.22LR Ammo Comparison

There's a ton of #22LR ammo out there. But what's worth your time? That depends on what you're shooting, how you're shooting, where you're shooting and your budget.
In this video, a number of brands are compared against one another to see which is the best value for money, the most accurate, and the most reliable.
My pick for most affordable is definitely the CCI Blazer. Coming in well under the price of all other competitors on this list, Blazer is fairly accurate and very reliable and is ultimately the best budget option in this list.
My pick for most reliable is definitely the Hornady. While a bit more expensive yet not quite as accurate as the Eley, Hornady strikes a good balance but offers excellent cycling, even in semi auto actions.
My pick for accuracy is hands down Eley Tenex, with Eley match a very close second. This ammo is also very reliable, however, prohibitively expensive. Use only for competition shooting. Or buy Contact, Sport or Subsonic for day to day shooting at the range.
#rifle #rimfire #ammo #ammunition #firearms #guns #shooting #CCI #Norma #Hornady #Eley
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[@juniorcopeland9082]

The sunglasses remind me of a mafia coke dealer... lol

[@canadianoperator]

Hey hey hey….. I can ASSURE you, I am absolutely, definitely, highly likely, probably kinda not a mafia coke dealer. “Hey buddy! (Opens trench coat) wanna buy some coca cola?” 😎

[@juniorcopeland9082]

@@canadianoperator 😄

[@maxcontax]

Every rifle, even the same make and model, seems to have a preference for ammo. My 10/22 loves American Eagle 38 HP which shoots as well as the elegy in it, but y long barrelled CZ 452 LUX prefers CCI Velocitors! Thanks for a good video. BTW the reason you don’t zero in your grouping on the X bullseye is if you do you wreck your point of aim and your group will suffer. You don’t destroy your aim point. I shoot mine high or low to the bullseye for that reason. Simple tweak of the scope sets it up for hunting then, up or down only…

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks for the insight! Very well said. And also thanks for the heads up, that's a very good point :)

[@edjett2631]

If your long barrel LUX likes Velocitors, you have a match made in heaven. I don't see velocitors on the shelf often; you must be buying it all!

[@maxcontax]

@@edjett2631 on a calm day the CZ will shoot 1” 5 shot groups at 100 yards, off the bench. No gopher is safe. Also, I chronographed them, Not 1435 fps, more like 1350… big part of long range accuracy with 22’s is getting the real velocity. My 10/22 is quite good to 60 yards but at 100 yd it doesn’t do well, I blame that squishy Ruger trigger.

[@Jwilliamstech]

Also, 50 yards is a more reliable testing range for a 22 rifle. 25 m is more in line with pistol accuracy.

[@canadianoperator]

@@JwilliamstechI shoot at 25. Everyone is different.

[@tonyv8925]

A few comments here...For 25yard targets I use product box card stock, cut to 2 1/2" square then use a felt tip pen around a quarter in the center. Cheap and easy to make. Blazer 40grRNL and Aguila 40gr RNL standard velocity are my go to plinking ammo for my old single shot Stevens. For serious "minute of squirrel" hunting, I use CCI 40gr RNL SV. When zeroing my scope at 25yards I get almost single hole groupings. If you ever get the opportunity, try and buy a Marlin/Glenfield Model 25 with Micro-groove rifling...amazing accuracy for an inexpensive bolt action rifle. Thank you for sharing this video...really enjoyed your comparison study.

[@canadianoperator]

This is some really great insight. Thank you very much for watching and for contributing to the conversation :-)

[@madewithscraps]

Thanks for the recognition of the good old Marlin Model 25. I have had one of that model for over 35 years now, and still enjoy the supreme accuracy, long barrel and quietness compared to others. This rifel is effortless to fire and easy to hit objects at 50 yards with a scope installed.

[@juniorcopeland9082]

The Norma and Aguila high velocity 40 grn. shoots really well in my BRNO model 4 rifle 27.5" barrel better than the CCI Blazer...but every gun is not the same and likes different ammo, but for the money I don't think you can beat the accuracy for economy price ammo that is, of Norma and Aguila, at least in all my rifles anyway !! Nice video 👍

[@user-hb3uy7hr7s]

Great video. Thank you. The absolute best 22 LR I have ever shot is the Aguila interceptor at 1400 fps. Accurate, consistent and flawless. I recommend you trying it. I never fire anything else from my pistols, revolvers or my riffles. Excellent indeed. I invite all to try it. Disclaimer: I do not work, consult, being paid or have anything to do do with Aguila.

