Before Buying .22LR Bulk Ammo: A Short Guide

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The .22LR cartridge is by far the most popular cartridge in America, and that will probably be the case for quite some time.

It is cheap, affordable, available (generally), and not intimidating. It also produces low recoil, low muzzle pop/blast, and has a wide range of applicable uses.

Moreover, since it is so un-intimidating and so versatile, it makes a good beginner cartridge. Doubtless, many first purchases around the country have been for a .22.

If you’re still learning the ropes of gun and ammo lingo, make sure you’re familiar with the following before you buy .22LR bulk ammo for that new gun.

Velocity

.22 LR ammo is generally categorized into one of four echelons based on velocity, as follows:

  • Subsonic .22: Sometimes marketed as “quiet .22” subsonic .22 generally has muzzle velocities below 1,100 FPS, but usually much lower. These slower traveling bullets have a drooping trajectory, but are very accurate as they don’t have that “supersonic” wobble. They’re also really quiet, which makes them great for hunting small game and plinking. One thing to be aware of though, is that since they generate low chamber pressures, they’re sometimes unreliable in semi-autos.
  • Standard .22: Standard .22 has a velocity around 1,070 FPS and is well-suited to a wide range of applications.
  • High-velocity: This .22 usually has between 1,200 to 1,300 FPS, and like standard velocity enjoys a wide range of applicable uses.
  • Hyper velocity: This last category of .22 ammo usually has muzzle velocities between 1,400 and as high as 1,800 FPS, and is generally used only for hunting or defensive applications.

Bullet Type

There are also many types of .22LR bullets that you’ll commonly encounter:

  • LRN: Lead round nose bullets, which are cheap but will produce a lot of lead fouling.
  • Copper plated: Copper plated bullets are not truly jacketed, but will produce slightly less lead fouling.
  • Flat nose or wadcutter: These bullets punch round holes in paper targets making them suitable for scoring in competition.
  • HP: Hollow point bullets, which are best for hunting and defensive applications.
  • Polymer coated: Polymer coated bullets have a synthetic jacket that protects the bore of the firearm from copper and lead fouling, keeping it cleaner and ensuring a higher degree of accuracy.

Bullet Weight

The lowly little .22LR cartridge also exhibits a fairly wide range of bullet weights. Some of the more common are:

  • 20/21gr: The lightest of all .22LR bullets, 20 and 21 grain bullets in this class are usually used with hyper-velocity loads because the lighter bullets move the fastest.
  • 36/38/40gr: Most .22LR bullets will weigh 36, 38, or 40 grains. They are common in standard loads but not unheard of in higher velocity configurations. They perform well in most applications.
  • 60gr: Heavier bullets are common in subsonic loads as the extra weight prevents them from breaking the sound barrier.

Remember, it is not only bullet weight but also muzzle energy that dictates the suitability of a bullet for a given application. A light bullet and a heavy bullet (of the same type) carrying the same energy will produce fairly similar results on impact.

Pay Attention to Cartridge

A final note, before buying .22LR bulk ammo, is that it’s important to be aware of your firearm’s chambering. A lot of people just say “.22” without realizing that there are, in fact, many different cartridges lumped into one category here.

These include but are not limited to .22 Short, .22 Long, 22 Long Rifle (the most common, by far), and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire.

There are some firearms chambered in .22LR that can shoot .22 shorts and longs, but always consult your owner’s manual before shooting, and never attempt to load or shoot any ammo through the gun for which it is not chambered specifically.

So, if it is chambered for .22 shorts, only shoot .22 shorts, and if it is chambered for .22LR, only shoot long rifle.

Where to Get .22LR Bulk Ammo Online

Looking to score a deal on .22LR bulk ammo? Get it online at Bucking Horse Outpost if you can’t get it at the local shop. They have fair prices and a large inventory.

For more information about .380 Remington and Venom 9mm Ammo  Please visit:- Bucking Horse Outpost.

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