Affordable 22LR (Lowest shipped price)

[Live Life]

This is one of many carryover threads from THR I thought may benefit 22LR plinkers. 

For the past three ammunition/component shortages, I monitored 22LR pricing from high of $50/500+ shipped down to $15-$20/500 shipped last in 2019 and I stocked up quite a bit at $16-$20/500 with mostly Aguila 40 gr LRN/CPRN which produced around 3/4"-1" groups at 50 yards out of factory 18.5" 10/22 barrel and average 1/4"-3/4" groups with 16.5" KSA bull barrel (Full accuracy listing of 50+ brands/weights/lots of 50 yard groups below).

Current 22LR tracking dropped pricing down to $25/500 shipped in spring before rising back up likely due to summer shooting demand but has slowly started to fall again as we approach winter months.  If you are looking to stock up, winter through spring may be a good time before summer shooting season increases pricing again due to increased demand.


Price listing to below $30/500 and include lowest price CCI SV/CCI Blazer:

- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $383.18/7500 + free shipping = $25.54/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-standard-velocity-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point/
- Armscor 40 gr LRN (1135 fps) boxed $259.99/5000 + free shipping - https://outdoorlimited.com/22-lr-am...-grain-lead-solid-point-case-of-5-000-rounds/
- Aguila 38 gr CPHP (1280 fps) boxed $310.67/6000 + free shipping = $25.88/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-hv-22-lr-38-grain-hp-50-box/
- CCI Blazer 40 gr LRN (1235 fps) boxed $519/10000 + free shipping = $25.95/500 - https://www.sgammo.com/product/blac...se-22-lr-cci-blazer-40-grain-lead-solid-high-
- Magtech 40 gr LRN (1135 fps) boxed $263.99/5000 + free shipping on $300+ orders - https://www.wekickbrass.com/products/ammo-magtech-22b-754908184903-6319
- CCI Blazer 40 gr LRN (1235 fps) boxed $269.50/5000 + free shipping - https://www.sgammo.com/product/blac...se-22-lr-cci-blazer-40-grain-lead-solid-high-
- Winchester 36 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $359/6660 + free shipping = $26.95/500 - https://www.sgammo.com/product/22-l...grain-copper-hollow-point-high-velocity-ammo-
- Federal Champion Value Pack 36 gr Lead HP (1260 fps) loose bulk $28.99/525 + free shipping on $175+ orders = $27.60/500 - https://buckinghorseoutpost.com/fed...per-box-747-free-shipping-on-orders-over-175/
- Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN (1200 fps) loose bulk $359/6500 + free shipping = $27.61/500 - https://www.sgammo.com/product/22-l...tch-bulk-pack-40-grain-lead-1200-fps-ammo-am2
- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $276.50/5000 + free shipping - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-standard-velocity-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point/
- Armscor 36 gr CPHP (1247 fps) boxed $27.90/500 + free shipping on $200+ orders - https://outdoorlimited.com/22-lr-am...015ph-36-grain-plated-hollow-point-50-rounds/
- Winchester 36 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $123.78/2220 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $27.87/500 - https://www.mmiammo.com/product/winchester-22lr-2220rd-case-222x10-36grhp
- Aguila 40 gr CPRN (1255 fps) loose bulk $112.77/2000 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $28.19/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-e...40-grain-22-long-rifle-1255-fps-640420013138/
- Aguila 40 gr CPRN (1255 fps) boxed $233.88/4000 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $29.23/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-hv-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point-50-box/
- CCI SV 40 gr LRN (1070 fps) boxed $329.50/5000 + free shipping - https://www.sgammo.com/product/blac...se-22-lr-cci-standard-velocity-40-grain-lead-


For reference - Running round count of 45,000 rounds tested of 50+ brands/weights/lots with 30-50+ sample size with lot number in parenthesis (50 yard group sizes left to right of Smaller/Average/Larger) ... Testing anticipated to continue to 50,000 rounds:

