5 Best 22LR Match Ammo

Finding the best 22LR match ammo can make a noticeable difference when your range time is focused on precision, competition, or serious practice.

I reviewed these .22 LR loads with attention to the features that matter for match-oriented shooting, including bullet weight, projectile profile, muzzle velocity, case construction, manufacturing quality, intended distance, and whether the ammunition is configured for rifles or pistols.

These loads are great options for shooters who want consistent, purpose-built rimfire ammunition for everything from competition and structured training to long-range .22 LR sessions.

In this guide, I’ll cover the key features of each load, share my top picks, explain what to look for in a buying guide, and answer common questions in the FAQs to help you choose the best 22LR match ammo for your needs.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

1. Eley Ammunition Match EPS .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Flat Nose Brass Cased Rimfire Ammunition: Best Overall
2. SK Rifle Match .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Rimfire Ammunition: Best Competition Option
3. SK Long Range Match .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Rimfire Ammunition: Best Long Range Option
4. SK Pistol Match .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Rimfire Ammunition: Best Pistol Option
5. Federal Premium AutoMatch .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition: Best High Volume Option

How We Tested the Best 22LR Match Ammo

I evaluated the Best 22LR Match Ammo based on the features and specifications provided for each product. I considered the following areas:

• Bullet Weight: I compared the listed 40 grain projectiles across the ammunition to maintain a consistent basis for evaluating the reviewed loads.
• Bullet Profile: I examined flat nose and lead round nose configurations to understand how each cartridge is positioned for its intended shooting application.
• Muzzle Velocity: I compared the published velocity figures to identify differences between standard target, long-range, and short-barrel configurations.
• Firearm Application: I considered whether each load was intended primarily for rifle, pistol, general target shooting, training, or longer-distance rimfire use.
• Case Construction: I reviewed the use of brass cases and the role of cartridge construction in the overall ammunition configuration.
• Manufacturing Quality: I looked at the production and inspection information provided, particularly where manufacturers emphasized controlled measurements and cartridge consistency.
• Shooting Distance: I considered whether the ammunition was intended for conventional target work or specifically configured for shooting at or beyond 100 yards.
• Intended Use: I evaluated how each load fits competition, training, target shooting, recreational plinking, and high-volume range sessions.

5 Best 22LR Match Ammo

1) Eley Ammunition Match EPS .22 Long Rifle 40 Grain Flat Nose Brass Cased Rimfire Ammunition

The Eley Ammunition Match EPS .22 Long Rifle is a 40 grain flat nose rimfire cartridge developed for shooters who want match-oriented ammunition for training and competition-focused practice. It uses a brass case and comes in a 50-round box, with a listed muzzle velocity of 1,086 ft/s.

The cartridge uses Eley’s patented flat nose bullet profile along with a cut-mouth case. According to the provided specifications, these features are intended to promote consistent internal ballistic performance, giving the ammunition a configuration suited to precision-focused .22 LR shooting.

Eley also applies multiple inspection processes to its cartridges. Each round is checked using computer-controlled visual inspection and calibrated measuring equipment, with the manufacturing process overseen by precision-focused engineers. This level of inspection is intended to maintain consistency across the finished ammunition.

This load is best suited to competition shooters, serious rimfire target shooters, and users who want match-oriented .22 LR ammunition for structured training sessions. Its 40 grain flat nose configuration and emphasis on controlled production make it particularly relevant to precision-focused practice.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Eley Ammunition
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Bullet Weight: 40 grain
• Bullet Type: Flat Nose
• Capacity: 50 rounds
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,086 ft/s
• Application: Training
• Primer Style: Rimfire

Pros

• Patented flat nose projectile profile
• Cut-mouth case design
• Brass cartridge case
• 40 grain bullet
• Computer-controlled visual inspection
• Calibrated measurement processes
• Intended for competition-oriented shooting and training

Cons

• .22 LR rimfire ammunition is intended for compatible firearms only

2) SK Rifle Match .22 Long Rifle 40 grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Rimfire Ammunition

The SK Rifle Match .22 Long Rifle is a 40 grain rimfire cartridge intended for target shooting, practice, and competitive rifle use. It uses a lead round nose projectile and brass case, with 50 rounds included per box. The listed muzzle velocity is 1,073 ft/s and muzzle energy is 102 ft-lbs.

This ammunition is configured specifically around rifle shooting applications, making it suitable for shooters preparing for competitions or using .22 LR practice sessions to build consistency before moving to centerfire events. The manufacturer positions the load for tight-group shooting across repeated shots.

At 50 yards or meters, the provided specifications list a velocity of 1,059 ft/s and 90 ft-lbs of energy. The ammunition is also described as suitable for establishing a 50-yard zero, giving target shooters a clearly defined distance for their range work.

