"Real World" cheap/bulk 22LR ammunition comparison

DMW1116 said:
What is the scope mount? I presume that’s a pistol type scope?
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Yes, it's long eye relief pistol scope bought from Amazon but looks like it's now sold by AIM - https://www.evike.com/products/26682/

After being impressed with $20 Field Sport micro red dot (Now $26) that co-witnessed with Magpul MBUS on my ARs based on this torture test of red dot by repeated hammering with water bottle, I ordered the Field Sport 2-7x32mm scope for IMI Defense and Fab Defense pistol scope mount comparison - https://www.thehighroad.org/iNndex.php?threads/new-glock-pistol-scope-mount-uses-frame-trigger-pin-for-more-solid-mounting.923430/

Since both mounts clamped to polymer accessory rail of Glock 22 which flexed, obtaining repeatable zero with the scope became an issue. Fab Defense addressed this issue with a new mount that has rear pin that replaces Glock frame/trigger pin. When I saw a duplicate Fireclub version for $5, I immediately ordered to review - https://www.amazon.com/FIRECLUB-Tactical-Flashlight-Universal-Picatinny/dp/B01E732I3W/ref=sr_1_27

Rear of mount replaces frame trigger pin with threaded pin and even with the weight of the scope, there is no side to side or vertical movement of mount unlike IMI/Fab Defense mounts.

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Replacement pin ends are threaded
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Factory frame trigger pin replaced with threaded pin for the mount
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Raised mount allows use of iron sights
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Access to slide/disassembly lever were not blocked
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I am interested in your ammo updates, you always provide good unbiased info.

I hope your luck is better than mine with the Wildcat. It is the only 22 rifle I have not kept, I never did get decent accuracy from it.
 
maxxhavoc said:
I am interested in your ammo updates, you always provide good unbiased info.

I hope your luck is better than mine with the Wildcat. It is the only 22 rifle I have not kept, I never did get decent accuracy from it.
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Thank you.

As to Wildcat, when I returned Savage B22 Precision due to shipping damage, I decided instead to get BCA 22LR upper to test AR22 platform as I may revisit buying Savage B22/Wildcat in the future - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-ammunition-comparison.908102/#post-12365519
 
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So here are the final listings of "old stock" 22LR ammunition used for previous 27 brands/weights/lots comparison from last year and "new stock" purchased since 2022 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...cheap-bulk-22lr-ammunition-comparison.908102/

Ammunition Selection:

Old stock left over from 2019 (Lot # in parenthesis):
  1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33)
  2. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067)
  3. Aguila 40 gr LRN Pistol Match boxed (10ED02)
  4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (29GL12 Eley Prime)
  5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27 Aguila Prime)
  6. Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418)
  7. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (40006 Rev D)
  8. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (14A290)
  9. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (2FM056)
  10. Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 275 round (14P171)
  11. Federal Game-Shok 40 gr CPRN boxed (26F141)
  12. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092)
  13. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (D13Z81233)
  14. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236)
  15. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 555 round (1P862L)
  16. Winchester Xpert 36 gr LHP loose bulk 500 round (1PG61L)
These are new stock ammunition purchased from 2022-2023 (Lot # in parenthesis):
  1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33 ... Yes, same # as 2019 but this lot was bought in 2022)
  2. Aguila 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 250 round (08DP198)
  3. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (16BM37)
  4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (02DZ54)
  5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 250 round (15CN955)
  6. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 500 round (09AL87)
  7. Blazer 38 gr LRN loose bulk 525 round (A03EE80)
  8. Blazer 40 gr LRN boxed (H21DA07)
  9. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (D06DA01 40006 Rev G)
  10. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (E19DA07 40006 Rev G)
  11. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 100 round (40238 Rev E)
  12. CCI MiniMag 36 gr CPHP boxed 100 round (40237 Rev E)
  13. CCI MiniMag Meat Eater 36 gr CPHP boxed 300 round (42054 Rev A)
  14. ELEY Club 40 gr LRN boxed (3114-30165)
  15. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401)
  16. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L207P01)
  17. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (Cannot read lot #)
  18. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (B09DA02)
  19. Federal Range Pack 40 gr LRN loose bulk 800 round (L201U03)
  20. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 325 round (L331Q01)
  21. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 round blue box (1GJ420)
  22. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (50R043)
  23. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (G58420570)
  24. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E28WB1234)
  25. RWS Target Rifle 40 gr LRN boxed (56064)
  26. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 333 round (E129734)
  27. Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 1000 round (2TH10M)
  28. Winchester Super-X 36 gr CPHP wooden boxed 500 round (2MH81M)
  29. Winchester Super-X 40 gr CPHP loose bulk 300 round (3SM20L)

Testing Platform: 50/100 yard groups shot with modified Lead Sled Solo (Rear wedged to immobilize swing arm) on Lifetime 4' table:

Range Report:

Trip to the shooting area was delayed by head-on collision accident clean up that blocked both lanes (I was not involved). Since range time was limited, I focused on shooting 50/100 yards reference groups with Aguila 40 gr CPRN then rushed through initial 2022-2023 new stock ammunition along with 2019 stock ammunition. Regular copy paper target was used with blue bingo dauber to mark POA.

