Picking .22 LR Match Ammunition

by
posted on August 24, 2018
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

Compcorner April2025 1
Compcorner April2025 1

Competitors’ Corner: April 2025

Highlights from the April 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

Using Ace VR Simulation Training For Effective Practice

Ace Virtual Shooting’s VR handgun shooting simulator allows users to shoot more than 100 stages and compete against live competitors.

CMP Smallbore Rifle Postal Match 2025

A no-stress shoot-and-send game for the newbie.

Review: Tandemkross Spitfire Lightweight 10/22 Barrel

Our review of the Tandemkross Spitfire barrel for Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifles.

Axioms Of Dry-Fire Training

USPSA competitor Joey Sauerland discusses dry-fire training for practical shooting.

Burrell Wins Sporter Title At 2025 JROTC 3-P Nationals

Burrell, Wells win sporter, precision titles at 2025 JROTC National Championship.

Interests



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