CCI Stingers range report

Interesting, I bought 2 packs stingers back in the late 90's and I still have about 20 rounds left. Every time I buy a new .22 rifle I put 5-10 rounds of Stingers (and every other type of .22 round I own) through it to see how they group, I haven't found a rifle that likes them yet. Maybe I got a bad lot, but I don't think I've seen even a 1" group at 50 yards with them yet, it's typically 1.5" and often closer to 2".

Recently found stingers at Wally world of all places. Bought 100 rds... Wasn't bright enough to get more and now can't find them anymore.
I found blazers at Dick's $25 a brick. I like them so I've stocked up... Could go for a little more

bassjam said:

Interesting, I bought 2 packs stingers back in the late 90's and I still have about 20 rounds left. Every time I buy a new .22 rifle I put 5-10 rounds of Stingers (and every other type of .22 round I own) through it to see how they group, I haven't found a rifle that likes them yet. Maybe I got a bad lot, but I don't think I've seen even a 1" group at 50 yards with them yet, it's typically 1.5" and often closer to 2".

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They are way too hot to be a good target round, but for hunting, casual plinking, etc they work just fine. If you really want to wring out a rifle for accuracy (in .22lr at least) get yourself good target ammo like Eley, RWS, or Federal Match. Each rifle will have a preference, but I've yet to find a gun that wont do well with one of those three.

-Jenrick

bassjam wrote:
I haven't found a rifle that likes them yet

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My Armi Jager likes them just fine, but you are correct that some rifles don't seen to work well with the shorter bearing surface of the bullet.

Jenrick said:

They are way too hot to be a good target round, but for hunting, casual plinking, etc they work just fine. If you really want to wring out a rifle for accuracy (in .22lr at least) get yourself good target ammo like Eley, RWS, or Federal Match. Each rifle will have a preference, but I've yet to find a gun that wont do well with one of those three.

-Jenrick

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I've picked up some boxes of target ammo in the store, but I always cheap out and put them back after seeing the price! Most of my .22's shoot well enough with CCI SV and Aguila Super Extra, and Mini Mags are a close second when I need to remove a ground hog or coon from this earth.

I feel yeah, when I started shooting small bores seriously it was shock to spend as much on .22 as I did on good .308 lol. I can recommend Federal Gold Medal Target Match (not Ultimate) as a solid and cheap target round. The local sporting goods stores have it for a bit under $5 a box, and it shoots very well (I have to bench my rifles to see a difference the majority of the time). It's my go to round for anything where I don't need that extra edge.

-Jenrick

Aren't the Stingers a tad longer than LR? I read that they are not recommended in some guns.

My Crickett likes them, and they're one of only three brands my P22 will tolerate. Groups are so-so in both, the former shooting 1-2" @ 50 yards, double that for the latter.

Rodentman said:

Aren't the Stingers a tad longer than LR? I read that they are not recommended in some guns.

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The overall length of the cartridge is the same, but the brass on Stingers is longer. I guess this could cause some semi-auto's to hang up. You'd probably want to be careful with any target/match barrels as well, the longer brass could possibly damage the chamber.

I have found four boxes of the fortieth anniversary Stingers and I can't wait to try them. They are not the most accurate twenty two round, but are among the most effective. I know they are quite impressive on the little eight ounce waters bottles out to fourty or fifty yards, the closer the better.

I've never found a gun that shoots Stingers as good as any other .22 LR, even Velocitor. I always get vertical stringing or a group that's an inch larger than whatever else I shoot.

Imo, in everything but a defensive handgun because of the nickel plating and the high velocity, Stinger sucks. Velocitor is the better of the two for rifles.

My Savage MKII seems to like Stingers. Although, my last range session wasn't as good as I would have liked, I think that was mostly my own fault. I'll have to try them again just to be sure... yep, just to be sure.....

I have two semi-autos that are most reliable with the CCI Stinger but the recoil impulse of Stinger can be brutal on some semi-auto guns.

Good.
Unlike bulk pack ammo, I do not find dead priming with CCI Stingers and the power level is consistent. I do not get duds or poofs with CCI Stinger. I get what I pay for.
Most .22 LR rifle reaches max velocity in a 19" barrel. CCI Stinger gains velocity in barrels up to 26".

Bad
The Stinger casing is almost the length of the defunct old time .22 Extra Long and will fail-to-eject jam some guns.


I have a Costa Mesa ArmaLite AR7 rifle and a Jennings J22 that have run well and dependably on CCI Stinger for decades. The AR7 rifle has reasonable minute of soda can or minute of rabbit head accuracy. I have a Charter Arms AR7 pistol that throws patterns with CCI Stinger, but does shoot groups with CCI MiniMags and still functions well. (AR7s have very heavy bolts and recoil springs compared to other .22 designs.)

I believe CCI Stinger was developed in 1975, but became a full fledged commercial product in 1977, hence the 40 year promotion.