Ammo Explanations?

[Bubbatn]

To keep things simple, Lets talk regarding to .22LR ammo. I'm in the process of gathering up some various .22lr ammo to perform my own "ammo shoot-out" to see what I can get the best groups out of my gun(Savage MkII) with, while also keeping in mind the price of the ammo.....I am talking "mid-priced" ammo(anywhere from $4-8/9 bucks a box[per 50]). I am basically buying what I can buy that I have heard several people say "this shoots good for me" or something to that effect.

So my question is....I know this is probably a very broad question, but could someone explain to me the benefit/differences between "hyper-velocity" vs. std loads...other than just difference in FPS. Or if that is the difference, how does that relate to accuracy?

Outside of just price, What makes you say..."hey, this might be worth a try in my gun"?

Again, I am talking more than just plinking ammo. I am wanting to see what kind of real groups I can get out of the gun.

Thanks guys!

[Garufa]

You might find best results in the following order: standard, high, hyper. Fancy target ammo is usually standard velocity and is a little more consistent in grouping but high does a fine job as well.

My only experience with hyper is CCI Stingers. They suck in the accuracy department, especially if target shooting.

[Oh Shoot]

...

My only experience with hyper is CCI Stingers. They suck in the accuracy department, especially if target shooting.

CCI Velocitors are better, 40 gr but still 1435 fps, and not longer than standard, like Stingers.

But for best accuracy, you don't want hyper velocity. Probably not even high velocity, at least past certain distance: basic reason being, as I understand it, that as soon as a high velocity slows to Mach1 it gets much more unstable than a round at the same distance that never exceeded Mach1 to begin with.

- OS

[NashvilleStage]

When you're doing your testing, reduce the variables as much as possible. That way the results you see will be mostly from the bullet/rifle accuracy, and less from outside influences.

- Wind. Go on a still day or use an indoor range.

- Sights. Use the highest-power scope you have or can borrow.

- Rifle rest. Use a bipod, or better yet a sled or vise that can hold the rifle as stable as possible.

- Clean your rifle. It wouldn't hurt to run a quick patch down the bore between each round of shooting, too. Lead fouling from one contestant could hurt the accuracy of the next one.

[Bubbatn]

Thats another thing I was curious about, How(if any) does the grain weight relate to accuracy? Even if it doesn't, What exactly does "XX Grain" mean? And what does it affect?

[Bubbatn]

When you're doing your testing, reduce the variables as much as possible. That way the results you see will be mostly from the bullet/rifle accuracy, and less from outside influences.

- Wind. Go on a still day or use an indoor range.

- Sights. Use the highest-power scope you have or can borrow.

- Rifle rest. Use a bipod, or better yet a sled or vise that can hold the rifle as stable as possible.

- Clean your rifle. It wouldn't hurt to run a quick patch down the bore between each round of shooting, too. Lead fouling from one contestant could hurt the accuracy of the next one.

And yeah, I am going to try my best to make everything as consitent and fair as possible. I plan on using a bi-pod on the rifle and probably shoot 50yds and possibly 100yds as well.

I had also planned on doing a simple bore clean in between each brand of ammo as well.

Thanks!

[Oh Shoot]

Thats another thing I was curious about, How(if any) does the grain weight relate to accuracy? Even if it doesn't, What exactly does "XX Grain" mean? And what does it affect?

Grain is simply a measure of weight.

15.4 grains to a gram

28.3 grams in an ounce

Oh, lighter bullet gains some speed with same powder charge as heavier bullet

Heavier bullet more stable, especially in wind...

Stuff like that.

I see no reason to shoot hollow points, if maximum accuracy is the goal. After all, a HP is obviously less aerodynamic than a solid point, however slight that might be.

Of course, what do I know about accuracy, I only have 10/22s. and Plinkster

Actually, my old Remington Fieldmaster might be the most accurate .22 I have, but can't really tell, since no scope mount.

- OS

Edited November 23, 2010 by OhShoot
duh, had grams in ounce wrong

[Guest sneakboxer]

CCI Mini-mag 40gr solids shoot the best overall out of my 22's. CCI standard velocity are better but only in my target rigs. Expensive 22 shells don't always shoot the best. And a fast miss is still a miss.

Buy a bunch and get after it.

Best of luck

[Dolomite_supafly]

In the past I have had great luck with Federal Automatch. I say in the past because as of late their consistency has really went down hill.

If the gun is a sporter chamber, which I would say yours is, try CCI Subsonic HP's. They have a driving band on the bullet that is a littel taller than a standard round. This allows the bullet to either touch or at least get closer to the rifling when chambered. I have had great success in standard chambers but in most of the match chambered semi autos I won they will not chamber reliably.

Recently I have happened on WInchester Subsonic HP's. They are by far the best "budget" ammo I have tried. I have shot several sub 2" groups at 100 yards using this ammo. I suspect if I really try I could get the groups close to 1". I dd some expansion testing in water with them as well. In water they will mushroom to just under 1/2" giving a decent dump of energy for a 22 lr.

Here are the results from ammo testing, again in water alone:

And finally look at the Winchester 555's. I have shot about 2000 so far and they are very accuracte as well. At $20 a bot of 555 they aren't that expensive either.

It seems like everything else that manufacturers of ammunition rotate as to who has the best. As I said Federal used to be the go to maker but as of late it has gone down hill, both match and even with bulk. I have done a lot of testing as well as ways to improve rimfire performance, but that is another story.

Dolomite

[glockster157]

I am coming into this conversation a little late but let me say there are higher levels of 22's that can fit into your price range. One that comes to mind is SK Jagd High Velocity. Excellent accuracy with superb accuracy. If accuracy is the key factor then Wolf Match Target, Eley Sport or Target. These are all in the 6 to 10 dollar per 100 range at Champions Choice in Smyrna. My first choice for accuracy is the Wolf Match Target and my first choice for performance is the SK Jagd High Velocity.

http://www.champchoice.com/cat-Ammunition-230.aspx

BTW, there are 7000 grains to a pound. That is 437.5 grains to an ounce. You can do the math from there.