Best 22 LR Ammo For Target Shooting

The best 22 LR ammo for target shooting currently available is Lapua Center-X. It stands out by delivering exceptional accuracy, highly consistent muzzle velocities, and a premium bullet profile that easily stabilizes in match grade barrels. This ammunition offers outstanding reliability and utilizes high quality brass and priming compounds that rival much more expensive top tier match options. It provides the highest overall value for competitive shooters needing a highly consistent subsonic setup for precision rimfire matches. The heavy proprietary lubrication ensures minimal bore wear during intense target sessions.

Best 22 LR Ammo For Target Shooting

Ammunition	Bullet Weight	Bullet Type	Muzzle Velocity	Lubrication Type	Accuracy Result	Price Per 50	Best For
Lapua Center-X	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1073 fps	Proprietary Oil	0.21″ to 0.27″ at 50 yds	$16	Premium Competition
ELEY Tenex	40 Grain	EPS Flat Nose	1085 fps	Beeswax / Tallow	0.16″ to 0.27″ at 50 yds	$25	Olympic Benchrest
SK Rifle Match	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1073 fps	SK Oil	0.35″ to 0.45″ at 50 yds	$10	Base Class NRL22
RWS R50	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1082 fps	Synthetic Wax	0.31″ to 0.40″ at 50 yds	$22	Elite Match Rifles
Lapua Midas+	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1073 fps	Proprietary Oil	0.16″ to 0.20″ at 50 yds	$23	Pure Precision
ELEY Match	40 Grain	EPS Flat Nose	1085 fps	Beeswax / Tallow	0.19″ to 0.45″ at 50 yds	$19	Advanced Target Shooting
SK Standard Plus	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1073 fps	SK Oil	0.30″ to 0.60″ at 50 yds	$8	Budget Training
CCI Standard Velocity	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1070 fps	Standard Wax	0.31″ to 0.49″ at 50 yds	$5	High Volume Plinking
Federal Premium Gold Medal Target	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1080 fps	Standard Wax	0.39″ to 0.69″ at 50 yds	$12	Club Level Matches
Wolf Match Target	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1050 fps	Heavy Oil	0.40″ to 0.50″ at 50 yds	$9	Reliable Training
ELEY Club	40 Grain	Lead Round Nose	1085 fps	Standard Wax	0.38″ to 0.62″ at 50 yds	$11	Mid Tier Precision

Lapua Center-X

Lapua Center-X offers exceptional overall build quality, highlighted by its premium brass cases and highly consistent priming compound. Reviewers consistently praise its match grade accuracy, documenting 0.21 to 0.27 inch groups at 50 yards using precision test barrels. Reliability is superb, as the subsonic 1073 feet per second velocity ensures the bullet never experiences transonic turbulence during flight. The proprietary lubrication prevents severe lead fouling while maintaining a clean chamber over long courses of fire. Practical experience from reputable testers notes that it performs incredibly well across a vast variety of barrel manufacturers, making it a highly versatile choice. This ammunition is best suited for precision rimfire competitors and serious target shooters who demand high accuracy without paying top tier premium prices. The only meaningful weakness is that it still requires batch testing, as different production lots will yield slightly different results in specific rifles.

Pros:

Match grade accuracy in most barrels
Highly consistent subsonic velocity
Excellent proprietary lubrication

Cons:

Still requires lot testing for ultimate precision
More expensive than standard plinking ammunition

ELEY Tenex

ELEY Tenex delivers world class build quality and engineering, representing the pinnacle of modern rimfire competition ammunition. Accuracy is absolute top tier, with independent tests using high end European match rifles routinely showing 0.16 to 0.27 inch groups at 50 yards. Reliability is flawless, utilizing ELEY’s patented flat nose EPS bullet profile that aerodynamically stabilizes the projectile for maximum precision. The advanced dry priming system ensures incredibly consistent ignition, while the traditional beeswax and tallow lubrication coats the bullet perfectly. Professional reviewers revere this ammunition for its uncompromising performance in Olympic level rimfire competitions. It is best suited for serious benchrest competitors and well funded enthusiasts who demand the absolute best factory ammunition available. The only meaningful weakness is the extremely high retail price, making it inaccessible for high volume casual shooting.

Pros:

Unmatched precision and accuracy
Patented flat nose EPS bullet design
Incredibly consistent primer ignition

Cons:

Exceedingly high purchase price
Lubrication can feel very greasy in hot weather

SK Rifle Match

SK Rifle Match provides premium build quality tailored specifically for competitive shooters needing a reliable step up from entry level match ammunition. Accuracy is excellent given the price, often producing 0.35 to 0.45 inch groups at 50 yards in quality factory rifles. Reliability is solid, featuring consistent subsonic velocities that eliminate the accuracy loss associated with breaking the sound barrier. The 40 grain lead round nose bullet is coated in SK’s standard greasy lubrication, which heavily reduces barrel wear and lead buildup. Reviewers frequently note that this ammunition shoots far above its price point, making it a favorite for base class precision rimfire competitors. It is best suited for budget minded competitive shooters who want a highly accurate, consistent subsonic cartridge for positional shooting. Its main weakness is the excessively oily residue it leaves on the shooter’s hands and magazines during loading.