[@canadianoperator]

Might try that thank you :) I have tried one of their other rounds before but wasn’t completely satisfied with the type of wax they use and my GSG at the time really hated it. That said I don’t think it was the interceptor, and high speed ammo tends to usually work a bit better in semis so that might be worth a shot, literally and figuratively :)

[@rhare7353]

Retired on a fixed income price matters, I shoot every week I do have 3 semi auto guns a GSG/ SIG 1911-22 , a Marlin model 60 and the bellybutton Ruger 10/22 (everybody has one). CCI AR, Minimag, and Blazer along with the Aqulia super extra are by far my favorites all under .10 cents a round. I try other brands every now and then and always come back to my favorites. Norma tac 22 and Armscore turn my semi auto guns into single shot guns although they shoot well in my bolt and lever action guns. Good video and good shooting thank you..

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks very much for adding your insight :) 22 is a great caliber for shooting for sure, it’s always something I fall back on when I want to save a few bucks :)

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

We on the same kind of budget...our stash ammo is CCI and Norma, but we are a little more open about cheap bulk since we run lever and revolver actions along with a couple autos...the autos run amazingly well on thunderbolts, so we have several thousand rounds on hand for those guns...the levers and revolvers flat don't care what they fed, so whatever cheapest is used...no argument the cci standard velocity ammo is wonderfully accurate for the cost, we don't need same hole accuracy, just minute of squirrel sufficient...

[@stevemakin7648]

I live in the UK where the ELEY .22 quality (expensive) ammo is made and one pronounces it properly by saying like you’d say “EELEEY”. That Eley Match makes great bunny getting rounds with that flat nose upfront. Packs a good punch for a quick dispatch (head shots with my Anschutz 1416 sporter rifle) is crazy accurate and is quiet enough to work well through my moderator on this rifle.

[@canadianoperator]

Good to know, thank you for the heads up!

[@stevengleave9241]

I recently seen a friend buy a couple boxes of Remington Thunderbolts and Golden Bullets where he experienced many problems every other round through his 10/22. Have you any experience with Federal copper jackets? Ill definitely tell him about the Blazers! Thanks for the video.

[@canadianoperator]

Glad you enjoyed the video! So I am not a huge fan of the Federal stuff (copper jacketed, comes in a white box of around 350 or so). It's not that I dislike Federal, just for 22 ammo it's not what my gun likes. Remember 22 can be VERY fickle and picky as to what it likes to be shot in, and this can even vary between the same ammo and gun - so it's kind of a crapchute and more of a "fuck around and find out" situation :P

[@mikec9349]

Are your flyers on the first shot? If so, they could be caused by a cold bore.

[@canadianoperator]

Yes I believe they were. Very interesting observation.

[@Thevapehouseunboxed]

out of curiosity, why'd you sell your gig 16? I was looking at picking one up so thought id ask

[@canadianoperator]

I just found it laborious to clean and wanted something a bit better quality for a 22 (that's why I went with my 10/22 in stainless).

[@peterhealey2668]

I've just got back from the range with my Savage B series .22 bolt action using Tac22"s and had numerous failure to ejects until I switched to Winchester Wildcat and they performed perfectly.

[@canadianoperator]

Failure to eject with a bolt? Very interesting. One of our community members on Discord has a Wildcat and says he really enjoys it. Norma's not bad for ammo but I personally didn't have a great experience with it.

[@peterhealey2668]

@@canadianoperator I have two Savage 22s, one bolt action and a semi auto and Tac 22s jam in both. I'm going to try cleaning the wax off the rounds and see what happens.

[@canadianoperator]

@@peterhealey2668 I think that’s part of the issue. For semi auto most of my experience was that CCI mini mag or bust. With my bolts CCI blazer works best and no issues whatsoever. I might give up on the Tac22. But do let us know how it turns out.