NOTE - Old stock Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Boxed, Lot # 30EK27 Aguila Prime) will be used as reference at the beginning, during and end of each shooting session for comparison (If Aguila groups remain similar, group size variation is from ammunition, not rifle or shoote; although, shooter fatigue will be a contributing factor towards end of shooting session :)). Ammunition tested will be new stock purchased in 2022-2023 unless noted as 2019 stock. Lot number of ammunition indicated inside parenthesis. Groups were v center to center. After verifying scope zero, groups were shot as fast as Ruger 10 round rotary magazine was reloaded. There was no cooling down of barrel other than walking to replace targets.​
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With shooting session that could last hours, suspicious groups shot towards end of session due to shooter fatigue will be repeated at the start of next session. (ETA: This won't be done now as I decided to shoot old/new stock side by side to remove barrel warm up/shooter fatigue variables - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nition-comparison.908102/page-2#post-12732083)​

Reference 50 yard groups:

Top row: After verifying scope zero with left 2 groups, blue bingo dauber was used to mark POA. All 5 shot groupes measured 1".
Bottom row: 4 more groups were shot to verify consistency with left 3 groups measuring 1" or less with 4th group opening up to 1.5" (Can you say shooter fatigue? :) Just kidding)

22LR45Brands10-23-1.jpg

100 yard groups:

Two 100 yard groups were shot after verifying scope zero on another copy paper target. I forgot to bring the bingo dauber for the 100 yard walk to target and used short strips of electrical tape to mark POA. Both groups measured 2.75".

22LR45Brands10-23-100 Yards.jpg

With 50/100 yard groups shot, I started the ammunition comparison with three I was most curious with: New lot of Blazer 40 gr LRN boxed and new Blazer 38 gr LRN loose bulk 525 round pack. Of course, I was curious about the only 22LR that produced consistent duds during my 10,000+ round testing (Where even Thunderbolts were 100% reliable), the Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN.


Top row: 2 reference Aguila groups were shot measuring under 1.25" followed by Blazer 40 gr LRN (boxed - H21DA07) measuring 1".
Bottom row: Blazer 38 gr LRN (loose bulk 525 round - A03EE80) groups measured slightly less than 1.75" and 3.25". Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN (Black bullet, loose bulk 1000 round pack of two 500 rounds - 2TH10M) groups measured 1.75" and less than 2.5".

22LR45Brands10-23-2.jpg


Top row: 2 reference Aguila groups measured 1.75" (I think I pushed the low shots) and 1". Hotter Thunderbolt (loose bulk - E28WB1234) grouped above POA and measured 2.25" and 1.75".
Bottom row: 2019 stock Armscor 36 gr CPHP (boxed - 0731418) groups measured less than 2.25" and 1.5". Winchester M-22 group #2 produced 2" and 1.5" groups (In case you are wondering, bottom two holes on left group is touching). (NOTE: Only dud/failure to fire was produced by Winchester M-22. Ejected round showed nice indent on the rim which fired on the second chambering.)

22LR45Brands10-23-3.jpg


Top row: Blazer 40 gr LRN group #2 produced 1.5" group (0.75" 4 shot core) and slightly larger than 0.5" group. Blazer 38 gr LRN group #2 produced 1.25" and 1.75" groups.
Bottom row: 2 reference Aguila groups measured under 2" and 1.25". Surprised by higher POI of second group, I fired another round and decided to conclude the shooting session (It was starting to get dark).

22LR45Brands10-23-4.jpg

Due to road accident induced limited time constraint range session, I feel many groups were rushed and may repeat some groups to verify on next range trip. If THR members have request to do more comprehensive testing (Let's say increase sample size for particular brand/weight/lot of ammunition to 4 groups or 8 groups), I can expand the sample size.
 
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LiveLife said:
Due to road accident induced limited time constraint range session, I feel many groups were rushed and may repeat some groups to verify on next range trip.
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While making cinnamon rolls for wife, I thought about barrel warm up and shooter fatigue with time constraint rush to reshoot some of the groups; but then realized best approach to conducting comparison of "old stock" from 2019 to "new stock" from 2022-2023 maybe to shoot same brand/weight but different lots side-by-side.

This way, despite shooting variables related to firearm/shooter, holes on target will still give us usable "comparative" data in terms of group size between old and new stock. So if new stock shoots same/better/worse than old stock, we should be able to determine that regardless of group size, barrel temperature and some regards to shooter fatigue.
 
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While doing rainy day clean up, found an ammo can with 2019 old stock almost full boxes of Federal Value 525 blue box and 550 red box (Walmart) bulk packs. Expanding ammunition selection of 2019 old stock to 18 and increasing total ammunition selection to 47 brands/weights/lots.

22LR47Brands10-23.jpg

Old stock left over from 2019 (Lot # in parenthesis):
  1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33)
  2. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067)
  3. Aguila 40 gr LRN Pistol Match boxed (10ED02)
  4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (29GL12 Eley Prime)
  5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27 Aguila Prime)
  6. Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418)
  7. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (40006 Rev D)
  8. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (14A290)
  9. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (2FM056)
  10. Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 275 round (14P171)
  11. Federal Game-Shok 40 gr CPRN boxed (26F141)
  12. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 blue box (1SP181)
  13. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (14E011)
  14. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092)
  15. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (D13Z81233)
  16. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236)
  17. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 555 round (1P862L)
  18. Winchester Xpert 36 gr LHP loose bulk 500 round (1PG61L)

