22LR Standard Velocity vs. High Velocity at 100 yards

[Kent Goldings]

The weather kept me inside today. It gave me a good chance to do some 22LR load testing.

I have a good supply of both CCI standard velocity and Federal American Eagle high velocity both in 40 grain lead round nose. I was curious which would group better at 100 yards.

Work with me. Although both loads are nearly equivalent “Target” grade ammo, the zeitgeist suggests that the standard velocity load should group better after the high velocity load passes through the transonic barrier.

I shot 5 5-round groups for each at 100 yards and look a photo for comparison. You’ll have to compare the two for yourself.

the CCI seems to group 1-1.5 inches and the Federal seems to group 1.5 to 2 inches. But, I’m not convinced that the difference is that significant.

I was indoors at Davis in Goshen. The rifle is the CZ455.

 

[Grimscale]

100-yards and both could easily be kept within the size of a human heart.

Not significant.

I do like that you were able to use a 100-yard indoor range. That removes a lot of variables.
Not sure if using a CCI high velocity would make a difference, either. My unofficial subjective opinion is that CCI uses a different kind of powder than Federal or Winchester (seems to be cleaner and more efficient burning).

 

[Kent Goldings]

100-yards and both could easily be kept within the size of a human heart.

Not significant.

I do like that you were able to use a 100-yard indoor range. That removes a lot of variables.
Not sure if using a CCI high velocity would make a difference, either. My unofficial subjective opinion is that CCI uses a different kind of powder than Federal or Winchester (seems to be cleaner and more efficient burning).

Both could tag a woodchuck at 100 yards.

 

[nortatoga]

Looks like the federal dropped a little bit more then the CCI ?

 

[Kent Goldings]

Looks like the federal dropped a little bit more then the CCI ?

The poi was a couple inches higher. I did a rough adjustment to the elevation. There’s a group just off the top edge of the paper above the upper-left aimer.

 

[nortatoga]

After my hip replacement I think I should try this myself with my benchrest set up. Probably wait till spring.

 

[Podmonkey]

I once overheard a person on the range say you shouldn't bother taking .22LR out ton100 yards because it "only has like 2 fps by the time it gets out that far".

 

[Blimey]

That's about 5X as tight a group as I can pull off with my cheap mossberg. Those are tight.

 

[@thewheels]

Nice groups.
I've toyed with the idea of getting a good bolt action 22lr and scoping it but the past few years I've really enjoyed using open sights with the 22lr rifles out at 100 yards plus. I've run out of adjustments on some of them trying to drop them on the the gong.
My eyes have gotten a little wonky but that just adds to it and makes me focus more on my fundamentals.
Still...I'd really like a bolt action rimfire CZ in the collection. Or maybe a Ruger.

 

[nortatoga]

I once overheard a person on the range say you shouldn't bother taking .22LR out ton100 yards because it "only has like 2 fps by the time it gets out that far".

What you overheard is not correct.

 

[@thewheels]

What you overheard is not correct.

View attachment 132426

Maybe they were referring to snub nose pistols?

 

[Kent Goldings]

usually tell people to get the CZ, Begara, or Ruger Precision Rimfire. But, that seems unrealistic right now.

I’ve had good luck with the building an 10/22 clone with a Brownells receiver. It doesn’t have the legs of the CZ because the integrated rail lacks the 30 MOA base in the CZ. The green mountain barrel is every bit as accurate as the CZ.

Since must gun buyers don’t build a 10/22, I think you can still get those receivers.

 

[nortatoga]

usually tell people to get the CZ, Begara, or Ruger Precision Rimfire. But, that seems unrealistic right now.

I’ve had good luck with the building an 10/22 clone with a Brownells receiver. It doesn’t have the legs of the CZ because the integrated rail lacks the 30 MOA base in the CZ. The green mountain barrel is every bit as accurate as the CZ.

Since must gun buyers don’t build a 10/22, I think you can still get those receivers. View attachment 132436

@Kent Goldings I think that is a LAW that everyone has to own a 10/22!!!!

 

[Kent Goldings]

@Kent Goldings I think that is a LAW that everyone has to own a 10/22!!!!

I own three.

 

[nortatoga]

I own three.

Me too LOL!!!

 

[nortatoga]

Here is a good read on long range shooting with a 22lr...

MOA and Adjustment Required for Shooting 22LR Long Range | The Hunting Gear Guy

When shooting 22LR at long ranges, the bullets rainbow pretty fast. Making consistent hits at long range becomes a game of gaining more and more elevation in your optics and mount. You can use these 3 factors to extend the range of your rifle/scope combination: Total elevation of your scope...

www.huntinggearguy.com

 

[spat]

I once overheard a person on the range say you shouldn't bother taking .22LR out ton100 yards because it "only has like 2 fps by the time it gets out that far".

Well, I'm not hunting bear with one at that range, But I think anything a .22 is reasonable to hunt with at 25 yds, it would still have enough juice for at 100.

 

[Kent Goldings]

Well, I'm not hunting bear with one at that range, But I think anything a .22 is reasonable to hunt with at 25 yds, it would still have enough juice for at 100.

I’m not sure it is a matter of energy. Grouping at an indoor range of the bench is an academic exercise. I have no problem hitting 6 inch steel plates at 300 yards.

However, I’ve done a fair amount of squirrel hunting with a 22. Shooting in field introduces a whole new set of variables. I don’t think squirrelling rifles need to be tack drivers. They need to be reliable and rugged.

The maximum point-blank range for a high-velocity 22LR hunting load like CCI 36 grain HP minimags is about 60 yards. That’s probably my practical limit for taking small game with a 22. I’d go longer for varmints or predators because you don’t have to be elegant.

 

[spat]

I’m not sure it is a matter of energy. Grouping at an indoor range of the bench is an academic exercise. I have no problem hitting 6 inch steel plates at 300 yards.

However, I’ve done a fair amount of squirrel hunting with a 22. Shooting in field introduces a whole new set of variables. I don’t think squirrelling rifles need to be tack drivers. They need to be reliable and rugged.

The maximum point-blank range for a high-velocity 22LR hunting load like CCI 36 grain HP minimags is about 60 yards. That’s probably my practical limit for taking small game with a 22. I’d go longer for varmints or predators because you don’t have to be elegant.

While a 100yd shot at a squirrel with a .22 might be a long shot, I don't think it would be unethical to try.

You are still very likely to get either a reasonably clean kill, or a complete miss. So, if you need to make 5 attempts before success, I think that's reasonable.

It's a completely different thing than, say, taking a 500 yard shot at a deer with a .223 that has a high likelihood of wounding them without a clean kill.

The shot at the deer is unethical to even take unless you are reasonably certain to get a clean kill. You certainly shouldn't be taking shots you think only have a 20% chance of landing.

 

[Kent Goldings]

While a 100yd shot at a squirrel with a .22 might be a long shot, I don't think it would be unethical to try.

You are still very likely to get either a reasonably clean kill, or a complete miss. So, if you need to make 5 attempts before success, I think that's reasonable.

It's a completely different thing than, say, taking a 500 yard shot at a deer with a .223 that has a high likelihood of wounding them without a clean kill.

The shot at the deer is unethical to even take unless you are reasonably certain to get a clean kill. You certainly shouldn't be taking shots you think only have a 20% chance of landing.

I’ve done done pretty unethical things to squirrel. I’m just thinking out minimizing meat damage. But, I do favor the 10/22 for follow-up.