Every .22LR shooter knows the quest for the perfect ammunition is a balance of three critical factors: reliability, accuracy, and cost. Finding a round that excels in all three areas can feel like a marksmanship challenge in itself, especially when your firearm can be surprisingly picky about what you feed it. The right ammo minimizes frustrating malfunctions and maximizes your potential for tight groups, whether you’re punching paper, hunting small game, or just enjoying a day at the range.
This roundup is designed to help you cut through the clutter and identify high-performing .22LR options that won’t break the bank. We’ve also included a few essential accessories that complement your ammunition, helping you maintain your firearm and improve your shooting fundamentals. From hyper-consistent target loads to versatile hunting rounds, here are our top picks for getting the most out of your rimfire rifle or pistol.
Our Top Picks for Reliable .22LR Ammo and Accessories
- 22lr Targets – The Unofficial Factory Class 22lr Targets
- Squirrel Daddy .22LR Caliber Muzzle Wear Gage Bore Gauge
- Browning Buckmark Speed Loader for Factory Magazines
- CCI Mini-Mag 22LR 36 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point
- Aguila SuperExtra 22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose
- CCI Standard Velocity 22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose
- Federal Champion 22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose
- Remington Golden Bullet 22LR 36 Grain Hollow Point
22lr Targets – The Unofficial Factory Class 22lr Targets
Improving your accuracy requires more than just good ammo; it demands proper practice. These 11″x17″ targets are specifically designed for factory class rimfire competition training, providing a standardized format to track your progress. The clear, 100-point bullseye measures .75 inches, offering a precise aiming point to test the limits of both your rifle and your shooting skills.
Printed on durable 70# text weight stock, these targets resist tearing and are substantial enough to handle various weather conditions at an outdoor range. With 50 targets per pack, you have ample supply for multiple training sessions, allowing you to focus on fundamentals like sight alignment and trigger control without constantly running out of targets.
Squirrel Daddy .22LR Caliber Muzzle Wear Gage Bore Gauge
Maintaining your firearm’s accuracy starts with understanding the condition of its barrel. The Squirrel Daddy Muzzle Wear Gauge is a simple yet effective tool for quickly checking the diameter of your .22LR, .22 Short, or .22 Magnum bore. This is particularly useful for diagnosing accuracy issues that can develop over thousands of rounds, as a worn muzzle can negatively impact bullet stability.
This tool is 100% made in the USA from quality steel, ensuring durability and long-term reliability. The precise markings are permanently laser-etched onto the body, so they won’t wear off over time. It’s an inexpensive piece of diagnostic equipment that can provide valuable insight into the health of your rimfire rifle.
Browning Buckmark Speed Loader for Factory Magazines
Loading .22LR magazines by hand can be a tedious task that puts strain on your fingers. This speed loader, made in the U.S.A. by veterans, is designed to eliminate that hassle for owners of Browning Buckmark pistols. It interfaces directly with the factory magazines, making the loading process smooth and effortless.
The primary benefit is the end of sore fingers from struggling with the tiny slide grip on the magazine. This accessory saves time and frustration at the range, allowing you to spend more time shooting and less time reloading. It’s a simple upgrade that significantly improves the overall user experience with your Buckmark.
CCI Mini-Mag 22LR 36 Grain Copper Plated Hollow Point
Often considered the gold standard for reliable .22LR ammunition, CCI Mini-Mags have a well-deserved reputation for consistent performance. The 36-grain copper-plated hollow point projectile is designed for reliable cycling in semi-automatic firearms and offers effective expansion for small game hunting. The high-velocity round provides a flat trajectory, which can improve hit probability at varying distances.
This ammunition is known for its clean-burning properties and quality priming, which results in very few duds. Whether you are dealing with a finicky semi-auto pistol or need a dependable round for pest control, the Mini-Mag is a top-tier choice that balances power, reliability, and accuracy.
Aguila SuperExtra 22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose
Aguila SuperExtra is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. The 40-grain lead round nose load offers standard velocity performance, which is often very accurate and produces less report than high-velocity rounds. This makes it suitable for both target shooting and general plinking.
Manufactured in Mexico, this ammunition has gained a strong following for its reliability and consistent quality. It cycles well in most semi-automatic firearms and provides a cost-effective solution for high-volume shooters who need a round they can count on without a premium price tag.
CCI Standard Velocity 22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose
For pure accuracy, many competitive shooters turn to CCI Standard Velocity. This 40-grain lead round nose ammunition is renowned for its exceptional consistency from shot to shot. The standard velocity reduces muzzle flip and sound signature, which is ideal for bullseye shooting and use with suppressors.
The clean-burning formulation and non-corrosive priming contribute to the round’s reliability and help keep your firearm cleaner. If your primary goal is to achieve the smallest possible groups, especially from a bolt-action or target-oriented rifle, CCI Standard Velocity is an excellent and affordable choice.
Federal Champion 22LR 40 Grain Lead Round Nose
Federal Champion is a workhorse .22LR round that offers great value for everyday shooting. The 40-grain lead round nose bullet provides reliable performance for plinking, informal target practice, and introductory shooting sessions. It’s widely available and known for being one of the most affordable options on the market.