New stock ammunition purchased from 2022-2023 (Lot # in parenthesis):
  1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33 ... Yes, same # as 2019 but this lot was bought in 2022)
  2. Aguila 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 250 round (08DP198)
  3. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (16BM37)
  4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (02DZ54)
  5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 250 round (15CN955)
  6. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 500 round (09AL87)
  7. Blazer 38 gr LRN loose bulk 525 round (A03EE80)
  8. Blazer 40 gr LRN boxed (H21DA07)
  9. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (D06DA01 40006 Rev G)
  10. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (E19DA07 40006 Rev G)
  11. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 100 round (40238 Rev E)
  12. CCI MiniMag 36 gr CPHP boxed 100 round (40237 Rev E)
  13. CCI MiniMag Meat Eater 36 gr CPHP boxed 300 round (42054 Rev A)
  14. ELEY Club 40 gr LRN boxed (3114-30165)
  15. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401)
  16. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L207P01)
  17. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (Cannot read lot #)
  18. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (B09DA02)
  19. Federal Range Pack 40 gr LRN loose bulk 800 round (L201U03)
  20. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 325 round (L331Q01)
  21. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 round blue box (1GJ420)
  22. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (50R043)
  23. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (G58420570)
  24. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E28WB1234)
  25. RWS Target Rifle 40 gr LRN boxed (56064)
  26. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 333 round (E129734)
  27. Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 1000 round (2TH10M)
  28. Winchester Super-X 36 gr CPHP wooden boxed 500 round (2MH81M)
  29. Winchester Super-X 40 gr CPHP loose bulk 300 round (3SM20L)
 
Finally!

47 brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition comparison continues - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nition-comparison.908102/page-2#post-12733155

NOTE: There's been a change to testing platform as 10/22 Collector #3 with 18.5" factory barrel was sent to THR member at member's request - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-unlimited-budget.912629/page-4#post-12799313

So, 10/22 receiver (Round count 7000) was mated to KSA 16.5" bull barrel using two .02" barrel shims and factory V block (Barrel round count 1000) - Volquartsen Target Hammer kit trigger just over 2.0 lbs after Patriot Precision Gun Works Enhanced Trigger Spring kit (Volquartsen trigger round count 3000) - Power Custom Match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor) - Barrel free floated with Magpul MOE X-22 stock from T/CR22 - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - EGW 20 MOA scope rail - Viridian Serac 6-24x50mm - Viridian high profile 30mm scope rings (I may need to get lower rings as stock on MOE X-22 angles down)

S&W factory barrel (Barrel round count 2500) was installed back on T/CR22 receiver (Round count 3500) using Tactical Solutions V block - factory pinned bolt - Volquartsen Target Hammer kit trigger 2.0 lbs after Patriot Precision Gun Works Enhanced Trigger Spring kit (Volquartsen trigger round count 1500) - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50mm - Viridian 30mm scope rings

10-22 and T-CR22.jpg

Modified Lead Sled Solo (Rear wedged to immobilize swing arm) was used on Lifetime 4' table. Harbor Freight measuring wheel used to set 50 yard targets along with HF open reel measuring tape.

HFMeasureW.jpg

Range Report:

NOTE: Regular copy paper target was used with purple bingo dauber to mark POA. Old stock Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Boxed, Lot # 30EK27 Aguila Prime) was used as reference at the beginning, during and end of each shooting session for comparison. Old stock ammunition were purchased in 2017-2019 and new stock ammunition purchased in 2022-2023. Lot number of ammunition indicated inside parenthesis. Groups were measured center to center. After verifying scope zero, groups were shot as fast as 10 round rotary magazine was reloaded. There was no cooling down of barrel other than walking to replace targets. Ammunition tested were stored indoors at around 60F. Ambient temperature 54F.

LiveLife said:
realized best approach to conducting comparison of "old stock" from 2019 to "new stock" from 2022-2023 maybe to shoot same brand/weight but different lots side-by-side.

This way, despite shooting variables related to firearm/shooter, holes on target will still give us usable "comparative" data in terms of group size between old and new stock. So if new stock shoots same/better/worse than old stock, we should be able to determine that regardless of group size, barrel temperature and some regards to shooter fatigue.
Click to expand...

Rain was forecast later in the afternoon so in a rush, did not get to always do side-by-side old/new comparison (Will attempt to always do old/new comparison). After scope was zeroed with reference Aguila 40 gr CPRN, groups were shot with POA at the center of purple dot.
  • Top row: First Aguila 40 gr CPRN (30EK27 Aguila Prime) group measured 1/2". Second group measured slightly larger than 1/2" with shot to the right. First Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 blue box (1SP181) group measured 1.5". First Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092) group measured slightly larger than 1". (Note higher POI of 525 blue box vs lower POI of 550 Walmart exclusive red box indicating slower muzzle velocities)
  • Middle row: Second Federal Value 525 blue box (1SP181) group measured slightly less than 1.5". Second Federal Value 550 red box (16A092) group measured 1.25". Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236) groups measured 3/4" and slightly less than 3/4".
  • Bottom row: Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418) groups measured 1.75", slightly less than 1.25" and slightly larger than 1.25". Confirming Aguila reference group measured less than 1/2".
22LRcompare11924.jpg

  • Top row: First old CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (40006 Rev D) group measured 1/2". Second old CCI SV group measured 3/4". Surprisingly, first new CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (D06DA01 40006 Rev G) group measured slightly less than 1.5". Second new CCI SV group measured 1/2".
  • Middle row: CCI MiniMag 36 gr CPHP boxed 100 round (40237 Rev E) group measured slightly larger than 3/4". CCI MiniMag Meat Eater 36 gr CPHP boxed 300 round (42054 Rev A) group measured 1". Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401) groups measured 1.25" and 1".
  • Bottom row: Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 275 round (14P171) groups measured slightly larger than 3/4" and 3/4". It started to rain and confirming Aguila reference groups measured 1/2" and 3/4".
22LRcompare11924b.jpg
 
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This all confirms what I’ve been seeing in my rifles overall, though some are quite picky. My Marlin 60 shoots CCI SV really well. Aguila SE High Velocity 40 grain is a very close second, based on 100 yard groups. It also shoots Thunderbolt pretty well, in spite of what people generally think about it.

