.22 Long Rifle ammo guide
The .22 Long Rifle is the most popular rimfire cartridge. It's quiet, has very little recoil, and costs much less per round than centerfire ammo, which makes it great for training, plinking, and small game.
What it is
The .22 LR dates back to the 1880s. It's a rimfire cartridge: the priming compound sits inside the case rim, and the firing pin crushes the rim to fire it. That's why .22 LR can't be reloaded, and also why it's cheap to make in huge quantities. It's chambered in rifles, pistols, revolvers, and conversion kits.
.22 LR isn't the same as .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 WMR (.22 Magnum), or centerfire .22s like .223. Some .22 LR firearms can safely fire .22 Short and .22 Long, but many semi-automatics won't cycle them, so check your manual.
Common bullet weights and velocities
| Type | Typical weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subsonic | 40–45 gr | Slower than the speed of sound, so quieter, especially with a suppressor. May not cycle every semi-auto. |
| Standard velocity | 40 gr | Popular for target shooting and match use. Accurate and consistent. |
| High velocity | 36–40 gr | The most common bulk and plinking loads. Cycles most semi-autos reliably. |
| Hyper velocity | 30–36 gr | Light, very fast bullets, often hollow points, for varmints and small game. |
Bullets are often plain lead, copper-plated, or lightly coated with wax to keep the lead from fouling the barrel. Round-nose and hollow-point versions are both common.
Range ammo vs. other uses
Plinking and training: High-velocity bulk packs are the cheapest per round and fine for most practice. Precision: Standard-velocity and match-grade ammo cost more but tend to be more consistent, and different guns can favor different brands. Small game: Hollow points expand better at short range. Check your state's hunting rules. Self-defense: Most instructors don't recommend .22 LR as a first choice, because rimfire ignition is less reliable than centerfire and it penetrates less.
Rimfire reliability: Occasional duds are normal with rimfire. If a round doesn't fire, keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and wait before clearing it, following your firearm's manual and range rules.
What drives price per round
- Pack size: Bulk boxes of several hundred rounds and 5,000-round cases are usually far cheaper per round than 50-round boxes.
- Grade: Bulk plinking ammo costs the least. Standard-velocity target and match ammo cost much more.
- Specialty loads: Subsonic, hyper-velocity, and copper or lead-free loads usually cost more.
- Shipping: .22 LR is light for the round count, but on small orders shipping can still be a big share of the total. Delivered cost per round is the fair way to compare.
- Demand: .22 LR has gone through notable shortages in the past. Price history and restock alerts help you buy when it's plentiful.
This guide is general information, not legal or safety advice. Always use ammunition that matches the markings on your firearm's barrel or slide and the manufacturer's recommendations, and follow the laws where you live.