[@peterhealey2668]

@@canadianoperator where are you located? I'm on Vancouver Island.

[@canadianoperator]

@@peterhealey2668 I’m in the Toronto area.

[@TheLoneRanger745]

Great report, Great findings at the range, thank you for your extensive experience. "Buckeye Ballistic" also has Great reports on ALL the top performing ammo .

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks for watching!

[@Watching-hb7pb]

I somehow missed this video when it first came out. But it is a great topic as seen by the number of responses as well as the excellent comments. What I am wondering is how much ammo is enough? Looks like some of your followers are holding 20K and more in 22. They probably have a lot more in other calibers.

[@canadianoperator]

Better late than never! 🤪 Actually, it’s a very valid and good question to ask. But I think the answer isn’t straightforward. How much is enough I think depends on a lot of things. How much are you comfortable with? How much can you afford? How much are you able to safely store? How much do you shoot? In that, I think it’s a very personal choice for which there is no “right” answer. For me, that answer is …why, around 5-6 thousand rounds.

[@jonathanmcgowan7746]

I find it depends on the firearm. My rifles will eat just about anything but not my handguns. I hear some folks say their Walther P22 or Taurus PT22 for instance will run Federal Automatch and Winchester Super X just fine but mine sure won't. Mine eat Remington Thunderbolts, Aguila Super Extra and Federal round nose and hollow points with fewer issues than CCI Mini-Mags. Crazy, I know, but that's how it is so I just roll with it. The best thing you can do for your 22 is find out what works best in YOUR gun and don't worry about what others say about your ammo choice(s).

[@canadianoperator]

Oh absolutely. Especially with 22 - it’s very gun dependent. My GSG would refuse to touch anything but CCI Minimag CPRN.

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

Our autos like thunderbolts, too, so we save the brand for those guns...if loaded for bear we would grab mini-mags out of the stash, but not for range work...I've heard somewhere that the Remington. 22 ammo is the next fraction narrower than other .22, which would be a big plus for feeding/extraction, I'm talking 0.0005 or whatever narrower (don't recall the exact number)...

[@madewithscraps]

So true for firearm to feed, extraction topics. Recently at the range with a friend we tested, chrono graphed many different brands and types of 22 lr offerings, especially meant for the newer Federal Punch, intended and advertised for 22lr short barreled pistols. I fired from a Heritage Arms 6" revolver, my friend fired from his Taurus TX 22 pistol. The results of the Federal Punch was extremely disappointing for speeds as compared to their videos and Federal's Marketing advertising figures. I will not purchase or make the mistake of recommending any Federal Punch 22lrs to any person in the future. Speeds were off by 100fps-150fps in both pistols, compared to their advertisings.

[@canadianoperator]

@@madewithscraps oooof. That’s rough. This is the thing about 22 though - a lot of it can be so finicky with specific conditions, firearms, etc. Tbh I tried the federal 22LR (not in this comparison) and found that I didn’t like it too much. It didn’t cycle in my GSG and wasn’t particularly accurate in my 10/22.

[@knokname6466]

@@madewithscraps I recall someone, not5 going to recall his name, who explained that Punch is made to operate from a four inch barrel, which is why it loses velocity in your six inch Heritage. Read the box label, I think it was written there as well.

[@leecaptis5865]

What is your opinion of Aguila super extra? I get similar groups and it cycles my 10-22 with zero malfunctions. Let me know. ..

[@canadianoperator]

Overall I think it’s a good ammo. Objectively speaking I have had mixed results personally based on the firearm. My 10/22 liked it. My GSG-16 hated it. Personally, and subjectively, I liked the price point but didn’t like the viscous wax they use in the case. I hope that’s helpful to some degree :)

[@TheTimeweaver]

I wonder how the compared ammunition would perform out of a pistol. I found Winchester Super X Super Speed 40gr to be unreliable in my GSG 1911. Most of the issues were stove pipes. Like you, I found CCI Mini Mags to be very reliable.

[@samywilliam1927]

I shoot mini mags out of my .22lr pistol it never misfired and cycles just fine. However as Tom pointed out, they’re not very accurate compared to other brands at longer distances like 50 yards. Thats why I only use it for my pistol and not my hunting rifle.