My Henry also shoots the Aguila SE HV really well. It does not like the CCI SV as much. It’s zeroed for Thunderbolt and shoots that nearly as good as the Aguila. It also really likes the Federal Automatch from Walmart. These are based on shooting the factory sights at 50 yards and some initial testing at 50 yards with a fixed 4x scope.

I have another used and abused Marlin 60 that also likes Aguila and Automatch. It’s had a rough life and isn’t as accurate as the other one, but likes those best. It currently sits in original factory form but testing was done with a scope, either a 4x or 3-9x from Simmons.

Finally the most picky rifle I have is my newest, a stainless 10/22. It shoots anything standard velocity well, with CCI SC taking the lead. Anything high velocity just doesn’t keep up. That said it has been 100% reliable with all ammo I’ve tried, even more so than the manual action Henry.
 
LiveLife said:
47 brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition comparison continues - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nition-comparison.908102/page-2#post-12733155
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"Houston, we have a problem"

In the "Real World" sense, subsequent range trip found KSA bull barrel thread protector to be loose (Likely from Hoppes #9 solvent working as penetrating oil) and started to increase group size regardless of ammunition type. Once I removed the thread protector, reference Aguila 40 gr CPRN produced nice single hole group of 1/2". So loose thread protector was acting like barrel tuner that was moving all the time.

I am planning to repeat the groups from post #32.

Also, I ordered another rifle rest so will test on the next range trip (35 lbs with integrated front weight).
 
LiveLife said:
Surprisingly, first new CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (D06DA01 40006 Rev G) group measured slightly less than 1.5". Second new CCI SV group measured 1/2".
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This MAY have been from the loose nut, BUT it also may show the possibility of accidentally getting the worst five rounds in the box in the first group and the best five rounds in the second group. This is why at lest thirty rounds are needed to make assumptions that are 90% valid.
 
Even with a shortened recoil spring in my S&W M&P --Standard-- .22LR handgun, some bulk ammo (about five years old) has primers which either won't ignite, or won't blow the slide back enough to eject.

If almost every brand which You use Cycles your gun, be glad.:) . Be fruitful and multiply your shooting.
 
patmccoy said:
This MAY have been from the loose nut, BUT it also may show the possibility of accidentally getting the worst five rounds in the box in the first group and the best five rounds in the second group. This is why at lest thirty rounds are needed to make assumptions that are 90% valid.
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I agree.

CCI SV has consistently produced around 1/2" groups during the 10,000 round testing to where I stopped verifying groups (Now I use Aguila 40 gr CPRN as reference). I tested CCI SV mainly to compare old vs new as some members have posted new lots may not be as accurate as old lots. And since I discovered loosening of thread protector affecting group size, I will repeat all groups with the thread protector off.

47 brands/weights/lots comparison is now mainly for old vs new but previous 10,000 round testing was done with factory 18.5" 10/22 barrel which was quite selective on ammunition (6500 round count/3500 round count on T/CR22). Current comparison will be done with 16.5" KSA bull barrel to provide comparative group size for members using non-factory barrels.

Ignition Override said:
Even with a shortened recoil spring in my S&W M&P --Standard-- .22LR handgun, some bulk ammo (about five years old) has primers which either won't ignite, or won't blow the slide back enough to eject.
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From the myth busting thread, we found when particular ammunition failed to ignite, pulling the bullet revealed priming compound had moved away from the rim indicating perhaps transport/handling vibration/shock could have loosened the priming compound away from rim (And loose bulk packaging experienced more duds than boxed packaging which better protects the rounds) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ud-why-dud-thread.893062/page-2#post-12273202

Ignition Override said:
If almost every brand which You use Cycles your gun, be glad.:) . Be fruitful and multiply your shooting.
Click to expand...
And that's what I found during the 10,000 round testing. Ammunition purchased within 6 months of testing were essentially 100% reliable until carbon/fouling build up required cleaning of brand new 10/22 and T/CR22 (And at the end of testing, any feeding issues were addressed by new 10 round Ruger factory magazines).

Only ammunition that was not reliable with several duds per box was Winchester 40 gr M22, and new lot of M22 purchased in 2023 was the only ammunition that experienced duds when all other ammunitions tested were reliable so far (Restrike of rim did not produce ignition). So based on my testing, Winchester M-22 lot #2TH10M (I do not have any old M22 left) produces several duds per box in 10/22 and T/CR22. YMMV
 
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Continued from post #32.

Finally! ... Again!

47 brands/weights/lots of 22LR ammunition comparison continues - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...nition-comparison.908102/page-2#post-12812234

LiveLife said:
"Houston, we have a problem"
Click to expand...
KSA bull barrel thread protector coming loose during previous range test was addressed this time by removing the thread protector during range test.