This load is best suited to .22 LR rifle competitors, target shooters, and users looking for match-oriented ammunition for regular practice. Its 40 grain lead round nose bullet and published ballistic figures make it a practical option for structured rimfire training and competition preparation.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: SK
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Bullet Weight: 40 grain
• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose
• Capacity: 50 rounds
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,073 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy: 102 ft-lbs
• Application: Target

Pros

• 40 grain lead round nose bullet
• Brass cartridge case
• Listed 1,073 ft/s muzzle velocity
• Listed 102 ft-lbs muzzle energy
• Suitable for practice and competition
• Published 50-yard ballistic figures
• Made specifically for rifle applications

Cons

• Intended only for compatible .22 LR firearms

3) SK Long Range Match .22 Long Rifle 40 grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Rimfire Ammunition

The SK Long Range Match .22 Long Rifle is a 40 grain rimfire cartridge developed for target shooting at extended distances. It uses a lead round nose projectile and brass case, with 50 rounds per box. The listed muzzle velocity is 1,099 ft/s, producing a stated muzzle energy of 107 ft-lbs.

This load is specifically intended for .22 LR shooting at or beyond 100 yards. SK describes it as a competitive-level cartridge, with the ammunition configured around a 100-yard sight-in reference. That makes it particularly relevant to shooters who want to stretch the practical distance of their rimfire target sessions.

The 40 grain lead round nose bullet provides a traditional projectile configuration, while the brass case and rimfire primer complete the cartridge construction. The published velocity and energy figures give shooters useful baseline information when planning their range sessions.

This ammunition is best suited to .22 LR target competitors, long-range rimfire shooters, and centerfire competitors looking for a lower-cost training option. It is particularly appropriate for structured practice at 100 yards and beyond with a compatible rifle.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: SK
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Bullet Weight: 40 grain
• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose
• Capacity: 50 rounds
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,099 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy: 107 ft-lbs
• Application: Target

Pros

• Designed for shooting at or beyond 100 yards
• 40 grain lead round nose projectile
• Brass cartridge case
• Listed 1,099 ft/s muzzle velocity
• Listed 107 ft-lbs muzzle energy
• Suitable for competition and practice
• Useful for centerfire competition training

Cons

• Primarily intended for target shooting

4) SK Pistol Match .22 Long Rifle 40 grain Lead Round Nose Brass Rimfire Ammunition

The SK Pistol Match .22 Long Rifle is a 40 grain lead round nose rimfire cartridge developed specifically around the requirements of short-barreled firearms. It uses a brass case and comes in a 50-round box, with the listed specifications showing a muzzle velocity of 922 ft/s and muzzle energy of 78 ft-lbs.

SK positions this ammunition for pistol applications where the cartridge needs to perform from a shorter barrel. The provided product information also gives a 5.9-inch barrel reference, with velocity and energy figures intended to illustrate how the load performs from that type of platform.

The 40 grain lead round nose projectile provides a traditional configuration for .22 LR target ammunition. SK lists the load for target use and describes it as suitable for plinking, training, and competition, giving it a broad range of applications for compatible rimfire pistols.

This ammunition is best suited to .22 LR pistol shooters participating in target practice, training, recreational plinking, or competition. Its short-barrel focus makes it particularly relevant to users who want ammunition specified around pistol platforms rather than rifle-length barrels.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: SK
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Bullet Weight: 40 grain
• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose
• Capacity: 50 rounds
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 922 ft/s
• Muzzle Energy: 78 ft-lbs
• Application: Target

Pros

• Developed for short-barreled firearms
• 40 grain lead round nose bullet
• Brass cartridge case
• Listed 922 ft/s muzzle velocity
• Listed 78 ft-lbs muzzle energy
• Suitable for training and competition
• Also suited to recreational plinking

Cons

• Actual performance can vary depending on the firearm and shooting conditions

5) Federal Premium AutoMatch .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition

The Federal Premium AutoMatch .22 LR is a 40 grain rimfire load intended for target shooting, training, plinking, and other range applications. It uses a brass case and has a listed muzzle velocity of 1,200 ft/s, making it a practical high-volume option for shooters who spend considerable time practicing with a .22 LR firearm.

The ammunition is built around Federal’s emphasis on consistent bullets, primers, and brass components. The product information describes it as accurate, consistent, and reliable while also positioning it as an affordable choice for regular rimfire shooting.

With 3,250 rounds included, this ammunition is particularly suited to shooters who need a substantial quantity for frequent range sessions. The large round count can also make it useful for structured training where repeated practice is part of the shooting routine.