16.5" KSA bull barrel - 10/22 - Not finalized running 50 yard accuracy comparison listing (Some groups pending repeat testing for 30-50+ round sample size and questionable group size from wind/gusts, barrel temperature, bore condition/residual lube in bore, etc.):

New Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (16BM37) - 1/4" - 1/2"
Old CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (40006 Rev D) - 3/8" - 5/8"
Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (50R043) - 3/8" - 5/8" ... 3/4"
RWS Target Rifle 40 gr LRN boxed (56064) - 3/8" - 5/8" ... 1"
ELEY Club 40 gr LRN boxed (3114-30165) - 1/2" - 3/4"
Old Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067) - 3/8" - 5/8"
Aguila 40 gr Match LRN boxed (10ED02) - 3/8" - 5/8"
Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27) - 5/16" - 3/4"
New CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (D06DA01 40006 Rev G) - 1/2" - 5/8" ... 3/4"
Blazer 40 gr LRN boxed (H21DA07) - 1/2" - 3/4"
CCI MiniMag 36 gr CPHP boxed 100 round (40237 Rev E) - 5/8" - 3/4"
Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 275 round (14P171) - 3/4"+
CCI MiniMag Meat Eater 36 gr CPHP boxed 300 round (42054 Rev A) - 5/8" - 1"
Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401) - 3/4" - 1"
Winchester Super-X 36 gr CPHP boxed 500 round (2MH81M) - 5/8" - 3/4" - 1.25"
Aguila 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 250 round (08DP198) - 3/4" - 1.25"
Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236) - 3/4" - 1.25"
Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 500 round (09AL87) - 1/2" - 7/8" ... 1.25"
Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 1000 round (2TH10M) - 3/8" - 3/4" - 7/8" ... 1.25"
Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092) - 1" - 1.25"
Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (G58420570) - 1" - 1.5"
Winchester Super-X 40 gr CPHP loose bulk 300 round (3SM20L) - 3/4" - 1.5" ... 1.75"
Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418) - 1.25" - 1.75"
Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 blue box (1SP181) - 1.5"
Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 333 round (E129734) - 1.25" - 1.75"
Winchester Xpert 36 gr LHP loose bulk 500 round (1PG61L) - 1.25" - 1.5" ... 1.75"
Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 555 round (1P862L) - 1.5" - 1.75"
Blazer 38 gr LRN loose bulk 525 round (A03EE80) - 1.75"+

18" Green Mountain bull barrel - T/CR22 - Not finalized running 50 yard accuracy comparison listing (Some groups pending repeat testing for 30-50+ round sample size and questionable group size from wind/gusts, barrel temperature, bore condition/residual lube in bore, etc.):

Aguila 40 gr Match LRN boxed (16HM24 ELEY Prime) - 3/8" - 1.2" - 5/8"
Old Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067) - 1/2" - 5/8"
New CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (D06DA01 40006 Rev G) - 1/2" - 3/4" ... 7/8"
Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27 Aguila Prime) - 1/4" - 5/8" - 3/4" ... 1"
Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (29GL12 ELEY Prime) - 1/2" - 5/8" - 3/4" ... <1"
New Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (26AL38) - 1/2" - 3/4 - 1.25"
Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 500 round (09AL87) - 1/2" - 5/8" - 7/8" - 1.25"
Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401) - 1/4" - 5/8" - 1.25" ... 1.5"
Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L207P01) - 1/2" - 5/8" - 1" ... 1.75"
Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (M403V01) - 5/8" - 3/4" - 1" ... 1.5"
Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418) - 1/2" - 3/4" - 1" ... 1.5"
Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN (E28WB1234) - 5/8" - 7/8" - 1.25"
Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0559518) - 5/8" - 1" - 1.125" ... 1.25"
Winchester Super-X 36 gr CPHP boxed 500 round (2MH81M) - 1/2" - 1.25"
Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092) - 1" - 1 1/8" - 1.25"
Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236) - 1/2" - 7/8" - 1" ... 1.25"
Federal Long Rifle 550 round 36 gr CPHP loose bulk Value Pack (new red box - 16A092) - 5/8" - 1" - 1 3/8"
Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (P23IA2) - 3/4" - 1" - 1.5"
Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (D13Z81233) - 3/4" - 1" - 1.5" ... 2 3/8"
Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (L22KA3) - 1" - 1.25" - 1 5/8" ... 1.75"
Federal Champion 525 round 36 gr CPHP loose bulk Value Pack (blue box - 1SP181) - 7/8" - 1.25" - 1.5" ... 1.75"
Federal Long Rifle 550 round 36 gr CPHP loose bulk Value Pack (old red box - 14E011) - 3/4" - 1.125" - 2.25"
Federal Champion 525 round 36 gr CPHP loose bulk Value Pack (blue box - 1GJ420) - 1" - 1 3/8" - 1.5" ... 2.25".
Winchester Super-X 40 gr CPHP loose bulk 300 round (3SM20L) - 1.5"