LiveLife said:
Also, I ordered another rifle rest so will test on the next range trip (35 lbs with integrated front weight).
Click to expand...
Birchwood Casey Alpha shooting rest was ordered from Powder Valley to replace Caldwell Lead Sled Solo (That was modified with roll of blue tape to immobilize the swing arm) and believe me, it is much more steady yet heavy shooting rest that allowed easy precise adjustment for row to row shooting of targets - https://www.powdervalley.com/product/birchwood-casey-alpha-shooting-rest/

Instead of weight bags, front of Birchwood rest is solid metal (I believe cast iron) to result in combined weight of 35 lbs. Only issue I had was due to recoil absorbing extension and frame tube insertion of rear rest, I needed to move the scope mount back two picatinny rail slots to clearly visualize the field of view (Caldwell rest added less than 1/2 inch). Since I don't plan on shooting magnum rifle loads, I may remove this portion so don't have to move the scope mount for future range tests. Although it comes with Velcro strap to hold down barrel, it was not used.

BCArest5.jpg
BCArest2.jpg
BCArest3.jpg
BCArest4.jpg
BCArest1.jpg

Here's current testing platform and round count of components:

(I ordered two more Viridian Seracs 6-24x50 but could not find the new 30mm medium rings for angled Magpul MOE X-22 stock so used Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50 with high rings I used for fullsize Ruger modular stock with flat top of stock for this range test)

10/22 receiver (Round count 7200) was mated to KSA 16.5" bull barrel using two .02" barrel shims and factory V block (Barrel round count 1200) - Volquartsen Target Hammer kit trigger just over 2.0 lbs after Patriot Precision Gun Works Enhanced Trigger Spring kit (Volquartsen trigger round count 3200) - Power Custom Match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor) - Barrel free floated with Magpul MOE X-22 stock - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - EGW 20 MOA scope rail


Range report:

KSA bull barrel/chamber was not cleaned (Not even Hoppes #9 solvent mopped and dry patched). I just pretended I continued the range test from previous session where 200 rounds were shot. 10 round rotary magazine was not clean as well.

BTW, every round of various ammunition was reliable with no duds.

NOTE: All ammunition fired were "boxed". Circles indicate POA. Center of POI was shifted to the left so I could continue seeing the POA even though the center of group was shot out (Benefit of using 1" grid target that allows you to estimate group size and trend POA/POI deviation, etc.). Ammunition was stored indoors where temperature average has been around 62-65F. Shooting was done in full shade with ammunition not exposed to sunlight. To prevent "cooking the round" in hot chamber, newly chambered round was fired as soon as crosshair was placed over POA.

In the "Real World" sense of plinking, there was no cool down of barrel. Groups were shot as soon as magazines were loaded and new targets mounted.

Sunny and 78F but windy with gusts that whipped the tree leaves wildly. Almost thought about cancelling the range test but I waited almost 4 months for the rain season to end so decided to continue with range test shooting during calmer moments. Shooting area was busy and had to wait for another shooter to finish but he did allow me to set up my shooting table and rest.

By the time I was able to shoot, it was already 3 PM Friday and I still had to do grocery shopping (My typical range session is 3-4 hours shooting several hundred rounds). Since I had to wait for wind to settle down, shooting session got extended so I decided to do comparison with ammunition I was most curious about comparing instead of going down the 47 brands/weights/lots list. (Remember? Due to KSA bull barrel thread protector coming lose, I am redoing the entire 47 brands/weights/lots comparison from scratch)

With the thread protector off, I zeroed the scope with Aguila 40 gr CPRN (30EK27 Aguila Prime). Top two 5 shot groups measured 3/8" center-to-center. Bottom left group measured 1" (Yeah, gust of wind) and bottom right group measured slightly over 1/2".

5-10-24a.jpg


Top row: Three reference groups were shot with Aguila 40 gr CPRN (30EK27 Aguila Prime) measuring 5/8", 3/8" and 1/2"
Middle row: New CCI SV (D06DA01 40006 Rev G) with 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1.25" groups with increasing wind/gusts. Waited for wind to die down and slightly less than 1/2" was produced (I may repeat CCI SV groups when I do Mini Mag/Meat Eater group testing)
Bottom row: Norma Tac-22 (50R043) with distinct wet lubed lead bullet produced slightly smaller than 1" group. Waited for wind to die down and after 3/8" group, slightly smaller than 1" group was produced (I will repeat Tac-22 group later when wind is calm)

Target was finished with reference group of Aguila 40 gr CPRN that measured 3/4"

5-1-24b.jpg


Top row: Top left reference group measured under 1" with diagonal drifting of holes so I checked the tightness of scope rings/mounts (They were all tight). New Aguila 40 gr Lead RN (16BM37) groups measured 1/2" and 1/4" (My first 1/4" 50 yard group! 🥹👍)
Middle row: Old Aguila 40 gr Lead RN (310513067) groups measured 3/8", 5/8", and 3/8"
Bottom row: Aguila 40 gr Match Lead RN (10ED02) groups measured 5/8" and 3/8"

Target was finished with reference group of Aguila 40 gr CPRN that measured 1.25". Another group was shot to the left that measured 3/4"

5-10-24c.jpg


Top row: Top left reference group measured 7/8" with second group measuring 5/8". Repeat old CCI SV groups measured 7/8" and repeat new CCI SV groups measured 1" (Wind gust?) and 1/2"
Middle row: ELEY Club 40 gr Lead RN (3114-30165) had dry lube on lead bullet and produced over an 1" followed by two 1/2" groups. RWS Target Rifle 40 gr Lead RN (56064) also had dry lube and produced 1", 3/8" and 5/8" groups.
Bottom row: Repeat Norma Tac-22 produced 5/8", 3/4", 5/8" and 1/2" groups.