While it may not have the match-grade tolerances of some other rounds, its general reliability and low cost make it a perfect choice for casual range trips where the volume of fire is the priority. It’s a no-frills ammunition that gets the job done without straining your wallet.
Remington Golden Bullet 22LR 36 Grain Hollow Point
Remington Golden Bullet is a classic high-velocity .22LR load commonly sold in bulk packs. The 36-grain hollow point bullet is designed for rapid expansion, making it a popular choice for varmint hunting and pest control. Its high-velocity profile also helps ensure reliable cycling in a wide range of semi-automatic firearms.
As a bulk ammunition, it represents a solid value for shooters who go through large quantities during a single range session. While consistency can vary more than premium brands, many firearms run very well with it, making it a staple for recreational shooting and training.
Buying Guide for the Best 8LR Rimfire Ammo
When I’m looking for the best 8LR rimfire ammo, my focus is always on a trio of critical factors: reliability, accuracy, and affordability. You can’t really have a good range day or a successful small game hunt if your ammunition fails on any of these fronts. Let’s break down what I look for in each category to make an informed choice.
First up is reliability. This is non-negotiable. A rimfire cartridge that doesn’t fire when you pull the trigger is worse than useless. I pay close attention to the priming compound and how it’s applied. A consistent, high-quality mix sealed evenly around the rim is what gives you that satisfying bang every single time. I also look at the cartridge case itself. Brass cases are generally more reliable than other metals because they seal the chamber better upon firing, which helps with consistency and keeps your firearm cleaner. A misfire is more than just an annoyance; it can mean a missed opportunity in the field or a frustrating stoppage during a competition.
Next, we have accuracy. This is where the subtle differences between brands and types really show up. The single biggest factor for accuracy, in my experience, is consistency. Every round in the box should be as identical as possible to the next. This means consistent powder charges, bullet weights, and overall dimensions. For 8LR, which is often used for target shooting and hunting small pests, a round that groups tightly is the goal. I tend to lean towards standard velocity rounds for better accuracy, as they often stay subsonic, avoiding the destabilizing effects of crossing the sound barrier. The bullet design matters, too. A round-nose bullet is fine for plinking, but for precision, I look for a hollow-point or even a wadcutter design that cuts a cleaner hole in paper and can offer better terminal performance.
Finally, let’s talk about affordability. The best 8LR rimfire ammo needs to be something you can actually afford to shoot regularly. The beauty of the .22 LR cartridge has always been its low cost, allowing for high-volume practice without breaking the bank. I balance cost against performance. The cheapest bulk pack might be tempting for casual plinking, but if it’s dirty, inconsistent, and prone to misfires, it’s not a good value. I look for a brand that offers a great balance—proven reliability and good accuracy at a price point that doesn’t make me wince. Sometimes, spending a few more cents per round for a premium line is worth it for the peace of mind and the results on the target. My advice is to buy a few different boxes of the best 8LR rimfire ammo candidates and test them in your own firearm to see which one gives you the perfect blend of these three essential qualities.
FAQ
What does “8LR” mean in ammunition?
“8LR” typically refers to a specific product listing or packaging count. It often means a box of 8 rounds of .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammunition. This is a less common box size compared to standard 50 or 100-round boxes and is sometimes used for higher-end, match-grade, or specific hunting rounds where precision is more critical than volume. You are still looking for the best .22 LR ammo; the “8” just tells you how many are in the package.
Is more expensive .22 LR ammo always more accurate?
Not always, but there is a strong correlation. More expensive .22 LR rounds, often labeled as “match” or “target” grade, usually undergo stricter quality control. This means the components—like the bullet, powder charge, and priming—are more consistent from one cartridge to the next. This consistency is a huge factor in achieving tight groups on a target. However, your specific firearm might “prefer” a cheaper round. The only way to know for sure is to test several types to find the best 8LR rimfire ammo for your particular rifle or pistol.
What is the difference between standard velocity and high-velocity .22 LR ammo?
The main difference is the gunpowder charge and the resulting speed of the bullet. High-velocity ammo travels faster (typically over 1200 feet per second), while standard velocity is slower (around 1070-1150 fps). For accuracy, I often prefer standard velocity. It remains subsonic (below the speed of sound), which prevents the bullet from becoming unstable as it transitions from supersonic to subsonic flight. High-velocity ammo is great for hunting where you want more impact energy, but it can be less consistent at longer ranges.
Why do I sometimes get misfires with my .22 ammo?
Misfires can be frustrating. The most common cause is the rimfire priming compound itself. If it’s not applied evenly around the rim of the cartridge, the firing pin might strike a spot with little or no compound, causing a “click” instead of a “bang.” This can be a quality control issue with the ammunition. Other causes can be a dirty firearm with a buildup of residue in the chamber or on the breech face, or a weak firing pin spring. If you’re experiencing frequent misfires with one brand but not others, the ammo is likely the culprit.
Can I use any .22 LR ammo in my rifle?
Most modern .22 LR rifles are designed to safely fire any standard .22 Long Rifle ammunition. However, it’s always a good practice to check your owner’s manual for any specific warnings or recommendations from the manufacturer. Some semi-automatic rifles can be finicky with certain types of ammo, particularly subsonic or standard velocity rounds that may not generate enough energy to reliably cycle the action. If you have an older or antique firearm, you should be especially cautious and consult a gunsmith.