Bulk 22LR - Sorting by Weight and Rim Thickness for Accuracy

As expressed in another thread, I have wanted to try sorting bulk 22LR by weight and rim thickness to see if accuracy improved - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/best-and-worst-bulk-22lr.848296/page-4#post-11110474

I like to verify accuracy of scale I am using at similar weight range so I used check weights to 50 gr and all three digital scales were verified to 50.0 gr using Ohaus ASTM Class 6 and RCBS check weights.




Frankford Arsenal dial calipers verified with pin gauges and rim thickness was measured using a cut and chamfered .223 case - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ks-for-digital-calibers.821135/#post-10545265



Federal 36 gr CP HP (Walmart 550 round red box) were sorted by 0.1 gr. (Bell curve formed around 49.4 gr and 49.5 gr)



And there were some lighter rounds below 48 gr.



Then 49.5 gr rounds were sorted by rim thickness (1.780", 1.781", 1.782")

Ruger 10/22 Take Down was used with Caldwell rest taken apart and front rest flipped around so no part of forearm was touching the front rest. 10 round groups were shot at 25 yards using Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40 scope.

Here's first reference group shot with CCI Blazer 40 gr Lead RN.



Second reference group shot with Aguila 40 gr Lead RN



Third reference group shot with Aguila 40 gr CP RN HV (Eley Prime)



Fourth reference group shot with Aguila 40 gr CP RN HV (Aguila Prime)



Here's group shot with Federal 36 gr CP HP (Walmart 550 round red box)



Another group shot with Federal 36 gr CP HP (Walmart 550 round red box)

Here's group shot with Federal 36 gr CP HP sorted to 49.4 gr weight. There is less vertical stringing.



Another group shot with sorted 49.4 gr rounds. Core group size is smaller.



This group was shot with 49.5 gr rounds sorted by thicker rim (1.782"). Smaller width of group with less vertical stringing.



This group was shot with 49.5 gr rounds sorted by thinner rim (1.780"). Even smaller width group with less vertical stringing.



This group was shot with 49.5 gr rounds sorted by medium thickness rim (1.781"). Much less vertical stringing.

Out of curiosity, I wanted to see how the leftover rounds shot after I took out 49.4 gr and 49.5 gr rounds (These were not sorted by rim thickness and had mixed weights from 49.1 gr to 49.8 gr minus 49.4/49.5 gr rounds).

To my surprise, I got a smaller group than unsorted rounds out of the box.



Since I had a box of Winchester M22 40 gr plated RN, I shot some groups as comparison.

Here's first M22 group



Second M22 group



Third M22 group



I may try sorting Winchester M22 next to see if I can get a smaller group.

Thanks for the data.

To be honest, while range test data provided some support sorting by weight and rim thickness can produce smaller groups, it also raised some questions.

I am planning to do more sorting and range testing along with different bulk 22LR to see if there is a common trend.

murf said:

I don't think there is enough variation in your rim thickness test to be significant regarding accuracy.

there are so many variables in the weight test, i'm not sure any conclusions can be drawn here.

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I am not trying to extract utmost "bullseye/match" level accuracy. My goal with this thread is to see if I could increase accuracy of cheapest bulk 22LR from sorting by weight/rim thickness which has been Federal 36 gr CP HP Walmart 550 round red box for around $19 which comes down to around $17.50 for 500 rounds.

BTW, Cabela's has Armscor 36 gr CP HP (1247 fps) for $14.88/500 with 2-day free shipping on $50+ orders - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...30-for-500-rounds.825048/page-7#post-11113623

Just about the lowest price on copper plated 22LR I have seen in recent years.

I think more sorting and range testing will show if accuracy increase is consistent.

Jim Watson said:

you could save the sorting by just shooting Blazer.

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Yes, in my 10/22.

But most of my 22LR plinking/shooting drills is done with ARs with CMMG 22LR conversion bolts and I do not shoot lead 22LR in them, only copper plated 22LR.

And since much of my plinking/shooting drills are done at closer than 25 yards point shooting, minute-of-soda can accuracy is good enough for me when my desired group size is 4"-6". I have been using Glock 22/23 with 9mm conversion barrels to introduce people to point shooting and added GSG 1911 22LR as another training option. BTW, if you haven't tried, point shooting, especially with ARs is quite fun and another drill you can do at the range - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...defense-situation-video.849479/#post-11091007

I may repeat the range test with ARs/CMMG conversion bolt.

And Target Sport USA has CCI Blazer 38 gr Lead RN (1235 fps) for $17.99/525 ($17.13/500) with free shipping on 10 boxes - https://www.targetsportsusa.com/cci-blazer-22-lr-ammo-40-grain-lrn-bulk-10021-p-1453.aspx

I may pick up some more CCI Blazer for 10/22.

It's those testing threads is what got me interested in sorting bulk 22LR.

Although they were looking to achieve "match ammo" level of accuracy, I am simply interested in seeing if accuracy improves with sorting cheapest bulk 22LR.

I am getting ready to retire and sorting 22LR by weight and rim thickness, I can do.

I am just glad we can buy "cheap" 22LR again.

During the "Great Shortage", I was happy to buy "any" 500 rounds for $40.

When price dipped below $30 for 500 delivered for copper plated 22LR, I started a new 22LR thread - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...or-sale-under-30-for-500-rounds.825048/page-7

I celebrated when price fell below $20 for 500 and stocked up.

Now we are below $15 for 500 shipped for copper plated 22LR!

murf, were you able to determine if weight overshadowed rim thickness?

My initial testing was inconclusive.

One thing is certain - Sorting can decrease group size.

JTHunter said:

BDS - that is an incredible amount of work and VERY interesting ! Thanks for your efforts.

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Thank you

JTHunter said:

Your results with the Federal 550 rd. "red box" are about what I expected.

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While I only posted 2 groups, I did shoot several other Federal 550 round groups before, during and after the range testing and group sizes were fairly consistent.

JTHunter said:

the "Aguila 40 gr CP RN HV" - does the HV stand for "high velocity", and, if so, how was its velocity different than the others?

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Velocity ratings are factory specs:

• Aguila 40 gr Lead RN Standard Velocity 1130 fps
• Aguila 40 gr CP RN High Velocity 1255 fps
• CCI Blazer 40 gr Lead RN 1235 fps
• Federal 36 gr CP HP 1260 fps
• Winchester M22 40 gr CP RN 1255 fps

JTHunter said:

BTW - you say a 3-9x scope but don't mention the power setting you used.

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Power setting used on the scope was 9x.