[Live Life]

404 link replaced for currently lowest priced 22LR shipped (FYI, Armscor 36 gr CPHP produced 2" 50 yard groups with GSG/Sig 1911 22LR and reliably cycles my Gen3 Glock 22 with Advantage Arms 22LR slide kit):

- Armscor 40 gr LRN (1135 fps) boxed $259.99/5000 + free shipping - https://outdoorlimited.com/22-lr-ammo/armscor-22-lr-ammunition-arm50012ph-40-grain-lead-solid-point-case-of-5-000-rounds/


Adding to list.  Regular Armscor 40 gr is LRN and this is "Precision Competition" with copper (brass) coated HP.  So Armscor 22LR is now available in 36 gr CPHP, 40 gr LRN and 40 gr CPHP "Competition".

- Armscor 40 gr CPHP Precision Competition (1135 fps) boxed $2.63/50 + free shipping on $300+ orders -https://shopbfam.com/product/armscor-50012ph-precision-competition-22-lr-40-gr-standard-velocity-solid-point-50-rounds-per-box


Price increased for Aguila 40 gr LRN, which has produced smallest 50 yard groups for me out of 10/22 factory/KSA bull barrel and T/CR22 with Green Mountain bull barrel on par with "old" CCI SV with sub 1/2" groups:

- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $261.11/5000 + free shipping - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-standard-velocity-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point/

[HankB]

Interesting info, a little surprised at the accuracy of Aguila ammo, I'll have to try it.

My own custom 10/22 shoots its best groups with Eley or Lapua ammo, with SK not far behind, but I haven't tried as many varieties as you have. The spread between best and worst groups on some ammo (e.g., Winchester M-22) is an eye opener.

[MechAg94]

Interesting.  I may need to go through that list some more. 

I got a 5000 round case of CCI standard velocity ammo in 2019 before the last shortage kicked in.  I mainly got it so I had consistent ammo for target shooting. 

[Live Life]

Interesting.  I may need to go through that list some more. 

CCI standard velocity ammo in 2019 ... got it so I had consistent ammo for target shooting.

My "old" CCI SV was from 2012 so your stock is likely "new" CCI SV that produced smaller groups for my testing.

As to testing methodology and sample size, THR engineer/statistician type members and long-range competition shooters of 600-800-1000 yard NRA/Palma matches (Who are producing 600 yard groups of few inches) pointed out testing variables and need for increasing sample size. 

So my factory 10/22 and T/CR22 were accurized with Volquartsen trigger down to 2 lbs, KSA/Green Mountain bull barrels were free-floated with Magpul MOE X-22 stocks along with Power Custom CNC match bolt with pinned firing pin that reduced flyers and proper headspacing for more consistent primer ignition (T/CR22 factory bolt already came with pinned firing pin).

As to sample size, due to shooting variables such as cold barrel vs warm/hot barrel, clean vs dirty barrel, "cooking" round in hot chamber, storage/ambient temperature sensitivity of powder charge in rounds, wind condition, muzzle crown cleanliness, shooter fatigue, etc.; I collected composite 5 shot groups of 30-50+ rounds average while using reference load (Aguila 40 gr CPRN of same lot number was shot at start/middle/end of each test session with reference load groups at start/end of each target).

