Best 22 LR Ammo

The 22 LR (Long Rifle) is the bestselling rimfire cartridge in the world. Despite its small size the 22 LR is extremely versatile. 22 LR is widely available at all sporting goods stores and similar retailers. And better yet, the 22 LR is very affordable. If you are a gun owner chances are you own, or have shot, a 22 LR. Whether it was the first gun you shot, or it is what you use to compete in steel challenges, the 22 LR is unmatched. While the 22 may be small, it is mighty. Read along to learn about the best 22 LR ammo Remington has to offer.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing 22LR Ammo

Let’s be clear, the 22 LR is not the ammunition of choice for long range shooting. Thus, compared to other centerfire rifle cartridges, there are fewer factors to consider when making a 22 LR purchase decision. Common bullet types consist of round nose (RN), hollow points (HP), and truncated cones (sold in HP or solid). In a perfect world, round nose cartridges are to be used for plinking because they offer accuracy and affordability. Hollow points are for hunting because they have greater energy transfer and knock down power. And truncated cones are best for competition because they have superior feeding and make identifiable paper holes. As to velocities, you are going to notice little variance, unless you select a subsonic or low noise round. While high velocity rounds are available, if you want a great choice for all plinking and hunting applications, aim for a cartridge in the 1200FPS – 1300FPS range. The popular bullet weights for 22 LR falls between 36gr – 40gr, which is suitable for all scenarios. Just remember for hunting scenarios, the lighter the bullet, the less momentum and energy.

Remington rimfire cartridges sitting on a table

Why 22LR Ammo is a Popular Choice

Remington fabricates many versions of rimfire ammo including the 22 LR. Much like our other ammunition, Remington has multiple product lines of the 22 LR, with our latest addition being: Ranch Hand. Due to its small size and the consumption rate, 22 LR is often sold in 100 – 1000+ packages. No matter what product and quantity you choose, all 22 LR ammo is great for teaching a beginner how to shoot. The combination of lower noise and light recoil reduces the discomfort a shooters experience from other rifles or a shotgun. Of course, don’t let the low kick and noise lull you into a false sense of security, the 22 LR still packs a punch. Therefore, it is crucial to treat a 22 LR with the same gun safety practices you would any other firearm. Aside from its beginner friendliness, 22 LR is a great cartridge for plinking and small game hunting. Target plinking is defined as “Informal target shooting done for leisure.” A plinking target can be a steel plate, ballons, bottles, fruit, pop cans, or anything that is fun - but safe - to shoot. For the small game, with a well-placed shot the 22 LR earns its stripes against squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and even coyotes.

Best 22 LR Ammo for Hunting Small Game

It doesn’t take much to take down small game such as rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, prairie dogs, and coyotes. The tricky part of harvesting small game is avoiding meat or pelt damage. Sure, your trusty shotgun will get the job done for any of these critters, but it comes with a cost. The tedious task of removing pellets from your edible small game or having your precious beaver and coyote pelts riddled with pellet holes merits leaving your shotgun at home. A 22 LR allows you to put an accurate shot on small game with a single projectile. If you want to get ultimate precision, combine your long rifle with a scope. Don’t worry, sighting in and practicing at longer ranges will not come at a price you might expect from a centerfire rifle. The price point of 22 LR ammo is low, and you get 5x times the number of cartridges you would with a standard box of rifle ammo. 22 LR firearms are also popular in handgun models such as old fashion 6 shooters to modern pistols. For trappers, a 22 LR pistol is the perfect carry when checking your traps. Remington Golden Hunter will do it all when it comes to small game. This round delivers a hollow point bullet with respectable velocity. If you are looking for a high velocity hollow point load that hits with greater energy at closer range, check out our 22 Yellow Jacket.

Best 22 LR Ammo for Target Shooting and Competition

Outside of chasing small game 22 LR is iconic for its plinking ability. Plinking targets is as simple and fun as it gets in the shooting world, so all you need is a simple cartridge. And the perfect cartridges for any plinking is Remington’s Iconic 22 Thunderbolt or 22 Golden Bullet. Both are available in a round nose bullet and bulk packaging, which ensures that your shooting dollars will go a long way. Additionally, thousands of shooters across the world participate in shooting competitions with the 22 LR. Shooting competitions are a great leisure activity and can be pursued “for fun” or all the way up to the international level. Competitions are also a great way to train and hone your skills based on your life or shooter goals. Not only do every day Joe’s participate in rimfire challenges, but even world class athletes. These athletes compete at both the summer and winter Olympics in events that are based upon target shooting with a .22 caliber round and are some of the world’s finest marksmen.

22 Thunderbolt box and cartridges on a table

A predictable, reliable round is critical to success in any competition. An extra second spent clearing a jam or misfire is the difference between podium spots. Thanks to the revamping of Remington’s rimfire products, our latest addition to the lineup is Remington Ranch Hand. Ranch Hand is a copper plated 22 LR cartridge - sold in hollow point or round nose - that is our most dependable round yet. Designed for flawless feeding and dependable ignition, Ranch Hand will have your most sensitive rimfire firearms performing without an issue.

Finding the Best 22 LR Ammo for Your Needs

Choosing the best 22 LR ammo depends on your specific need. Hollow points like Remington Golden Hunter are perfect for hunting small game with precision, while round nose options like Thunderbolt or 22 Golden Bullet shine for target practice and plinking. For competitive shooting, Remington’s Ranch Hand ensures flawless performance, helping you stay focused on hitting your target. While 22 LR might not be ideal for self-defense, 22 LR’s versatility makes it a must have for any firearm owner. Are you ready to find the perfect fit for your needs? Explore Remington’s full range of 22 LR ammo on our website and get the unmatched quality and performance you have been aiming for.