22LR Ammo Production Review

E

Early Cuyler

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 3, 2011
1,034
32
38
WB, GA
#1
Well I've had my 10/22 for a few weeks now and really haven't gotten the accuracy I'm looking for. So I decided I should maybe just maybe try something other than supercheap bulk ammo. I also wanted to compare a number of types of 22lr ammo before shooting to get a better idea on production quality and attention to detail.

I went to the local store and Wal-mart and got 6 boxes of 50rds each. The following brands are:
Remington 22 Subsonic
Remington 22 Thunderbolt
Federal Gold Medal Match 22
Federal Lightning 22
Fiocchi 22LR SM 300 Super Match
Aguila Supermaximum Hyper Velocity
Winchester M22


I then weighed 50 rounds of each and got the following results:
<span style="text-decoration: underline">
Remington Subsonic 22</span>
High: 53.1gr
Low: 51.5gr
Average: 51.94gr
Std Dev: .364gr
Price: 5.66c/rd


<span style="text-decoration: underline">Remington 22 Thunderbolt</span>
High: 53.8gr
Low: 52.7gr
Avg: 53.108gr
Std Dev: .345gr
Price: 3.12c/rd


<span style="text-decoration: underline">FGMM</span>
High: 54.7gr
Low: 54.3gr
Avg: 54.392gr
Std Dev: .122gr
Price: 18.98c/rd

<span style="text-decoration: underline">
Federal Lightning</span>
High: 53.4gr
Low: 53.0gr
Avg: 53.22gr
Std Dev: .122gr
Price: 6.06c/rd


<span style="text-decoration: underline">Fiocchi SM300 Super Match</span>
High: 52.6gr
Low: 52.2gr
Average: 52.39gr
Std Dev: .108gr
Price: 16.78c/rd


<span style="text-decoration: underline">Aguila Supermaximum Hyper Velocity</span>
High: 44.8gr
Low: 44.1gr
Avg: 44.45gr
Std Dev: .190gr
Price: 7.00c/rd


<span style="text-decoration: underline">Winchester M22</span>
High: 54.0gr
Low: 53.2gr
Avg: 53.66gr
Std Dev: .251gr
Price: 3.94c/rd

So, basically the most consistent ammo is Fiocchi followed by FGMM. That wasn't much of a surprise. Their cost dictates a hightened level of detail in my opinion. However, the Federal Lightning did surprise me. At roughly a third of the cost, it is extremely close to the FGMM in terms of production consistency. Remington is pretty piss poor with high weight fluctuations per round.

I really hope my 10/22 loves the Federal Lightning and I will update this information as I am able to shoot groups with them (probably sometime this week).
<span style="color: #FF0000">

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">BELOW IS FROM 10/7/11</span></span></span>

Based on everyone's comments, I went out and bought some Wolf Match Target, CCI Stingers, CCI 22LR, and CCI 22LR HP. I followed the same process as above and had these findings:


<span style="text-decoration: underline">Wolf Match Target</span>
High: 53.6gr
Low: 52.8gr
Avg: 53.24gr
Std Dev: 0.173gr
Price: 11.00c/rd

<span style="text-decoration: underline">
CCI Stinger</span>
High: 45.7gr
Low: 45.3gr
Avg: 45.544gr
Std Dev: 0.104gr
Price: 7.99c/rd


<span style="text-decoration: underline">CCI Mini-Mag 22LR</span>
High: 52.6gr
Low: 51.8gr
Avg: 52.44gr
Std Dev: 0.180gr
Price: 6.99c/rd

<span style="text-decoration: underline">
CCI Mini-Mag 22LR HP</span>
High: 49.1gr
Low: 48.7gr
Avg: 48.88gr
Std Dev: 0.091gr
Price: 11.98c/rd


What sticks out to me with this is how close the CCI Stingers and Mini-Mag 22LR HPs are in repeatability regards to weight. Another was how much the Wolf Match Target varied round to round. Going in, I expected that to be one of the better performers.

