone, F-Class Championships

Mike Carter wins NRA National Smallbore Prone Championship by three points as Sam Pagliari takes his second consecutive F-Class title at the Cardinal Shooting Center.

Interests



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