Target was finished with reference group of Aguila 40 gr CPRN that measured 5/8". I noticed difference in muzzle report with higher than POA holes (Likely from "seasoning of barrel" from lubed rounds). Another group was shot to the right with more typical muzzle report that measured 7/8" and noticed center of group/POI had drifted back down.

5-10-24d.jpg

And it was time for me to go grocery shopping.

On my next range trip, will try for longer than half day shooting session for continued old vs new comparison:

Old stock left over from 2019 (Lot # in parenthesis):
  1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33)
  2. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067)
  3. Aguila 40 gr LRN Pistol Match boxed (10ED02)
  4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (29GL12 Eley Prime)
  5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27 Aguila Prime)
  6. Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418)
  7. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (40006 Rev D)
  8. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (14A290)
  9. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (2FM056)
  10. Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 275 round (14P171)
  11. Federal Game-Shok 40 gr CPRN boxed (26F141)
  12. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 blue box (1SP181)
  13. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (14E011)
  14. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092)
  15. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (D13Z81233)
  16. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236)
  17. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 555 round (1P862L)
  18. Winchester Xpert 36 gr LHP loose bulk 500 round (1PG61L)

New stock ammunition purchased from 2022-2023 (Lot # in parenthesis):
  1. Aguila 38 gr CPHP boxed (18FM33 ... Yes, same # as 2019 but this lot was bought in 2022)
  2. Aguila 38 gr CPHP loose bulk 250 round (08DP198)
  3. Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (16BM37)
  4. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (02DZ54)
  5. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 250 round (15CN955)
  6. Aguila 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 500 round (09AL87)
  7. Blazer 38 gr LRN loose bulk 525 round (A03EE80)
  8. Blazer 40 gr LRN boxed (H21DA07)
  9. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (D06DA01 40006 Rev G)
  10. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 50 round (E19DA07 40006 Rev G)
  11. CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed 100 round (40238 Rev E)
  12. CCI MiniMag 36 gr CPHP boxed 100 round (40237 Rev E)
  13. CCI MiniMag Meat Eater 36 gr CPHP boxed 300 round (42054 Rev A)
  14. ELEY Club 40 gr LRN boxed (3114-30165)
  15. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L101401)
  16. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (L207P01)
  17. Federal AutoMatch 40 gr LRN loose bulk 325 round (Cannot read lot #)
  18. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN boxed (B09DA02)
  19. Federal Range Pack 40 gr LRN loose bulk 800 round (L201U03)
  20. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 325 round (L331Q01)
  21. Federal Value Pack 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 round blue box (1GJ420)
  22. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (50R043)
  23. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr BPHP loose bulk 525 round (G58420570)
  24. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E28WB1234)
  25. RWS Target Rifle 40 gr LRN boxed (56064)
  26. Winchester 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 333 round (E129734)
  27. Winchester M-22 40 gr CPRN loose bulk 1000 round (2TH10M)
  28. Winchester Super-X 36 gr CPHP wooden boxed 500 round (2MH81M)
  29. Winchester Super-X 40 gr CPHP loose bulk 300 round (3SM20L)
 
Last edited:
Continued from post #39 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...lr-ammunition-comparison.908102/post-12898061

Went shooting today to do turret box test for the Viridian Serac 6-24x50 but we get to see how Aguila 40 gr LRN and CPRN grouped at 100 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-tax-refund-sale.929399/page-14#post-12900295

But before shooting, I cleaned the receiver, chamber/bore and Power Custom bolt as after 425 rounds, they were quite dirty. Here are pictures of dirty receiver and bolt:

Dirty1022Receiver.jpg
Dirty1022Bolt.jpg

10/22 KSA bull barrel bore was plugged and Hoppes #9 solvent was liberally sloshed back and forth and let sit. After bore was mopped, plugging the bore and sloshing of Hoppes #9 was repeated. Inside of receiver was liberally splashed with Hoppes #9 solvent and gunk buildup was scraped/brushed clean. Copper bore brush was spun around the chamber and pushed through barrel from chamber end to muzzle four times using 1/4" hole drilled in the back of the receiver (T/CR22 receiver already comes with 1/4" hole 👍). Bore was dry patched until clean.

10-22receiverHole.jpg

Trigger assembly was blasted with compressed air to remove sand/grit and brushed/wiped with Kleenex Viva Cloth paper towel. Before the cleaning, trigger pull was around 2.5 lbs and after cleaning, around 2 lbs. Here's cleaned receiver that's got close to 7500 round count. There's often hard caked build up in the extractor groove of barrel so be sure to scrap the groove clean.

Clean1022receiver.jpg

And here's cleaned Power Custom CNC bolt with pinned titanium firing pin and titanium extractor. There's also often hard caked buildup under the extractor and around the breech wall face so be sure to scrape these areas clean.

