Lapua 22LR is match ammo first and foremost. You don’t buy it to dump cans in the backyard. You buy it to shrink groups, win matches and find out what your rifle can really do. Lapua is a Finnish brand with a long record in precision shooting. This guide covers each Lapua rimfire line we carry, what sets them apart, and how to pick one for your rifle or pistol.
Why Match Ammo Groups Tighter
All the Lapua loads we stock use a 40-grain lead round nose bullet. The speeds sit close together, from 902 to 1,106 fps. So what changes from line to line? Consistency.
Match ammo aims to make every round the same. That means even bullet weight, even powder, and even priming in the rim. When each shot leaves the barrel at nearly the same speed, the bullets land closer together. At 50 meters and beyond, small speed swings turn into vertical stringing on the target. Higher grade lines are built and checked to tighter limits.
Most target rimfire ammo also runs below the speed of sound. Bullets that pass back through the sound barrier in flight can get unsettled. Staying subsonic avoids that.
The Lapua 22LR Rifle Lines
Center-X
The Lapua Center-X 40-grain lists 1,073 fps and 102 ft-lb. It is the entry match grade in this group. It is a strong choice for club matches, training and serious practice.
Midas+
The Lapua Midas+ 40-grain also lists 1,073 fps. It is a step up in grade over Center-X. Shooters often move to Midas+ once their skills outgrow training ammo. We carry it in a 500-round case.
X-Act
The Lapua X-Act 40-grain sits at the top of the line. It lists the same 1,073 fps. X-Act is for top-level competition where every point counts.
Long Range and Super Long Range
Both list 1,106 fps and 108 ft-lb. Lapua designs them for shooting at longer rimfire distances, such as in precision rimfire matches with targets past 50 yards. Super Long Range is the higher grade of the two.
Polar Biathlon
The Lapua Polar Biathlon lists 1,099 fps and 107 ft-lb. Biathlon shooters compete in the cold. This load is built to keep its speed steady in low temperatures, where many rimfire loads slow down.
The Lapua 22LR Pistol Lines
Pistol loads run slower. Lower speed means less recoil and a softer shot in a light target pistol. The Lapua Pistol King lists 950 fps. The Lapua Pistol OSP lists 902 fps and comes in a 500-round case. Both are for target pistol events. Make sure your pistol cycles them, since slow loads may not run every semi-auto.
Lapua 22LR Comparison Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pistol OSP | 40 | RN | 902 | 72 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Pistol King | 40 | RN | 950 | 80 | 50-round box |
| Center-X | 40 | RN | 1,073 | 102 | 50-round box |
| Midas+ | 40 | RN | 1,073 | 102 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| X-Act | 40 | RN | 1,073 | 102 | 50-round box |
| Polar Biathlon | 40 | RN | 1,099 | 107 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Long Range | 40 | RN | 1,106 | 108 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Super Long Range | 40 | RN | 1,106 | 108 | 50-round box |
All figures are Lapua’s published muzzle data. Your barrel and the weather will change the real numbers.
How to Choose a Lapua 22LR Load
- Start with Center-X. It shows you what match ammo can do in your gun without the top-grade cost.
- Test before you commit. Rimfire barrels are picky. Shoot several 10-shot groups at 50 meters or 50 yards, off a solid rest.
- Move up if it pays off. If Midas+ or X-Act shrinks your groups, it is worth it. If not, stick with what works.
- Buy one lot. Once you find a winner, buy a case of the same lot number. Results can shift between lots.
- Match the event. Pick Long Range for far targets, Polar Biathlon for cold days, and Pistol King or OSP for target pistols.
Want a cheaper target round for practice? CCI Standard Velocity and Green Tag are covered in our CCI 22LR ammo guide. For bulk plinking, see the Aguila 22LR guide.
Shop Lapua 22LR
See every load in our Lapua 22LR ammo category, or browse all brands in the main 22LR ammo section. Try a box of Lapua 22LR in your rifle and see what your groups tell you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 22LR ammo for accuracy?
There is no single winner, because each rimfire barrel likes different ammo. Match lines like Lapua Center-X, Midas+ and X-Act are built for consistency. Test several loads in your own rifle with 10-shot groups, then buy a case of the lot that groups best.
Is Lapua 22LR worth the money?
If you shoot matches or long-range rimfire, it often is. Lapua builds match ammo for even speed shot to shot, which helps groups at 50 meters and beyond. For plinking, cheaper bulk ammo makes more sense. Test it and let your targets decide.
What is the difference between Center-X, Midas+ and X-Act?
All three use a 40-grain round nose and list 1,073 fps. The difference is grade. Center-X is the entry match level, Midas+ is a step up, and X-Act is the top grade for high-level competition. Higher grades aim for even tighter consistency.
Is Lapua 22LR subsonic?
Most Lapua rifle and pistol loads we stock list 1,106 fps or less, which is near or below the speed of sound at sea level. Running slow helps accuracy. Exact speed depends on your barrel and the air temperature.
Will Lapua 22LR cycle my semi-auto?
Lapua match ammo runs at standard velocity. Many target semi-autos cycle it well, but some sporting semi-autos need high velocity ammo to run. Test a box in your gun before you buy a case.