[@canadianoperator]

Mini Mags definitely were for me. My GSG liked them the most, nothing else would cycle perfectly. I'm wondering if it's just that 22 ammo overall is quite picky what guns it likes and vice versa. But there must be more to it. Nevertheless, some experimenting helped me figure out what is best for me, so hopefully those suggestions will help you :)

[@canadianoperator]

Even at 25 there's a noticeable difference in accuracy. Would be interesting to further test in pistols, though I don't own one so that might be hard to do :P

[@pnotuner1]

First time viewer of your channel. I didn't think this young guy giving himself the "operator" handle was going to impress me. But you did so right off the bat with your praise of the 40 grain Blazers. I have at least 50# of 22lr ammo and have tested many different rounds. Not the high dollar stuff though. Although I did buy a 50 box of Federal Gold Medal Ultra Match for $14 once. ( I found that the cheapest Federal American Eagle performs just as good. ) The Blazers are consistently very good in every rifle I have had. I have some Eley Target yellow box, and it is meh middle of the road accurate. I recently got a brick of Eley Sport and haven't tested them enough to have a conclusion. I will say that my best group ever was with CCI AR Tactical. I also have a brick of 22 that I consider to be the worst ammo made. Would you venture a guess?

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad I was able to impress you, though doing that for everyone can be quite the challenge these days :) Yes the Blazer is impressively consistent for how affordable it is. I have about 4,000 rounds in the safe at any given time :) I’m not sure I could guess as it wouldn’t be an educated one (about the worst ammo you had tried) but as you can probably tell I hated the norma eco speed and wasn’t a huge fan of the TAC 22 either. I personally found the federal stuff ($35 bucks a box of 350 or so$ to be awful. What was it?

[@pnotuner1]

@canadianoperator Monarch made in Philippines. So many failures to fire and bullet speeds all over the place.

[@canadianoperator]

@@pnotuner1 oh wow. I’ll keep this in mind, thank you. Never actually heard of this brand.

[@pnotuner1]

@@canadianoperator I think it is made by Armscor

[@user-dn3cg6pu3l]

Have you tried Lapua Center-X ammo?

[@canadianoperator]

I have not but that seems to be a solid brand from what I hear.

[@geordiegeorge9041]

I have heard that Hornady is made by CCI, ELEY is pronounced E LEE, the firm is based in Birmingham England. All of my shooting is done on paper at 50 meters. I shoot the German made SK Rifle Match.

[@canadianoperator]

Interesting. I have had some really great results with Eley. I may be planning to go to their Canadian test range sometime soon to do some testing (though batch testing is not available right now) and perhaps also shoot a video :)

[@MrAvidOutdoorsman]

Thanks for the info! Though please,bruh, lose the unibomber glasses 😂😂

[@canadianoperator]

You’re welcome :) And whoever you want to associate those shades with is up to you :) But they’re not going anywhere…. Except on my face. :)

[@madewithscraps]

Amen to the Glasses! TACKY!

[@canadianoperator]

@@madewithscraps I. AM. The. Glasses. 😎

[@dalesearcy5734]

I get as many failure to fire from Mini Maga as I do with most other brands. What I do like about Mini Mag is they are more consistent in velocity that some other brands.

[@canadianoperator]

Personally I found that Mini Mags are best for semi auto rifles. Especially those that typically don't like cycling other kinds of brands. But that's interesting... So what else do you shoot?

[@reddrockingeezer]

I just bought 5000 rounds (100 boxes) of the Norma Tac 22 delivered for $300 + $14.95 shipping, no tax charged. I can put up with an occasional stovepipe for the great accuracy and only 6¢ per bullet.

[@canadianoperator]

CCI blazer was even cheaper and more accurate and reliable for me :) But glad you found something that works for you!

[@JohnPublic-dk7zd]

6 cent Norma is a great price...we have some in the stash, and some on the range shelf...we don't buy any ammo online, but the prices can be vastly better, no doubt...

[@juniorcopeland9082]

​@@canadianoperatorIf memory serves me, I thought your grouping was better or just as good, with the Norma than with the Blazer?

[@canadianoperator]

@@juniorcopeland9082 It was pretty close yeah. Overall I liked the Blazer better as I thought it was about bit more consistent but honestly both are pretty decent.