Clean1022bolt.jpg

Picture of cleaned chamber and start of 12 land/groove "microgroove" rifling

Clean1022KSAchamber.jpg

Close up of chamber/start of rifling

Clean1022KSAchamberzoom.jpg

Cleaned bore from muzzle end

KSAboremuzzle.jpg

Range report:

Since I forgot I sent the medium height 30mm scope rings with one of the scopes I gifted to sister/BIL, I borrowed the scope rings from Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50 to mount the new model of Viridian Serac 6-24x50 (The high rings needed to come off anyways as Magpul MOE X-22 stock requires lower rings than fullsize Ruger modular stock with straight top).

10/22 receiver (Round count 7425) was mated to KSA 16.5" bull barrel using two .02" barrel shims and factory V block (Barrel round count 1425) - Volquartsen Target Hammer kit trigger just over 2.0 lbs after Patriot Precision Gun Works Enhanced Trigger Spring kit (Volquartsen trigger round count 3425) - Power Custom Match bolt (Titanium firing pin/extractor) - Barrel free floated with Magpul MOE X-22 stock - Pike Arms red bolt buffer - EGW 20 MOA scope rail, Viridian Serac 6-24x50/Viridian rings​

25 rounds of Aguila 40 gr CPRN was used to zero the scope at 50 yards and then at 100 yards. There was some breeze but nothing like the previous shooting session where there was gusts of winds that definitely affected group size/drift. Green circle was point-of-aim while 1/8 MOA turrets were moved 24 clicks (Should move 3 inches at 100 yards).

Left target: Aguila 40 gr CPRN (30EK27 Aguila Prime)
  • Top left group measured 1.5".
  • Top right group measured just under 2.25". Center of group moved 2.75"
  • Bottom right group measured just over 1.5". Center of group moved 2.75"
  • Bottom left group measured just over 1.5". Center of group moved 2.25" and ended 2.75" straight below the top left group.
Right target: Old Aguila 40 gr Lead RN (310513067)
  • Top left group measured just under 1.75".
  • Top right group measured 2" (I forgot to adjust the turret so ended up shooting 10 round group). Center of group moved 2.25"
  • Bottom right group measured 1". Center of group moved 3.25"
  • Bottom left group measured 1.5". Center of group moved 2.75" and 3" below the top left group but drifted to the left by 3/4".
NOTE: Since the scope was dropped during scope ring install, I will repeat the turret box test with the other Serac scope.

Serac100Yboxtest.jpg
 
Last edited:
Update on testing set up.

Birchwood Casey Alpha shooting rest - Although on the heavy side at 35 lbs (I do not have an issue with the weight as I regularly move 40-50 lb bags of chicken/mini pig/dog food), it allows for easy and precise adjustment for row-to-row shooting at 50/100 yards. It is now my primary bench test shooting rest (Will be put to use for upcoming .223 55/62/69/75 gr load development reloading at the range in 0.1 gr increment and PCC load testing in 9mm/40S&W/45ACP) - https://www.powdervalley.com/product/birchwood-casey-alpha-shooting-rest/


For 10/22, quite happy with results from last two range sessions and calling the build "finished" with addition of adjustable height/MOA 30mm rings to better fit EGW 20MOA picatinny rail (Viridian 30mm rings were combo Weaver/Picatinny) and fine tune for height/cant.

For T/CR22, just ordered Green Mountain 18" bull barrel for $137 + free shipping along with adjustable height/MOA 30mm rings due to fixed built-in picatinny rail on the receiver.
 
Last edited:
troy fairweather said:
The best shooting 10-22 barrel I ever had was a 18" green mountain stainless, pretty much one hole at 50 with ammo it liked and cover a nickel with bulk ammo. Was $88 about 10 years ago.
Click to expand...
While accurizing 10/22 was done on the "cheap/budget", there's no limit on T/CR22 and I had even considered a KIDD barrel. But more I researched on actual groups produced by all the barrels, it seemed even the "budget" barrels had improved to produce small groups.

After watching below video comparison of KIDD, Shilen and Green Mountain barrels and at 9:00 minute, Green Mountain 20" barrel produced same .382" average 50 yard groups as KIDD 20" barrel (Shooting SK Long Range Match) and I decided to get Green Mountain barrel for the T/CR22.
www.youtube.com

10/22 .22LR A Good, Better and Best Comparison with Kidd, Shilen & Green Mountain barrels

I shoot SK Long Range Match in all 3 of my 10/22 Precision Builds at 50 Yards. I compare cost vs fit and finish and accuracy.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
Last edited:
BTW, for those curious about reliability of various ammunition, brands tested in 10/22 with KSA bull barrel with Power Custom bolt in post #32, post #39 and post #40 all have been 100% reliable with "bang" on the first strike of the rim. Whenever feeding issue starts, I deem dirty magazine and swap out with two other cleaned magazines and no more feeding issue.