RWS R50

RWS R50 offers fantastic European build quality, utilizing highly refined manufacturing tolerances to produce a truly elite target cartridge. Accuracy is superb, leveraging premium lead round nose projectiles to print 0.31 to 0.40 inch groups at 50 yards in testing. Reliability is exceptional, as the ammunition undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure velocity standard deviations remain in the single digits. The synthetic lubrication differs from standard beeswax, providing a cleaner feel while still fully protecting the bore. Reviewers consistently call it one of the most reliable and consistently accurate premium options on the market, often rivaling ELEY and Lapua. It is best suited for serious competitive shooters whose specific rifle barrels prefer German manufactured ammunition over British or Finnish options. Its main weakness is a distinct lack of widespread availability at local sporting goods stores.

Pros:

Extremely reliable velocity consistency
Cleaner synthetic lubrication than competitors
World class accuracy potential

Cons:

Often difficult to find in stock locally
Premium pricing requires a serious budget

Lapua Midas+

Lapua Midas+ showcases world class custom build quality, representing the absolute pinnacle of Lapua’s rimfire engineering. Accuracy is phenomenal, routinely shooting 0.16 to 0.20 inch groups at 50 yards thanks to its precision machined tolerances and obsessive quality control. Reliability is flawless, utilizing exactly the same premium components as Center-X but sorted and tested to the absolute highest tier of consistency. The bullet profile is a traditional 40 grain lead round nose, optimized perfectly for deep match chambers. Independent reviewers confirm that this ammunition extracts every bit of accuracy a premium rifle has to offer, virtually eliminating unexplained flyers. It is best suited for serious benchrest marksmen and Olympic competitors who demand absolute perfection and have the budget to support it. The single meaningful weakness is the extreme premium price tag.

Pros:

Absolute top tier accuracy and consistency
Virtually eliminates unexplained flyers
Premium brass and priming compound

Cons:

Extremely high retail price
Overkill for standard factory hunting rifles

ELEY Match

ELEY Match delivers outstanding build quality with the exact same flat nose EPS bullet profile found in the flagship Tenex line. Accuracy is phenomenal, with independent testing documenting 0.19 to 0.45 inch groups at 50 yards in test barrels. Reliability is superb, featuring identical cases and priming compounds as Tenex, simply separated during the final quality control grading process based on standard deviation. The factory 1085 feet per second velocity ensures it remains safely subsonic in all standard barrel lengths. Professional reviewers highlight its versatility as a premium competition round that costs significantly less than Tenex while delivering elite level performance. It is best suited for competitive shooters who want a world class flat nose bullet profile without paying the absolute highest tier pricing. One meaningful weakness is that the heavily waxed bullets can cause feeding issues in some tight semi automatic match chambers.

Pros:

Patented EPS flat nose bullet profile
Premium performance at a slightly lower cost than Tenex
Exceptional velocity consistency

Cons:

Heavy wax lubrication can slow down semi automatic feeding
Still relatively expensive compared to mid tier options

SK Standard Plus

SK Standard Plus delivers highly functional, budget friendly build quality for shooters wanting match grade performance without a large investment. Accuracy is very solid for the price, reliably producing 0.30 to 0.60 inch groups at 50 yards in accurate bolt action rifles. Reliability is quite good, driven by standard manufacturing practices that keep velocities safely in the subsonic range. The 40 grain bullet is heavily coated in oil, which keeps the bore well conditioned but makes handling the ammunition messy. Reviewers highlight it as an unbeatable value for practice and club level matches, noting it cycles smoothly in most manual actions. It is best suited for budget minded target shooters who need an inexpensive, highly capable round for training. Its main weakness is occasional velocity spikes that can cause vertical stringing on the target during long strings of fire.

Pros:

Extremely affordable retail price
Reliable subsonic performance
Conditions the barrel well for more expensive lots

Cons:

Occasional velocity flyers disrupt tight groups
Extremely oily exterior coating

CCI Standard Velocity

CCI Standard Velocity provides durable build quality built upon one of the most proven rimfire manufacturing lines in the United States. Accuracy is very respectable for a mass produced cartridge, with testing showing 0.31 to 0.49 inch groups at 50 yards. Reliability is legendary, as the cartridge feeds cleanly and ignites dependably in almost every rimfire platform available. The 40 grain lead round nose bullet utilizes a standard wax coating that is much cleaner to handle than European oiled ammunition. Reviewers appreciate its out of the box readiness for target practice, casual plinking, and semi automatic training. This ammunition is best suited for casual target shooters, high volume plinkers, and anyone wanting a reliable subsonic training round. Its main weakness is the lack of extreme consistency, meaning it cannot compete with dedicated match ammunition in formal precision competitions.

