Walk up to any gun counter and ask for rimfire, and you will likely see a wall of CCI. The brand makes a wide range of .22 LR loads, from quiet backyard rounds to fast hunting hollow points. This CCI 22LR ammo guide sorts out the lines we carry, shows the published speed of each one, and helps you pick the right box for your rifle or pistol.
CCI builds its rimfire ammo in Lewiston, Idaho. It is part of the same company family as Federal and Speer.
The CCI 22LR Lines We Carry
CCI sorts its .22 LR ammo by speed. That is the easiest way to think about it, too. Here is how the lines break down.
Quiet and Subsonic Loads
These loads stay below the speed of sound, so there is no supersonic crack. The CCI Quiet-22 40-grain round nose lists 710 fps. It is made for backyard pest control and quiet plinking. It may not cycle most semi-autos. The Quiet-22 Semi-Auto 45-grain lists 835 fps and was designed to run a semi-auto action. For suppressed guns, the CCI Suppressor 45-grain hollow point lists 970 fps.
Standard Velocity and Match Loads
Standard velocity rounds run just under the sound barrier. They are often the most accurate choice for target work. CCI Standard Velocity, Green Tag and Pistol Match all list 1,070 fps with a 40-grain bullet. Green Tag is CCI’s rifle match load. Pistol Match is tuned for target pistols.
High Velocity Loads
The CCI Mini-Mag 40-grain round nose is the classic all-round load. It lists 1,235 fps and 135 ft-lb. It runs well in most semi-autos and works for plinking and small game. Mini-Mag also comes in a 36-grain hollow point and a 40-grain segmented hollow point.
Hyper Velocity Loads
Hyper velocity rounds use lighter bullets at higher speed. The CCI Stinger 32-grain hollow point lists 1,640 fps and 191 ft-lb. The Velocitor uses a full 40-grain hollow point at 1,435 fps. These are hunting loads for small game and pests.
Clean-22 Polymer-Coated Loads
Clean-22 coats the lead bullet in polymer. That cuts lead fouling and keeps your hands and gun cleaner. It comes in subsonic, high velocity, hyper velocity and suppressor versions.
CCI 22LR Ammo Comparison Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet-22 | 40 | Lead RN | 710 | 45 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Quiet-22 Semi-Auto | 45 | RN | 835 | 70 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Suppressor | 45 | Lead HP | 970 | 94 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Clean-22 Suppressor | 45 | TSJ | 1,000 | 100 | 200-round pack |
| Subsonic HP | 40 | Lead HP | 1,050 | 98 | 100-round box |
| Standard Velocity | 40 | Lead RN | 1,070 | 102 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Green Tag | 40 | RN | 1,070 | 102 | 100-round box |
| Pistol Match | 40 | RN | 1,070 | 102 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Tactical | 40 | Plated RN | 1,200 | 128 | 300-round pack |
| Mini-Mag | 40 | Plated RN | 1,235 | 135 | 100-round box |
| Mini-Mag HP | 36 | Plated HP | 1,260 | 127 | 100-round box |
| Velocitor | 40 | Plated HP | 1,435 | 183 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Clean-22 Hyper Velocity | 31 | Coated RN | 1,550 | 165 | 500-round case (10 x 50) |
| Stinger | 32 | Plated HP | 1,640 | 191 | 50-round box |
All figures are the maker’s published muzzle data from a rifle barrel. Expect less speed from a handgun.
Which CCI Load Fits Your Use?
Plinking and Training
Mini-Mag round nose and the CCI Tactical 40-grain are good bulk choices. They feed well and keep costs down for long range days.
Target Shooting
Start with Standard Velocity, Green Tag or Pistol Match. Slower rounds tend to group tighter because they never pass the sound barrier in flight. Test a few in your own barrel. Every rimfire gun has its own taste.
Small Game and Pests
For squirrels and rabbits, the Mini-Mag hollow point or the segmented hollow point work well. For larger pests, Velocitor and Stinger hit harder. Keep shots close and know your backstop. A 22 LR bullet can travel a long way.
Suppressed Shooting
CCI Suppressor and Clean-22 Suppressor both use 45-grain bullets below the speed of sound. The heavier bullet helps semi-autos cycle at lower speed.
Is CCI 22LR Ammo Good for Self-Defense?
CCI does make a defense load, the CCI Uppercut 32-grain JHP. It lists 950 fps and was built for short-barrel guns. Most trainers still suggest a centerfire handgun for defense if you can handle one. A 22 LR is light on power, and rimfire ignition is less certain than centerfire. If a 22 is what you can shoot well, pick a load made for it. Laws on carry and ammo type vary, so check your state and local rules.
How to Choose CCI 22LR Ammo
- Check your action. Bolt guns and revolvers run anything. Semi-autos may need high velocity ammo to cycle.
- Match speed to noise. Quiet-22 is the softest. Stinger is the loudest.
- Test for accuracy. Buy a few boxes and shoot groups at 25 and 50 yards.
- Buy in bulk once you find a winner. Cases save money and keep lot numbers consistent.
Want to compare CCI with another rimfire maker? Our Federal 22LR ammo guide covers CCI’s sister brand.
Shop CCI 22LR Ammo
See every load in our CCI 22LR ammo category, or browse all brands in the main 22LR ammo section. Grab a box of a few types and let your gun pick the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is CCI ammo made?
CCI makes its rimfire ammunition in Lewiston, Idaho. The brand shares a parent company with Federal and Speer. That is why you will see Speer bullet names, such as TNT, on some CCI rimfire boxes.
What is the best CCI 22LR ammo?
It depends on the job. Mini-Mag is a strong all-round pick for plinking and small game. Standard Velocity and Green Tag suit target work. Stinger and Velocitor suit hunting. Quiet-22 fits backyard pest control. Test a few in your own gun before buying in bulk.
Is 22LR good for self-defense?
A 22 LR is better than nothing, but most trainers prefer a centerfire handgun. The round is light and rimfire ignition is less certain. If recoil limits you to a 22, choose a load made for defense, like CCI Uppercut, and train often. Check local laws on defensive ammo.
How loud is a 22LR?
A 22 LR is the quietest common cartridge, but it is still loud enough to damage hearing. Always wear ear protection. Subsonic loads like CCI Quiet-22 and Standard Velocity avoid the sonic crack, which makes them noticeably softer than high velocity or Stinger loads.
Will CCI Quiet-22 cycle a semi-auto?
The standard Quiet-22 load usually will not cycle a semi-auto, so you work the action by hand. CCI makes a separate Quiet-22 Semi-Auto version with a 45-grain bullet that is designed to run semi-automatic rifles. Results can vary by gun, so test first.