Here are brands/weights/lots tested in KSA 16.5" bull barrel so far sorted by 50 yard group size from smallest to larger (Wind gust affected groups were noted and repeated when calm):
  1. New Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (16BM37) - 1/4" - 1/2"
  2. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN boxed (50R043) - 3/8" - 5/8" ... 3/4"
  3. RWS Target Rifle 40 gr LRN boxed (56064) - 3/8" - 5/8" ... 1"
  4. ELEY Club 40 gr LRN boxed (3114-30165) - 1/2"+
  5. Old Aguila 40 gr LRN boxed (310513067) - 3/8" - 5/8"
  6. Aguila 40 gr Match LRN boxed (10ED02) - 3/8" - 5/8"
  7. Aguila 40 gr CPRN boxed (30EK27 Aguila Prime) - 3/8" - 1"
  8. New CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed (D06DA01 40006 Rev G) - 1/2" - 5/8" ... 3/4"
  9. Old CCI SV 40 gr LRN boxed pending repeat
  10. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN loose bulk (E18HC1236) - 3/4"+
  11. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 550 red box (16A092) - 1" - 1.25"
  12. Armscor 36 gr CPHP boxed (0731418) - 1.25" - 1.75"
  13. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP loose bulk 525 blue box (1SP181) - 1.5"
 
Last edited:
LiveLife said:
While accurizing 10/22 was done on the "cheap/budget", there's no limit on T/CR22 and I had even considered a KIDD barrel. But more I researched on actual groups produced by all the barrels, it seemed even the "budget" barrels had improved to produce small groups.

After watching below video comparison of KIDD, Shilen and Green Mountain barrels and at 9:00 minute, Green Mountain 20" barrel produced same .382" average 50 yard groups as KIDD 20" barrel (Shooting SK Long Range Match) and I decided to get Green Mountain barrel for the T/CR22.
www.youtube.com

10/22 .22LR A Good, Better and Best Comparison with Kidd, Shilen & Green Mountain barrels

I shoot SK Long Range Match in all 3 of my 10/22 Precision Builds at 50 Yards. I compare cost vs fit and finish and accuracy.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
Click to expand...
For there price the gm barrels are worth a try for guys looking, I'd like to build another but new york is being a pain with semi autos. It seemed to take 100 rounds or so to settle in and it even shot the 60gr sss good.
 
LiveLife said:
Few years ago I embarked on a "Real World" testing of cheap/bulk 22LR ammunition using new 10/22 and T/CR22 out of the box to see how group sizes changed while factory triggers broke in from 7.5/6 lbs down to 4.5/4 lbs and after some "cheap" accurizing work was done to both rifles.

After 10,000 rounds were shot in both rifles, CCI SV/Blazer 40 gr emerged as most accurate ammunition consistently producing around 1/2"-3/4" groups and Aguila 40 gr producing around 3/4"-1" groups at 50 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...22lr-on-the-cheap.898035/page-2#post-12304052

Groups with "boxed" Aguila 40 gr

index.php


Two top left groups with "boxed" Aguila 40 gr and bottom groups with "loose bulk" Aguila 38/40 gr (Testing with Norma Tac-22 was preliminary and since it came "greased/lubed", will test further after proper "seasoning" of barrel)

index.php


So based on total composite of 5/10 shot groups obtained during the 10,000+ round testing, the following accuracy listing was produced ... BUT these are based on 10/22 and T/CR22 which have demonstrated preference for ammunition selection - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...t-shipped-pricing.902560/page-5#post-12304852
  1. CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr LRN (New) - Boxed (Around 1/2")
  2. CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr LRN (Old) - Boxed - Consistent group size (Around 1/2" - 3/4")
  3. CCI Blazer 40 gr LRN - Boxed - Consistent group size (Around 1/2" - 3/4")
  4. Norma Tac-22 40 gr LRN - Boxed - Based on initial testing 1/2"-3/4" groups (Testing to continue)
  5. Aguila 40 gr LRN (Eley Prime) - Boxed - Consistent group size (No longer produced)
  6. Aguila 40 gr LRN (Aguila Prime, New) - Boxed - Consistent group size (Larger than 1/2" to 3/4")
  7. Aguila 40 gr LRN (Aguila Prime, Old) - Boxed - Consistent group size (Larger than 1/2" to 3/4")
  8. Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Eley Prime) - Boxed - Consistent group size (No longer produced)
  9. Aguila 40 gr CPRN (Aguila Prime) - Boxed - Consistent group size (3/4"-1")
  10. Aguila 40 gr LRN Pistol Match - Boxed, Consistent group size around (3/4"-1")
  11. Aguila 40 gr CPRN - 250 round Loose Bulk - Based on initial testing sub 1" to 1.25"
  12. Aguila 38 gr CPRN - 250 round Loose Bulk - Based on initial testing around 1"
  13. Federal Auto Match 40 gr LRN - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  14. Aguila 38 gr CPHP - Boxes - Group size varied
  15. Federal Game Shok 40 gr CPRN - Boxed - Fairly consistent group size
  16. Federal Field Pack 38 gr CPHP - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  17. Remington Golden Bullet 36 gr CPHP - Loose Bulk - Fairly consistent group size
  18. Remington Thunderbolt 40 gr LRN - Loose Bulk - Small to large groups with flyers
  19. Armscor 36 gr CPHP - Boxed - Varying group size with flyers
  20. Federal Champion 40 gr LRN - Boxed - Group size varied
  21. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 525 Blue Box (Old) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  22. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 525 Blue Box (New) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  23. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 550 Walmart Red Box (Old) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  24. Federal Value 36 gr CPHP 550 Walmart Red Box (New) - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  25. Winchester XPert 36 gr LRN 500 - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  26. Winchester 36 gr CPHP 555 - Loose Bulk - Group size varied
  27. Winchester M22 40 gr CPRN 500 - Loose Bulk - Group size varied with flyers
Click to expand...
Your results are consistent with mine regarding 22 lr bulk ammo, CCI standard and CCI Blazer seem to sit on the top of the heap.
 
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