So if reference Aguila groups stayed around 3/4" at start/end of each target that captured 10-12 5 shot groups and reference Aguila groups remained same size, increased/decreased group size of other brand/weight/lots of ammunition was likely from ammunition.  But if reference Aguila groups got larger, shooting variables would be suspect and testing was repeated on different range day after addressing suspected shooting variables (warm/hot barrel, dirty barrel, shooters fatigue, etc.) and sample size was increased further.

These are cold barrel sample groups of reference Aguila 40 gr CPRN shot before capturing 5 shot groups of other brands/weights/lots of 22LR with Ruger 10/22, 16.5" KSA bull barrel free-floated with Magpul MOE X-22 stock, 2 lb Volquartsen trigger and Power Custom pinned match bolt:

[Live Life]

Thompson Center T/CR22, 18" Green Mountain barrel free-floated with factory Magpul MOE X-22 stock, 2 lb Volquartsen trigger and factory T/CR22 pinned bolt:

[Live Life]

What I observed during 45,000 round testing of 50+ brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition:

- 5 shot groups are subset of 10 shot groups and 10 shot groups are subset of 50 shot groups and so on.
- Even at 50 yards, cross wind gusts can push 22LR bullet enough to show on target as "flyers" of 1/2"+ and use of wind flags at 25/50 yards were warranted on windy days
- Variation in muzzle velocities can be enough to show on target as vertical dispersion from bullet drop, especially at longer 100 yard groups
- Enough sample size must be collected, especially if shooting variables become evident on group size/pattern printing and repeated on different range days
- Interpreting accuracy trend from small/limited sample size cannot consistently be made until sufficient sample size is collected

To illustrate these points, I did a 60 round vs 215 round sample size comparison composite.  Square boxes are one inch in size from 1" square grid target I use for testing and dots represent bullet holes.  Circle at bottom left was POA and center of square was POI (If POA is center of box and center is shot out, cannot aim precisely).  While 70-80%+ holes centered around 1/2" circle area near the center of box eventually for 215 round sample size, if smaller sample size of 5 or 10 rounds were used, chances of holes deviating from center 1/2" could present a different "picture" of overall accuracy trend.

[Live Life]

Update: Price listing to below $30/500 shipped and includes lowest price CCI SV/CCI Blazer/Federal AutoMatch

(For sub 1/2" to 3/4" average 50 yard groups, recommend BOXED CCI/Blazer/Aguila 40 gr LRN/CPRN ... 50 yard group size comparing 50+ brands/weights/lots from 45,000 round testing ... See bottom of post - https://armedpolitesociety.com/index.php?topic=70241.0)