As with the previous group, I intend to shoot these for groups and will update the other Group Result post. Also, the previous testing has tempered my expectations. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope the CCI Stingers work as good as the Fiocchi.... Stay tuned...
 
#3
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Have you tried Wolf Match Target? I'm pretty new around here so maybe I missed a post on what you have done to your 10/22 or what you have. Have you looked into pinning your firing pin? Or checked your bolt face etc?

If you have a KIDD bolt or some other than factory set up please ignore!
smile.gif
 
#4
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Wolf Match Target was not available in store (it is Waynesboro, GA after all...) but I could order it. That will depend on if I'm satisfied with the groups I get with these.

Here is my 10/22 setup:
Ruger receiver, bolt, firing pin (unpinned).
Tactical Solutions 16" fluted barrel
Hornet trigger group with 2.5-3# pull
Bell & Carlson Target/Varmint stock
Tactical Solutions Picatinny rail
Hensoldt 4x24 with Larue QD mount

I will be shooting off a harris bipod and rear rest.

My best 35yd group was a few .4" five shot groups with Aquila 60gr subsonics (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=461399). My expectations might be a little high, but I really wanted this to be a relatively inexpensive laser....

How difficult is it to pin the firing pin? I understand the concept behind it, but how much does it really help? I'm not a gunsmith, don't have a drill press, and would prefer not to take it to a gunsmith.

Monday will be the 25th anniversary of when I decided to grace the world with my presence and I figure I'll order a Kidd Supergrade build and keep this 10/22 as my tinkerer.
 
#6
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

you listed FGMM but is it 922A? If it is 711 try the 922A I think you will find it to be far and away the best performer. That is what the guys at CVRPC 22 TSC match are winning with and shooting impressive groups at 210yds.
 
#7
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Have you tried measuring rim thickness? .22lr headspaces off the rim of the case, and different thicknesses can cause a large difference in groups on paper.

I use a custom rim thickness gauge that utilizes a block and a dial indicator. I normally zero the dial indicator on the first round and sort them based on .001" groups of cartridges. There isn't any magic number for thickness, instead it is just consistency you are after. Good luck on you on quest for accurate rimfire ammo!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rimfire-rim-thic...=item335d8fe7c9

Edit: 0.005" deviations are normal for bulk ammo from my findings, sometimes a little more even. My .17HMR seems to be a little better though (0.003" or less, but if I am not mistaken I believe Speer makes it all).
 
#9
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

wtopace, I'll definitely look into getting one of those gages off of Ebay.

Shooter, I just decided to do this more or less on a whim and bought what was available to me locally. This excluded a lot of high end manufacturers but it is what it is. I might expand this if I'm not happy with my upcoming Kidd build.

Armorpl8, it is the FGMM 922A and it did perform very well.


All that being said, I spent a good amount of time at the range and have some interesting results. To review the rifle is this:
Stock 10/22 Bolt
Stock 10/22 Receiver
Stock 10/22 Firing pin (unpinned)
Stock 10/22 Charging Handle/spring/guide rod
Stock V-block, v-block bolts, and takedown screw
Tactical Solutions 16" fluted barrel
Hornet Custom trigger at 2.5-3#
Bell & Carlson Target/Varmint stock
Tactical Solutions Picatinny rail (no cant)
Hensoldt 4x24 scope on a Larue QD mount - The odd reticle made it sort of difficult but I still like it.

The barrel is NOT threaded. Neither the barrel or action is bedded, but I do have a pressure pad on the first 1.5" of the stock. The firing pin is not pinned. I have not machined the bolt face either. I realize all these things will improve accuracy but as stated above, I wanted this to be a budget squirrel super domination build. That is changing (the budget part), but It is what it is and I'm sure by the end all of it will get done.

Shooting Conditions:
65-70F and sunny
Minimal wind
Shot at 30yds
Prone on a Midway USA Pro Series Shooting Mat (love it)
Shooter's Ridge front and rear bags.
4-5 ten shot groups with each type of ammo
Excluded fliers only if I was ABSOLUTELY certain it was my fault (guy next to me began shooting his AR15 and I kept getting tapped by 223 brass... pissed me off)
All groups measured center to center
I am NOT a great shot by any means.