Federal Premium Gold Medal Target

Federal Premium Gold Medal Target offers solid American build quality tailored specifically for standard target shooters. Accuracy is consistent, typically printing 0.39 to 0.69 inch groups at 50 yards in match barrels. Reliability is stellar, utilizing a robust brass case and a highly dependable priming compound that rarely fails to ignite. The 40 grain bullet is optimized for a 1080 feet per second velocity, keeping it subsonic for predictable wind drift. Reviewers praise its overall consistency and the convenience of buying an American made target cartridge that shoots well in factory chambers. It is best suited for club level competitors and target shooters who want a step up from bulk ammunition without dealing with heavily oiled European imports. Its main weakness is that it struggles to match the absolute smallest group sizes produced by equivalently priced European match options.

Pros:

Very reliable ignition and overall consistency
Cleaner to handle than European match options
Excellent performance in standard factory chambers

Cons:

Slightly less accurate than European competitors in the same price tier
Not typically used by top level benchrest shooters

Wolf Match Target

Wolf Match Target delivers highly functional build quality, traditionally manufactured in European factories alongside highly respected brands. Accuracy is excellent given the price, often producing 0.40 to 0.50 inch groups at 50 yards. Reliability is solid, featuring a very consistent 1050 feet per second velocity that guarantees subsonic performance across all barrel lengths. The heavy oily lubrication ensures the barrel stays conditioned, mimicking the performance of standard premium ammunition. Reviewers frequently note that this ammunition shoots incredibly well in a wide variety of rifles, making it a hidden gem for budget competitors. It is best suited for budget minded buyers who want an accurate, suppressed or unsuppressed bolt action target round. Its main weakness is the heavy reliance on imported manufacturing, making availability highly unpredictable in the current market.

Pros:

Excellent accuracy for a mid tier price point
Consistent subsonic velocity
Performs similarly to higher priced European brands

Cons:

Availability is often highly unpredictable
Very greasy lubrication can attract dirt in the field

ELEY Club

ELEY Club provides excellent build quality, serving as the perfect entry point into the legendary ELEY accuracy ecosystem. Accuracy is solid, holding 0.38 to 0.62 inch groups at 50 yards. Reliability is excellent, utilizing the exact same highly consistent dry priming system found in their premium match lines. The standard 40 grain lead round nose bullet is coated in a moderate wax, keeping handling relatively clean. Reviewers frequently highlight the reliability of the ignition and the consistent subsonic velocity, making it a joy to shoot in both bolt actions and high end semi automatics. It is best suited for club level target shooters and trainers looking for reliable ELEY performance without the Tenex price tag. Its meaningful weakness is that it does not utilize the EPS flat nose bullet profile, limiting its ultimate aerodynamic precision compared to ELEY Match.

Pros:

Utilizes ELEY’s premium dry priming system
Cleaner handling than oiled competitors
Highly reliable ignition and feeding

Cons:

Lacks the advanced flat nose bullet profile
Accuracy is noticeably a step below ELEY Match

Best 22 LR Ammo Overall

The Lapua Center-X is the strongest overall option among the 11 ammunitions tested. It earns this ranking because it perfectly bridges the gap between affordable entry level target rounds and highly expensive Olympic tier cartridges. The accuracy provided by its heavily controlled manufacturing tolerances regularly equals ammunition costing twice as much. The build quality of the brass and the consistency of the proprietary lubrication guarantees outstanding reliability in nearly any chamber. Furthermore, the subsonic velocity and excellent primer consistency provide every feature a shooter needs right out of the box. While Lapua Midas+ and ELEY Tenex offer slight accuracy advantages at the extreme high end, Center-X provides unmatched overall value and availability for the vast majority of precision shooters.

Best 22 LR Ammo Categories

Best Overall: Lapua Center-X Best For Pure Accuracy: ELEY Tenex Best Budget Target Option: SK Standard Plus Best American Made Option: Federal Premium Gold Medal Target Best Flat Nose Bullet Profile: ELEY Match Best Clean Handling Target Ammo: CCI Standard Velocity Best Premium Option: Lapua Midas+

Buying Guide

Subsonic vs Supersonic

When selecting the best 22 LR ammo for target shooting, prioritizing subsonic velocities is critical. Most match grade 22 LR ammunition travels between 1050 and 1085 feet per second, keeping it just below the speed of sound. This is important because when a bullet breaks the sound barrier and then slows down to reenter the subsonic zone (transonic turbulence), the shockwave destabilizes the lightweight projectile and degrades accuracy. Subsonic ammunition avoids this disruption entirely.