- Armscor 40 gr LRN (1135 fps) boxed $259.99/5000 + free shipping - https://outdoorlimited.com/22-lr-ammo/armscor-22-lr-ammunition-arm50012ph-40-grain-lead-solid-point-case-of-5-000-rounds/
- Winchester 36 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $359/6660 + free shipping on $200+ orders = $26.95/500 - https://www.sgammo.com/product/22-l...grain-copper-hollow-point-high-velocity-ammo-
- Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN (1200 fps) loose bulk $359/6500 + free shipping = $27.61/500 - https://www.sgammo.com/product/22-lr-ammo/3250-round-case-22-lr-federal-automatch-bulk-pack-40-grain-lead-1200-fps-ammo-am2
- CCI Blazer 38 gr LRN (1235 fps) loose bulk $83.58/1500 + free shipping = $27.86/500 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/cci-ammunition-blazer-rimfire-22-long-rifle-38gr-lrn-rimfire-ammo-1500-rounds.html?_iv_code=206-ARM-CCIRFA62-10025
- Winchester 36 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $123.78/2220 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $27.87/500 - https://www.mmiammo.com/product/winchester-22lr-2220rd-case-222x10-36grhp
- Armscor 36 gr CPHP (1247 fps) boxed $27.90/500 + free shipping on $200+ orders - https://outdoorlimited.com/22-lr-am...015ph-36-grain-plated-hollow-point-50-rounds/
- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $422.30/7500 + free shipping = $28.15/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-standard-velocity-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point/
- Aguila 40 gr CPRN (1255 fps) loose bulk $112.77/2000 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $28.19/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-e...40-grain-22-long-rifle-1255-fps-640420013138/
- Aguila 40 gr CPRN (1255 fps) loose bulk $28.54/500 + free shipping on $300+ orders - https://skogensgunsupply.com/product-details?id=321390
- Aguila 38 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $28.54/500 + free shipping on $300+ orders -
https://skogensgunsupply.com/product-details?id=321391
- Aguila 38 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $114.32/2000 + free shipping = $28.58/500 -
https://www.opticsplanet.com/aguila-1b221103-standard-high-velocity-22-lr-38-gr-copper-plated-hollow-point-c.html?_iv_code=1SX-ARM-1B221103-1B221103-KIT2
- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $289.02/5000 + free shipping on $250+ orders - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-standard-velocity-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point/
- CCI Blazer 40 gr LRN (1235 fps) boxed $289.50/5000 + free shipping - https://www.sgammo.com/product/22-lr-ammo/5000-round-case-22-lr-cci-blazer-40-grain-lead-solid-high-velocity-ammo-0021
- Aguila 40 gr CPRN (1255 fps) boxed $233.88/4000 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $29.23/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-hv-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point-50-box/
- Aguila 38 gr CPHP (1280 fps) boxed $351.14/6000 + free shipping = $29.26/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-hv-22-lr-38-grain-hp-50-box/
- CCI SV 40 gr LRN (1070 fps) boxed $329.50/5000 + free shipping - https://www.sgammo.com/product/blac...se-22-lr-cci-standard-velocity-40-grain-lead-

[Live Life]

Price drop:

- Federal BYOB 36 gr CPHP (1260 fps) loose bulk $69.44/1375 + free shipping = $25.25/500 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/federal-premium-byob-22-long-rifle-36gr-cphp-rimfire-ammo-1375-rounds.html?
- Aguila 38 gr CPHP (1280 fps) boxed $326.36/6000 + free shipping = $27.19/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-hv-22-lr-38-grain-hp-50-box/?
- Federal Champion Value Pack 36 gr Lead HP (1260 fps) loose bulk $28.99/525 + free shipping on $175+ orders = $27.61/500 - https://buckinghorseoutpost.com/federal-champion-22-long-rifle-36-grain-lead-hollow-point-525rds-per-box-747-free-shipping-on-orders-over-175/?
- Federal Champion Value Pack 36 gr CPHP (1260 fps) loose bulk $290/5250 + free shipping = $27.62/500 - https://www.velocityammosales.com/products/22-long-rifle-federal-champion-36-grain-cphp-525-case/?
- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $2.80/50 + free shipping on $300+ orders - https://skogensgunsupply.com/product-details?id=321380
- Aguila 38 gr CPHP (1280 fps) boxed $2.80/50 + free shipping on $300+ orders - https://skogensgunsupply.com/product-details?id=321381

[Live Life]

Price drop:

- Winchester 36 gr CPHP (1280 fps) loose bulk $11.84/222 + free shipping on $250+ orders = $26.66/500 - https://www.mmiammo.com/product/winchester-ammo-22lr222hp-usa-22-lr-36-gr-copper-plated-hollow-point-cphp-can-222-bx-10-cs
- Aguila 40 gr LRN (1130 fps) boxed $405.37/7500 + free shipping = $27.02/500 - https://ammohero.com/aguila-super-extra-standard-velocity-22-lr-40-grain-solid-point/?sku=640420001050-7500

[Live Life]

Price drop:

- Federal Champion Value Pack 36 gr CPHP (1260 fps) loose bulk $28.49/525 + free shipping on $175+ orders = $27.13/500 - https://buckinghorseoutpost.com/federal-champion-training-22-long-rifle-36-grain-copper-plated-hollow-point-525rds-per-value-pack-745-free-shipping-on-orders-over-175/?sku=005-000068