Aguila Supermax Hypervelocity:
Best Group: 0.882"
Worst Group: 1.966" (Worst)
Average Group: 1.211"
Std Dev: .474"


Winchester M22:
Best Group: 0.978"
Worst Group: 1.71"
Average Group: 1.237"
Std Dev: .300"


Remington 22 Thunderbolt:
Best Group: 0.600"
Worst Group: 1.648"
Average Group: 1.130"
Std Dev: 0.378"


Remington 22 Sub-sonics:
Best Group: 0.538"
Worst Group: 1.658"
Average Group: 0.816"
Std Dev: 0.475"


Federal Lightning:
Best Group: 0.944"
Worst Group: 1.83"
Average Group: 1.360"
Std Dev: 0.352"


Federal Gold Medal Match 922A:
Best Group: 0.304" (Best)
Worst Group: 0.665"
Average Group: 0.462" (Best)
Std Dev: 0.153"


Fiocchi SM300 Super Match:
Best Group: 0.365"
Worst Group: 0.538"
Average Group: 0.465"
Std Dev: 0.085" (Best)



This experience was definitely an eye opener. Judging by the average group size, my set up seems to like the Fiocchi and FGMM the most (I think I just heard my wallet sob). Judging by the standard deviation, I seem to shoot the Fiocchi the most consistently. That really didn't surprise me too much as I expected higher performance due to the price.

What did surprise me was the Aguila Supermaximum Velocity and the Remington Sub-sonics. My 1/16" twist barrel did not seem to like the Aguila at all which surprised me because it does like the Aguila 60gr Sub-sonics. It didn't "love" the Remington Sub-Sonics, but they shot a lot better than I expected. Especially with the sub-sonics coming in dead LAST when comparing the weight consistency of the cartridges.

Another thing to note is that all the ammo cycled without issues except for the Federal Lightning with which I had 2 jams out of 50.

Anyway, hope this helps everyone trying to compare ammo and all the Googler's looking for information. Look for a continuation of this with my future Kidd build. I'd like to compare the results of an amateur custom vs. Kidd custom and wager the collective knowledge would too.
 
#12
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

You're welcome on the gauge suggestion. Definitely, thanks for taking the time to keep track of and post your findings. This is some very valuable information.
 
#13
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Kidd's equipment will also shoot Wolf/SK about as good as any other higher end ammo. When I had my kidd build I tried Eley and RWS and there was no difference then Wolf. You could almost 1 hole the 50yard palma target and the 100 yard is pretty good too. Depending on the wind of course.
 
#14
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Looks like you are on the right track. I got extremely lucky with Federal Auto Match today. No Wolf around here either.



I shot 10 5 shot 50 yard groups after I sighted her in.

First one was 1.345"?
Second dropped down to .664"
The rest were .7 to .3" give or take.

I also shot a 20 round group at 100 that was 2.25" with the majority in a nice cluster. I shot these rapid fire just to get an idea at 100.

Worth a try I'd say. My 10/22 is sporting a GM Barrel that has been JB welded into the reciever (No more sloppy reciever to barrel junction!), KIDD 6 oz trigger, bedded in a highly modified fajen stock, and topped with a Tasco 6-24x42 Tactical.

I was almost getting ready to ditch the 10/22 and get a bolt gun. Keep at it! Eventually everything will fall into place and you'll have a shooter!

Dave
 
#15
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DCR</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you are on the right track. I got extremely lucky with Federal Auto Match today. No Wolf around here either.



I shot 10 5 shot 50 yard groups after I sighted her in.

First one was 1.345"?
Second dropped down to .664"
The rest were .7 to .3" give or take.

I also shot a 20 round group at 100 that was 2.25" with the majority in a nice cluster. I shot these rapid fire just to get an idea at 100.

Worth a try I'd say. My 10/22 is sporting a GM Barrel that has been JB welded into the reciever (No more sloppy reciever to barrel junction!), KIDD 6 oz trigger, bedded in a highly modified fajen stock, and topped with a Tasco 6-24x42 Tactical.

