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.22LR Ammo Overview

Developed in 1887 by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, .22 Long Rifle (LR) ammo became a standard rimfire cartridge. Its design focuses on low recoil, accuracy, and affordability. Today, .22LR remains one of the most popular cartridges worldwide for target shooting, plinking, and small-game hunting.

Why .22LR Ammo is a Top Choice

Low recoil and noise for beginner-friendly shooting
Highly affordable and widely available
Suitable for small-game hunting and training
Extensive aftermarket ammo variety
Compatible with many rifles and pistols

Key Variants

22LR High Velocity

Popular for increased speed and flatter trajectories; ideal for target and varmint shooting.

22LR Standard Velocity

Balanced velocity for general plinking and training with moderate report and recoil.

22LR Subsonic

Designed for quiet shooting, often used with suppressors and stealth applications.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.22LR Ammo	.17HMR	.22WMR
MSRP (Per 50 Rounds)	$5 - $10	$10 - $15	$8 - $12
Velocity (fps)	1,080 - 1,200	2,300 - 2,600	1,900 - 2,200
Typical Energy (ft-lb)	100 - 130	300 - 350	200 - 270
Recoil	Minimal	Low	Low
Notable Pro	Extremely affordable and versatile	Higher velocity and flatter trajectory	More power, better for larger small game
Notable Con	Limited energy for defense or large game	More expensive; less common firearms	Increased recoil vs .22LR

Best Use Cases

Small-game hunting and pest control
Range practice and training
Recreational plinking
Quiet shooting with subsonic loads
Survival and prepping scenarios

FAQs

Can I use .22LR ammo for self-defense?

.22LR is not recommended for self-defense due to low energy and penetration compared to centerfire rounds.

What firearms commonly chamber .22LR ammo?

Rifles, pistols, and revolvers from many brands support .22LR, including Ruger 10/22 and Smith & Wesson revolvers.

How does .22LR compare to .22WMR?

.22WMR offers higher velocity and energy but usually comes with more recoil and cost than .22LR ammo.

.22LR AMMO for Sale