This load is best suited to target shooters, recreational plinkers, and users who want a large supply of .22 LR ammunition for regular practice or training. It can also be considered for competition-oriented practice where the firearm and ammunition combination produces the desired results.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Federal
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Bullet Weight: 40 grain
• Capacity: 3,250 rounds
• Case Material: Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,200 ft/s
• Application: Target

Pros

• 40 grain bullet
• Brass cartridge construction
• Listed 1,200 ft/s muzzle velocity
• Large 3,250-round quantity
• Suitable for target shooting and training
• Also intended for plinking and competition use
• Components selected for consistent performance

Cons

• Large quantity may be unnecessary for occasional shooters

Why 22LR Match Ammo? (Advantages)

1. Consistent Manufacturing

Match-oriented .22 LR ammunition is produced with close attention to cartridge consistency and component quality. The ammunition discussed uses controlled production, inspection, and carefully selected bullets, primers, cases, or propellants to promote uniformity from round to round.

2. Precision-Focused Bullet Designs

The reviewed loads include flat nose and lead round nose projectile configurations developed for target and competition applications. These designs give shooters ammunition specifically intended for precision-focused rimfire shooting rather than simply general recreational use.

3. Suitable for Competition

Several of the loads are specifically associated with competition or competitive-level shooting. This makes .22 LR match ammunition useful for shooters who want to practice with ammunition intended for structured target shooting.

4. Excellent Training Potential

.22 LR match ammunition can provide an economical way to spend more time practicing fundamentals. The reviewed ammunition includes options intended for training, target work, and preparation for higher-powered centerfire competition.

5. Long-Range Rimfire Options

Some .22 LR match loads are specifically configured for shooting at 100 yards or beyond. This gives rimfire shooters an opportunity to conduct extended-distance target sessions with ammunition developed around that application.

6. Short-Barrel Compatibility

There are match-oriented loads specifically developed around pistol platforms and shorter barrels. This is useful for .22 LR pistol shooters who need ammunition configured for the characteristics of a shorter firearm rather than a rifle.

7. Large-Quantity Options

The ammunition discussed ranges from standard 50-round boxes to a much larger 3,250-round quantity. Having high-volume options can be useful for shooters who practice frequently and want ammunition available for extended training sessions.

8. Published Ballistic Information

The reviewed ammunition provides useful specifications such as bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and in some cases muzzle energy at specific distances. This information gives shooters a clearer picture of the intended characteristics of each load before using it on the range.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best 22LR Match Ammo

1. Bullet Weight

The ammunition discussed primarily uses 40 grain bullets. While that weight is common among the reviewed match loads, the projectile’s characteristics and the firearm being used should still be considered when selecting ammunition for a particular shooting application.

2. Bullet Profile

Projectile shape varies between flat nose and lead round nose configurations. The bullet profile can influence how a cartridge is configured for its intended application, so shooters should consider whether the ammunition is intended for rifle, pistol, training, or competition use.

3. Muzzle Velocity

Published velocity ranges across the reviewed ammunition, from loads intended for shorter-barreled firearms to those configured for longer-distance rifle shooting. Muzzle velocity provides useful reference information, although actual velocity can vary with the firearm and conditions.

4. Intended Shooting Distance

Consider where the ammunition will be used. Some loads are specifically intended for target shooting at 100 yards or beyond, while others are configured around pistol use or more conventional range distances.

5. Firearm Type

The firearm platform matters when selecting .22 LR ammunition. Rifle-oriented loads and ammunition developed around short-barreled pistols may have different intended applications, so compatibility and the manufacturer’s stated use should be checked before purchase.

6. Case Construction

Brass cases are common throughout the ammunition reviewed. Case construction can be part of overall cartridge consistency, making it worth considering alongside the bullet and other components when evaluating match-oriented ammunition.

7. Manufacturing Quality

Look for information about inspection procedures, component selection, dimensional control, and consistency during production. These details can provide useful insight into how much attention is given to producing uniform rimfire cartridges.

8. Application

Think about whether the ammunition will primarily be used for competition, training, target shooting, long-range rimfire practice, or recreational plinking. Choosing a load that matches the intended activity helps narrow the available options.

Best 22LR Match Ammo FAQs

1. Is 22LR match ammo suitable for competition?

Yes. Several of the loads discussed are specifically marketed for competition or competitive-level shooting. Their production standards and target-focused configurations make them relevant to shooters participating in organized rimfire events.

2. Can 22LR match ammo be used for long-range shooting?

Yes. Certain loads are specifically developed for shooting at or beyond 100 yards. These cartridges provide a dedicated option for shooters who want to explore longer-distance .22 LR target shooting with a compatible rifle.

3. Is 22LR match ammo useful for training?

Yes. The reviewed ammunition includes loads intended for training and target practice, making .22 LR a practical platform for repeated range work. Some options are also positioned as training ammunition for shooters who participate in centerfire competitions.

Conclusion

The best 22LR match ammo turns a simple rimfire session into something far more deliberate.

These loads are built around controlled manufacturing, match-focused projectile designs, and applications ranging from competition and structured training to 100-yard-plus target shooting.

That versatility is what makes them appealing: a shooter can spend more time working on groups, consistency, and technique without stepping up to centerfire ammunition for every practice session.

For serious rimfire shooters, quality .22 LR match ammunition offers a practical way to make every range session count.

See Also:

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