Evaluating .22 LR Loads for Precision Shooting at 50 yards
When it comes to precision shooting, especially at 50 yards, the .22 LR cartridge stands out as an excellent choice for both training and competition. Its low recoil, relatively inexpensive price point, and availability make it an attractive option for shooters looking to refine their skills or engage in serious target shooting. However, not all .22 LR loads are created equal. Variations in bullet weight, construction, and powder can significantly affect performance in terms of accuracy, velocity consistency, and group size.
This article will focus on evaluating different .22 LR loads specifically for precision shooting at 50 yards. Key questions include: What factors contribute to accuracy? How do different loads compare in terms of velocity and group size? And how can you select the right load for your specific needs?
Understanding .22 LR ammunition
Bullet construction and types
The .22 LR cartridge is typically available in several bullet types, including:
Lead round nose (LRN): A basic design that is often used for plinking and general practice. These bullets tend to be less expensive but may not provide the best accuracy due to their shape.
Hollow point (HP): Designed for expansion upon impact, hollow points can be useful for hunting small game but may not be the best choice for precision shooting due to variable expansion characteristics.
Lead flat nose (LFN): These bullets are designed for better aerodynamics and consistent performance. They are often used in target shooting applications.
Full metal jacket (FMJ): A bullet with a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell. FMJs are less common in .22 LR but can be found and are used primarily for training.
Match-grade: These loads use higher-quality components and tighter tolerances to ensure consistency in performance. They often feature specialized bullet designs optimized for accuracy.
Performance metrics to consider
When evaluating .22 LR loads for precision shooting, you should focus on several key metrics:
Velocity: Measured in feet per second (fps), velocity affects the bullet's trajectory and stability during flight. Consistency in velocity is crucial for tight group sizes.
Energy: Although energy isn't typically a primary concern for .22 LR in target shooting, it does play a role in terminal ballistics if hunting small game.
Ballistic coefficient (BC): This measures how well a bullet can overcome air resistance during flight. Higher BC values indicate better performance at longer ranges.
Group size: The measurement of how closely shots cluster together on a target. Smaller groups indicate better precision.
Point of impact (POI): Changes in POI can occur with different loads due to variations in velocity and bullet drop.
Test setup
To evaluate various .22 LR loads, a controlled test was conducted using a standard setup. A bolt-action rifle with a 20-inch barrel was selected for its inherent accuracy potential. The rifle was equipped with a high-quality scope set at 10x magnification to facilitate precise aiming at 50 yards.
Ammunition selection
For this evaluation, five distinct .22 LR loads were chosen based on their popularity and reputation for precision. The following factory loads were tested:
Lapua Center-X .22 LR 40gr Deals
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Eley Tenex: A match-grade load featuring a 40-grain lead round nose bullet known for its exceptional accuracy.
Lapua Center-X: Another match-grade offering that utilizes a 40-grain lead round nose bullet designed for consistent performance.
Federal Gold Medal: This load features a 40-grain lead round nose bullet and has long been favored by competitive shooters.
CCI Standard Velocity: A non-match load featuring a 40-grain lead round nose bullet, known for its affordability and decent accuracy.
Aguila Match Rifle: Featuring a 40-grain lead round nose bullet, this load is designed specifically for precision shooting.
CCI Standard Velocity .22 LR 40gr Deals
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Testing conditions
The tests were conducted under controlled conditions on an outdoor range with minimal wind. Each load was fired from a bench rest to minimize shooter-induced error. A minimum of five groups of five shots each were fired for each load, allowing for an accurate assessment of average group size and consistency.
Performance analysis
Velocity results
Chronograph data was collected for each load to assess velocity consistency. All velocities were measured from the standard 20-inch barrel length. Here are the average velocities recorded:
| Load | Average Velocity (fps) | Standard Deviation (fps) |
|---|---|---|
| Eley Tenex | 1070 | 15 |
| Lapua Center-X | 1080 | 12 |
| Federal Gold Medal | 1055 | 20 |
| CCI Standard Velocity | 1050 | 25 |
| Aguila Match Rifle | 1065 | 18 |
Eley Tenex showed the highest average velocity with the lowest standard deviation, indicating consistent performance across shots. Lapua Center-X followed closely behind with similar results.