[@yesihavebedbugs2786]

Did you clean the bore between groups?

[@canadianoperator]

I did not.

[@sirham2191]

.22 ammo is hard, depends what rifle you are using. In my Winchester wildcat I run cci mini mags or stingers only

[@canadianoperator]

You're right. 22 ammo can be quite picky, and their respective firearms can be too. I found mini mags great for cycling semi auto actions. But you can't go wrong with the cost savings of Blazer. Really depends what your rifle likes to eat :P

[@flyerh]

Eley don’t run a batch of Tenex and a separate run of Match.They only run a batch of Tenex then grade it.The Tenex that falls below set parameters of Tenex go into a black match box.

[@canadianoperator]

It’s also on a per gun basis :)

[@Strutingeagle]

Hey, aren't you the guy on Top Gun with those sunglasses?

[@canadianoperator]

That’s me bro. Names Tom. I fly planes and shoot guns.

[@Strutingeagle]

Cool beans Tom, hows that scientology working out for ya by now?@@canadianoperator

[@canadianoperator]

@@Strutingeagle Not as well as the sunglasses.

[@Strutingeagle]

Well you are a damn fine looking man with them sunglasses. If I was Leah Remini I would marry you. Only take about six minutes I recon.@@canadianoperator

[@samywilliam1927]

Eley all the way!

[@canadianoperator]

Sure is great ammo! :) Pretty pricey though ;)

[@Tony-pc3tb]

Was it very sunny in your apartment?

[@canadianoperator]

Yes. It’s always sunny in my apartment. Even at night. But only when I’m making videos.

[@ogie4893]

CCI mini mags. They rule. Simple facts. Been using them for 35 years without a hiccup. U get what u pay for.

[@canadianoperator]

This is true. Sometimes :) 22 can be very selective. While I agree mini mags are great- they are great in certain guns and certain situations, like all 22 ammo tends to be.

[@NineteenEighty-Four]

I loaded up on MM before covid and heard the quality isn't what it used to be. Any truth to this?

[@donmclaughlin3664]

Would have been great to see CCI SV in the test.

[@canadianoperator]

Maybe next time :-)

[@joerico9461]

The ELEY ammo is pronounced E LEE

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks :)

[@mrdark9916]

I stocked exclusively to CCI Mini Mags and STINGERS for my emergency stash, I have 10k mini mags and 5k Stingers put aside just for hunting and emergency stash. Personally I've found them both to be very accurate atleast out of my 10/22 and my old Savage 410/22 (the grouse slayer for decades) that thing has shot the heads off so many grouse over the decades it's insane lol 😂 For just range plinking I have around 20k of a TON of different brands bought here/there a few boxes at a time.

[@canadianoperator]

CCI definitely makes some awesome ammo. Personally I never thought I’d go for the blazer but it really surprised me.

[@cliftonhammock1152]

Good .....

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks?

[@RossBoss90]

If your groups are that big at 25yds I don't think the ammo is the problem or being properly showcased....

[@canadianoperator]

Well thankfully not everyone is a passive aggressive elitist like yourself. :)

[@genepotter]

Operator??

[@canadianoperator]

Yes?

[@timvest8141]

It's pronounced E Lee. Also you didn't have a jacketed bullet in the bunch. They are copper washed. Big difference. None the less not a bad video.

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks!

[@22lr_plinking]

Why the sunglasses ?

[@canadianoperator]

Why not the sunglasses? :)

[@22lr_plinking]

@@canadianoperator trust me

[@canadianoperator]

@@22lr_plinking I’m good bro :) I like my shades.

[@madewithscraps]

What R U trying to hide behind those glasses?

[@NineteenEighty-Four]

@@madewithscraps Maybe he shot the groups with them on to stay in character.

