As to "low cost" vs "quality", take into account what I already posted.
Consider at $15-$20 per 500 price point, we are essentially looking at cheapest available 22LR and chances are they may not be the most reliable or accurate.
At around $15-$20/500, when talking about large quantity stocking up, utmost accuracy becomes secondary. For me, 100% reliability is primary, especially during shortage times, as much of my 22LR will be used for high volume casual range blasting and short range plinking/point shooting drills using ARs with CMMG conversion kits and GSG 1911 to offset higher reloading costs of .223 and 9mm.
If members are looking for higher end match grade accuracy 22LR ammo, their prices are low too -
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/eley-tenex-or.833458/#post-10776327
But based on numerous accuracy comparisons I have reviewed and personal accuracy testing conducted with CCI Standard Velocity as reference for my 10/22, I am focused on following 22LR ammunition to stock up:
- CCI Blazer 40 gr Lead RN (boxed) - Most accurate at 25 yards consistently producing sub 1" groups to be used in 10/22 and GSG 1911 - 100% reliable.
- Aguila 40 gr Lead RN (boxed) - Second most accurate at 25 yards consistently producing around 1" groups to be used in 10/22 and GSG 1911 - 100% reliable
- Aguila 40 gr CP RN (boxed) - Third most accurate at 25 yards consistently producing around 1" groups to be used with ARs and CMMG conversion kits - 100% reliable
- Armscor 36 gr CP HP (boxed) - Fourth most accurate at 25 yards consistently producing around 1" groups to be used with ARs and CMMG conversion kits - 100% reliable
- Federal 38 gr CP HP (bulk) - Larger groups than above at 25 yards to be used with everything - 100% reliable
- Federal 36 gr CP HP (bulk) - Largest groups than above at 25 yards to be used with everything - 99.9% reliable
Are there better 22LR ammunition I could buy? Sure but since I am stocking up for retirement, I am looking for best "reliable" bang for the buck.
At fast point shooting drill distance of 7-10 yards, my GSG 1911 and ARs CANNOT really tell the difference between Walmart Federal bulk pack and Aguila/Armscor. At 15 yards slow fire, GSG 1911 and 10/22 CAN tell the difference in accuracy of Aguila/Armscor over Walmart Federal bulk pack.
At 25-50 yards of soda can plinking distance, scoped 10/22 can readily tell the difference in accuracy of CCI Blazer over other 22LR ammo.
For me, these are good enough accuracy and reliability levels and I am glad I am able to buy them at sub $15-$20/500 shipped prices.
Of course, if you are shooting different firearms and need greater level of accuracy, your purchase options will differ from mine.