Need a fast answer? For bulk plinking, grab the 555 pack or M-22. For small game, try Super-X or Hyper Speed hollow points. For a suppressor, use Super Suppressed. That covers most needs, but Winchester 22LR ammo has a few more lines worth knowing. Below, we break down each one with published speed and energy data, so you can match the box to your gun.
Quick Picks by Use
- Bulk plinking: 555 Bulk Pack, M-22, Wildcat.
- Small game: Super-X hollow point, Hyper Speed, Xpert.
- Suppressed shooting: Super Suppressed round nose or hollow point.
- Personal defense: Silvertip 22LR.
Bulk Plinking Lines
555 Bulk Pack
The Winchester 555 36-grain plated hollow point is a big-box classic. It lists 1,280 fps and 131 ft-lb. The hollow point gives it some use on small pests, but most people buy it to burn through at the range.
M-22
Winchester aims M-22 at semi-auto rimfire rifles. The M-22 40-grain plated round nose, 500 rounds lists 1,255 fps and 140 ft-lb. It also comes in a 2,000-round steel ammo can, which is handy for storage.
Wildcat
Wildcat Super Speed uses a 40-grain plated hollow point and lists 1,300 fps. Wildcat Dynapoint uses a 40-grain plated hollow point and lists 1,255 fps.
Hunting and High Velocity Loads
Super-X High Velocity
Super-X is Winchester’s long-running hunting line. The Super-X 40-grain plated hollow point lists 1,280 fps and 146 ft-lb. The round nose version comes in a 2,000-round case at 1,300 fps.
Hyper Speed
Want more speed with a full-weight bullet? The Hyper Speed 40-grain plated hollow point lists 1,435 fps and 183 ft-lb. That is the fastest Winchester 22LR load we stock.
Xpert
Xpert uses a 42-grain plated hollow point. It lists 1,320 fps and 162 ft-lb. The extra weight carries well on small game.
Suppressed Shooting: Super Suppressed
Super Suppressed loads stay below the speed of sound. That drops the sharp crack, so a suppressor can do its job. The Super Suppressed 45-grain round nose lists 1,060 fps and 112 ft-lb in an 800-round bulk pack. A heavy bullet helps many semi-autos cycle at low speed. There is also a 40-grain lead hollow point version for small game.
Personal Defense: Silvertip 22LR
The Silvertip 37-grain fragmenting hollow point lists 1,060 fps and 92 ft-lb. Winchester built it for defense handguns. Most trainers still suggest a centerfire handgun if you can shoot one well. If a 22 is what works for you, practice often and pick a load your gun feeds every time. Laws on carry and ammo type vary, so check your local rules.
To learn how defense rounds are judged, read our guide to reading 22 LR gel test results.
Winchester 22LR Ammo Comparison Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Suppressed | 45 | RN | 1,060 | 112 | 800-round bulk pack |
| Silvertip | 37 | Frag HP | 1,060 | 92 | 50-round box |
| M-22 | 40 | Plated RN | 1,255 | 140 | 500-round bulk pack |
| Wildcat Dynapoint | 40 | Plated HP | 1,255 | 140 | 500-round bulk pack |
| 40-grain RN | 40 | RN | 1,255 | 140 | 50-round box |
| 555 Bulk | 36 | Plated HP | 1,280 | 131 | 555-round bulk pack |
| Super-X HP | 40 | Plated HP | 1,280 | 146 | 100-round box |
| Super-X RN | 40 | Plated RN | 1,300 | 150 | 2,000-round case (20 x 100) |
| Wildcat Super Speed | 40 | Plated HP | 1,300 | 150 | 2,000-round case (20 x 100) |
| Xpert | 42 | Plated HP | 1,320 | 162 | 100-round box |
| Hyper Speed | 40 | Plated HP | 1,435 | 183 | 100-round box |
Speeds and energies are Winchester’s published muzzle data from a rifle barrel. Pistols give lower numbers.
Tips for Choosing Winchester 22LR Ammo
Match the load to your action. Semi-autos run best on high velocity ammo. Subsonic rounds may not cycle every gun. Bolt guns and revolvers run anything.
Test before you buy in bulk. Rimfire accuracy varies a lot from gun to gun. Shoot five-shot groups at 25 and 50 yards with two or three loads.
Stay safe downrange. A 22LR bullet can travel more than a mile. Always know your backstop.
Follow game rules. Check your state’s hunting rules before taking any animal.
Comparing brands? See our CCI 22LR ammo guide for another full rimfire lineup.
Shop Winchester 22LR Ammo
Browse every load in our Winchester 22LR ammo category, or compare other brands in the main 22LR ammo section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Winchester 22LR ammo for plinking?
For high-volume range days, most shooters pick the 555 Bulk Pack, M-22 or Wildcat. They are high velocity loads that cycle most semi-autos. M-22 also comes in a 2,000-round steel ammo can, which is handy for long-term storage.
What is the fastest Winchester 22LR ammo?
In our stock, Winchester Hyper Speed 40-grain plated hollow point is the fastest, at a listed 1,435 fps and 183 ft-lb. It keeps a full 40-grain bullet, which helps on small game at rimfire range.
Is 22LR good for self-defense?
A 22LR is light on power, and most trainers prefer a centerfire handgun for defense. If a 22 is what you can shoot well, choose a reliable load like Winchester Silvertip 22LR and practice often. Check your state and local laws on carry.
Will Winchester Super Suppressed cycle my semi-auto?
Super Suppressed uses a heavy 45-grain bullet to help semi-autos cycle at subsonic speed. Many guns run it well, but results vary. Test a box in your own rifle or pistol before buying in bulk.
What does LR stand for in 22LR?
LR stands for Long Rifle. The 22 Long Rifle is a rimfire cartridge that dates to the late 1880s. It is the most common rimfire round in the US, used for plinking, training, target shooting and small game.
