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

Leupold LCO 1
Leupold LCO 1

New: Leupold LCO Pro F2

Leupold’s new LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight combines a redesigned aluminum housing, aspheric lens and 30,000 hours of battery life for hard use.

Krieghoff Revives Historic Trophy for 140th Anniversary

Krieghoff revived its namesake trophy after 21 years, drawing 232 shooters from 13 countries to Germany’s Dornsberg course for its 140th anniversary.

Remington Don’t Tread on Me, Come and Take It Bulk Buckets Now Shipping

Remington’s Don't Tread on Me and Come and Take It bulk ammo buckets are shipping nationwide, expanding the company’s patriotic America 250 lineup.

First Look: SIG Sauer’s New Hexium Suppressor Line

SIG Sauer’s new Hexium suppressor line brings 3D-printed, low-back-pressure rifle cans to 5.56 mm NATO, 7.62 mm NATO and .300 BLK platforms.

41st Northeastern Satellite Grand American Opens 2027 ATA Target Year

The 41st Northeastern Grand American, first Satellite Grand of the 2027 ATA target year, runs Sept. 8-13 at the NYSATA Homegrounds in Cicero, N.Y.

Back On The Range: Lessons From A Life-Saving Detour

USPSA Board Chairman Dan Click reflects on the health scare that sidelined him in 2025 and the lessons about improvement, community and joy he brought back.

Interests



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