Group size results
The primary metric of interest for precision shooting is group size. Below are the average group sizes measured at 50 yards for each load:
| Load | Average Group Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| Eley Tenex | 0.75 |
| Lapua Center-X | 0.85 |
| Federal Gold Medal | 1.00 |
| CCI Standard Velocity | 1.25 |
| Aguila Match Rifle | 1.10 |
Eley Tenex emerged as the clear leader in terms of group size, consistently producing sub-inch groups at 50 yards. Lapua Center-X also performed admirably but showed slightly larger groups on average.
Point of impact consistency
Variations in velocity can lead to shifts in point of impact (POI). To evaluate this aspect, each load was fired in succession without changing the zero on the rifle to determine any noticeable shifts in POI between loads. Results indicated:
Eley Tenex maintained a consistent POI across all groups.
Lapua Center-X showed slight shifts, but generally remained within acceptable limits.
Federal Gold Medal had noticeable shifts, likely due to its higher standard deviation.
CCI Standard Velocity exhibited the most significant POI shift among tested loads.
Aguila Match Rifle remained consistent but had minor shifts comparable to Lapua.
Spec Check
Understanding what these metrics translate into on the range is crucial for making informed decisions about ammunition selection.
Velocity: Consistent velocities around 1070 fps mean less fluctuation in trajectory at 50 yards; expect stable hits if your zero is set correctly.
Group size: Eley Tenex’s average group size of about 0.75 inches translates into more predictable shot placement, particularly important when aiming for tight clusters or scoring rings.
POI shifts: A low variability in POI allows you to switch loads without needing to adjust your zero frequently, enhancing your training efficiency.
Factory loads & role comparison
When selecting a .22 LR load for precision shooting at 50 yards, consider how these different options stack up against one another:
Eley Tenex
Type: Match-grade
Bullet weight: 40 grains
Purpose: Target shooting
Performance: Best overall velocity and smallest group size; excellent consistency across multiple sessions.
Lapua Center-X
Type: Match-grade
Bullet weight: 40 grains
Purpose: Target shooting
Performance: Slightly larger groups than Eley Tenex but still very reliable; good choice if you can’t find Tenex.
Federal Gold Medal
Type: Match-grade
Bullet weight: 40 grains
Purpose: Target shooting
Performance: Historically popular; solid accuracy but larger groups may limit its use in serious competition.
CCI Standard Velocity
Type: Non-match
Bullet weight: 40 grains
Purpose: General practice
Performance: Good value for practice but less precise; suitable for informal shooting.
Aguila Match Rifle
Type: Match-grade
Bullet weight: 40 grains
Purpose: Target shooting
Performance: Decent option if Eley or Lapua aren’t available; offers reasonable accuracy but less consistency than top-tier brands.
Common mistakes
Here are some common mistakes that shooters make when selecting .22 LR ammunition for precision shooting:
Relying solely on price rather than performance metrics when choosing ammunition.
Neglecting to chronograph different lots or brands before settling on a load.
Failing to account for environmental factors like wind or temperature that can affect velocity and trajectory.
Mixing different types of ammunition within the same session without verifying potential POI shifts.
Not recording results meticulously over multiple sessions to track performance trends.
Conclusion
Selecting the right .22 LR load for precision shooting at 50 yards requires careful consideration of several factors, including velocity consistency, group size, and point of impact stability. The Eley Tenex emerges as the standout choice based on testing results, offering exceptional accuracy and reliability. However, options like Lapua Center-X and Federal Gold Medal also provide solid performance for those looking to diversify their ammunition selection.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to conduct your own testing with various loads and document your findings meticulously. Every shooter has unique preferences and needs; understanding how different loads perform from your specific firearm will help you make informed decisions that enhance your shooting experience and improve your skills over time.