Bullet Design And Profile

The vast majority of target rimfire ammunition utilizes a 40 grain lead round nose bullet. This profile feeds reliably in almost all firearms and provides excellent aerodynamic stability at 50 to 100 yards. Premium manufacturers occasionally utilize a flat nose design, which pulls the center of air pressure forward on the bullet, aiding in aerodynamic stabilization. Buyers should test both round nose and flat nose profiles to see which their specific barrel prefers.

Lubrication And Wax Types

Unlike centerfire bullets that use copper jackets, target 22 LR bullets are made of soft lead and require heavy external lubrication to prevent severe barrel leading. Brands like SK and Lapua use a heavy, greasy proprietary oil that conditions the bore beautifully but leaves a messy residue on hands and magazines. Brands like ELEY and CCI use a firmer wax or tallow coating, which is much cleaner to handle but can sometimes build up in tight semi automatic chambers during cold weather.

Priming Consistency

The reliability of a rimfire cartridge relies entirely on how evenly the priming compound is spun into the rim of the brass case. Premium manufacturers utilize advanced dry priming techniques or highly controlled automated systems to ensure there are no empty gaps in the rim. This guarantees that when the firing pin strikes, the ignition is instantaneous and uniform, leading to incredibly low standard deviations in muzzle velocity.

Lot Testing And Consistency

Even among the top manufacturers, no single brand is universally the most accurate in every rifle. Every rifle barrel has unique dimensions and harmonic characteristics. Because rimfire ammunition is produced in massive batches or lots, one lot of Lapua Center-X might shoot beautifully in your rifle, while a different lot of the exact same ammo shoots poorly. Serious competitive shooters will buy several different lots, test them, and then buy a massive quantity of the specific lot that performed best.

Price And Value

To compare price and value, shooters should match their ammunition budget to their rifle’s capability. Putting $25 per box ELEY Tenex through a stock budget rifle will not magically produce Olympic level accuracy, meaning the long term value drops. Conversely, feeding cheap bulk ammo to an expensive custom benchrest rifle wastes the firearm’s potential. Mid tier options ranging from $10 to $16 per box generally offer the best value for standard competition rifles.

Manufacturer Claims vs Independent Reviews

There is a stark difference between manufacturer accuracy claims and controlled independent testing. Manufacturers often highlight the single best group achieved under perfect laboratory conditions using heavy test barrels clamped in vices. Professional reviews and independent testing provide realistic expectations of what the average shooter can achieve in field conditions. Buyers should always give greater weight to independent batch testing over manufacturer marketing material.

Current Availability

All 11 target ammunitions listed in this guide are current production models. When shopping, be aware that specialized European target ammunition is often imported in limited shipments and bought up quickly by competitive shooters. Buyers should utilize online inventory searches and buy in bulk bricks or cases to ensure they have enough of a consistent lot for their entire shooting season.

FAQs

What is the best 22 LR ammo for target shooting?

Lapua Center-X is widely considered the best overall 22 LR ammo for target shooting due to its exceptional blend of match grade consistency, reasonable price, and versatility across different rifle barrels.

What is the most accurate 22LR ammo?

Based on independent testing, ELEY Tenex and Lapua Midas+ are generally the most accurate 22LR ammunition options in the world, frequently shooting groups well under a quarter of an inch at 50 yards in premium test barrels.

What is the best budget 22 lr target ammo?

SK Standard Plus and CCI Standard Velocity are the best budget options for target shooting, providing very reliable subsonic velocities and good accuracy for under $10 a box.

Why is match grade 22 LR ammo subsonic?

Match grade 22 LR ammo is subsonic to prevent the bullet from breaking the sound barrier. If a bullet goes supersonic and then slows down, the resulting transonic turbulence violently destabilizes the lightweight lead projectile, ruining accuracy.

Does bullet lubrication matter for 22 LR target ammo?

Yes. The lubrication prevents soft lead from building up in the barrel rifling. Different manufacturers use different waxes or oils, and changing brands often requires firing several conditioning rounds to coat the barrel in the new lubricant before peak accuracy returns.

Do I need to clean my barrel when switching 22 LR ammo brands?

For the absolute best accuracy, yes. Because different brands use different types of wax and oil lubrication, competitive shooters usually clean the barrel when switching brands to ensure the new lubrication coats the steel uniformly.

What is the best 22 lr target ammo for 100 yards?

Lapua Center-X and ELEY Match are excellent choices for 100 yard target shooting because their highly consistent muzzle velocities prevent severe vertical stringing on the target at longer distances.

Why do competitive shooters do lot testing?

Because minor variations in temperature, humidity, and raw materials occur during manufacturing, every production lot of rimfire ammo performs slightly differently. Shooters lot test to find the exact batch that harmonizes perfectly with their specific rifle barrel.