I was almost getting ready to ditch the 10/22 and get a bolt gun. Keep at it! Eventually everything will fall into place and you'll have a shooter!

Dave </div></div>


What was the process you used for JB Welding the barrel to receiver? Did that eliminate the need for a v-block? Did it help with barrel droop at all?
 
#16
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

No scientific methods at all. Just clamped the receiver to a flat table top side down. Slapped some JBWeld on. Inserted barrel and aligned the extraction groove. Cleaned up any that squeezed out and let it dry for a day or two. I did this to specifically fight barrel droop. Seems to have worked. I still have the V-Block installed. Porbably not needed anymore though. I wouldn't do it unless you really want a permanent barrel fixed to your reciever.

Dave

Afterthought:
Thinking about it. I might have tightened it down with the V-Block while it dried. Not exactly sure though.
 
#18
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Not sure my local wally worlds carry the GMM 922A or the Fiocci. If they do, I'll test them at 50 meters indoors and report back.

Anything Aguila is junk, no matter what words they printed on the side of the box or what color they put with the printing. Measure some of the bullet ODs in one box and you'll start to get an idea why.
 
#19
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr. Phil</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try Federal AM22.
It can be had at Walmart for less than $15 per 325 rounds and is the exact same ammo as Federal GMM 719.
Ruger 10/22s like this ammo...

Just for giggles, check out the ammo comparison on Federal's site:
http://www.federalpremium.com/products/compare/rimfire_compare.aspx </div></div>


I ran 300+ through it before but couldn't get it to group well at all.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: _9H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Anything Aguila is junk, no matter what words they printed on the side of the box or what color they put with the printing. Measure some of the bullet ODs in one box and you'll start to get an idea why.</div></div>

While the Aguila I tested here was not impressive.... at all, I did buy some 60gr sub-sonics from Aguila and they did excellent as in around .5-.6". I was happy with it.
 
#20
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

i never heard of fiocchi 300. 320 and 340 with a super match version of each. where could i check out (?)300 ? 320 seems to me to be the most consistently good shooter in most guns.
 
#23
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

Holy shiitake mushrooms, guys. When I went to the range today, I planned on continuing the ammo test but realized I didn't bring enough targets (I wanted to shoot my 308 and AR15 also) so I decided this would be more of a fun day than testing day. That plus the guys next to me were hitting me with their 9mm cases constantly.

I put up my target at 30-35yds and verified my scope zero with Winchester M22 bulk. I then loaded up my two 10rd mags with the Wolf Match Target. First 5 round group: .392".

I couldn't believe it so I shot another 5 round group: .256"!!!! I began feeling a very strong sense of pride as this was the results I had been looking for from my 10/22. But what's progress without pushing your limits? So I decided to up the ante and go for a 10 round group: .237". Those are the best groups I have been able to get and at around 10c/rd the best value. Suffice to say, I think I found my ammo.


I'll continue the test the next time I have the opportunity to make it out to the range. Just thought I'd let you guys know.
 
#26
Re: 22LR Ammo Production Quality

From the precision smallbore rifleshooting world, there is decent 50 foot ammo that won't shoot at 50 or 100 yards, good 50 yard/meter ammo that won't shoot at 100 yards, and ammo that will shoot at all 3. 50 foot ammo is not hard to come by. Also, to truly test the ammo's capability, you have to look at multiple 10 round groups in order to determine if any light load/dropped out the bottom shots are inherent to that lot of ammo.

Occasional decent 3 or 5 shot groups are not a good indicator as to how the ammo shoots. I gave some Federal 714 to one of the best prone shooters in the country to test while he was still in position after finishing up a 596/600 on the international 50 meter target. A few foulers were shot into the backstop, then back to the target he went. After 4 shots, he was thinking "hey where can I get some of this stuff??". The 5th shot was wide at 10 o'clock. The 6th and 7th were back in the group, then #8 and 9 went wide out of the group.

Still planning to test the Wally World Fiocci if I can find it. EDIT - local Wally World did not have either ammo mentioned above.
 
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