[@edjett2631]

-CCI Blazers are one of my staple loadings due to their good accuracy and reasonable accuracy. -I think Mini Mags are quite good, but they cost more. You can find them most anywhere which is a good thing. -I have a fair amount of the black box Norma TAC-22. It was cheap and available when I bought it, but not very consistent accuracy wise. I think the red box stuff must have been improved and Norma wanted to make sure we can tell that it's the new stuff. -No experience Norma Eco Speed. -No experience with the Hornady -I like the Eley Subsonic Hollow. Shoots very consistently for me. Pricey and I have to order it in; none of my local suppliers keep it in stock regularly; it's quite good. I think I may have some Eley Sport, but have not shot any. The Eley Match is sweet ammo. I keep some on the shelf, but it's pricey. I don't shoot Tenex; it's too expensive for me. I don't have any in my inventory. Suggestions for other ammo to try: Aquila Super Extra subsonic is one of my favorite ammos. Their Super Extra HV is quite good as well; I like it. They have solid and HP versions. Pricing is competitive. Another brand to look at is SK (by Lapua). They have some HP hunting ammo, but most of their claim to fame in economy ammo (relative term) is SK + and SK Match. Their best (most accurate and consistent) stuff is sold under their various target grade Lapua branding. Wolf Match Target and Match Extra is quite good; now manufactured by Eley, previously by Lapua.

[@canadianoperator]

Great suggestions, thank you :)

[@user-yg5ww3tw6s]

I made it to seven minutes. Of course I was outside while it played. The thirty seconds I heard were total shit.

[@canadianoperator]

Thanks for engaging with the video so that KZbin recommends it to more people.

[@travhammer]

Reliability is the one that will sink u

[@canadianoperator]

That’s why consistency is key :)

[@TravYFZ]

EEE-LEE

[@canadianoperator]

Eh-lay?

[@TravYFZ]

@@canadianoperator 😆 haha

[@fredhinck9685]

.22 LR is not jacketed. Flash coat of copper.

[@canadianoperator]

Good to know, thanks :)

[@NineteenEighty-Four]

Real jacketing is a new thing re Uppercut

[@godzillaburger9690]

You could've cut the time of this video from 25 minutes to 5 minutes. Yackity yack yack yack.

[@canadianoperator]

You could have used the seek bar on the video to skip ahead. But instead you resorted to being a keyboard warrior because you couldn’t control your emotions. Makes me wonder how many times people like you would actually say the things they typed.

[@noahsaville]

​@canadianoperator yeah sure he could've went about his opinion in a better way, which his is valid in my opinion aswell but you put this video together pretty detailed and was good. I would recommend a TLDR( too long didn't read) equivalent at the end people who want fast results can skip to. Otherwise try not to react to such comments, respond. Either way keep em coming

[@canadianoperator]

@@noahsaville Thanks :) It’s really not that I can’t take criticism. Especially when it’s constructive. But I also don’t like taking any shit from anybody. Especially someone who seems pretty entitled and has no clue the amount of work that actually goes into these videos. I was brought up to respect people even if I don’t agree with them. And I don’t handle disrespect particularly well as a result. Either way I appreciate your input.

[@RaymondPexton]

You need to loose the shades, you are trying to look like a gangster.

[@canadianoperator]

lol, according to you.

[@mikestuart5278]

who wants to sit and look at you looking int the camera for 20 minutes ?

[@canadianoperator]

So you’re saying you clicked on this video just to complain? Thanks for the view, bud.

[@canadianoperator]

Oh. Didn’t answer your question. 1,500 people, apparently.

[@tonyv8925]

Me...always looking to learn more about my hobby. lol

[@canadianoperator]

@@tonyv8925 thank you for that. :) glad you’re here :) I get to learn a lot doing this too. But it’s always nice to see folks who get something from my videos :)

[@juniorcopeland9082]

That's what is so great about freedom, if you don't like what you see, you have the choice to not watch it !! ✌

[@Tony_Seed]

22 hollow points don’t expand

[@canadianoperator]

Sure they do. Just because they’re smaller it doesn’t make it any different than any other HP. Hp is designed to dump as much kinetic energy into the target as possible. To do that, the projectile flattens out and disperses more energy into the target, often causing much more severe wound channels and internal damage to the target. Some projectiles are designed more towards this purpose than others.

[@freddybeem2322]

Loose the glasses

[@canadianoperator]

No.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

The Blazer results are similar to others' findings. Found it for .07 on gunbroker.

[@canadianoperator]

Indeed, pretty impressive for the price. I have a running average of 4K in stock at any one time.