Aguila .22 LR Ammo Guide: Every Load Tested — Super Extra, Interceptor, Sniper Subsonic & Colibri

1. Aguila .22 LR — Who Makes It and Why Shooters Care

Aguila Ammunition is manufactured by Industrias Tecnos in Cuernavaca, Mexico — a facility that has been producing rimfire ammunition since 1961. While Mexican-made ammunition might raise eyebrows for some shooters, Aguila has earned a strong reputation in the .22 LR market for two reasons: consistently affordable pricing and a product lineup that includes specialty loads no other manufacturer offers.

The Aguila .22 LR catalog spans from the primer-only Colibri (420 fps) to the screaming Interceptor (1,470 fps) — a velocity range no other brand matches. That breadth means Aguila has a .22 LR load for literally every application: backyard pest control, competitive target shooting, suppressor use, small game hunting, and high-volume plinking.

This guide covers every Aguila .22 LR load with ballistic data, accuracy results, and recommendations by use case. Browse our selection of Aguila .22 LR ammo at Tatted Tacticals.

2. The Complete Aguila .22 LR Product Lineup

The takeaway: Aguila offers the widest velocity range of any .22 LR manufacturer — from 420 fps (Colibri) to 1,470 fps (Interceptor). No other brand covers this spectrum.

3. High-Velocity Loads — Super Extra, Interceptor & High Velocity

Interceptor (1,470 fps)

Aguila bills the Interceptor as the fastest 40-grain .22 LR on the market, and the claim is credible. At 1,470 fps, it generates 192 ft-lbs of muzzle energy — roughly 35% more than standard velocity ammunition. The copper-plated solid point bullet is designed for maximum penetration rather than expansion. The Interceptor is Aguila’s answer to CCI Stinger, though it achieves its velocity with a standard 40-grain bullet rather than a lighter projectile.

The downside: hyper-velocity .22 LR ammunition is inherently less accurate than standard velocity loads. The Interceptor is a 2–3 MOA load in most rifles. Use it for small game hunting and pest control where raw energy matters more than benchrest precision.

Super Extra CPHP (1,280 fps)

The Super Extra copper-plated hollow point is Aguila’s most accurate high-velocity load. In testing, the 38-grain CPHP averaged 0.31 inches for five-shot groups at 25 yards — exceptional for any .22 LR ammunition, let alone a hunting load. The hollow point expands reliably at these velocities, making it an excellent small game and pest control round. At 1,280 fps, it’s fast enough for reliable expansion but not so fast that accuracy suffers.

High Velocity CP (1,255 fps)

The standard high-velocity load uses a 40-grain copper-plated solid point at 1,255 fps. This is Aguila’s workhorse plinking and training round — the one you buy in 500-round bricks for range days. It cycles reliably in semi-automatic rifles and pistols, produces decent accuracy, and costs less per round than the specialty loads.

The takeaway: The Super Extra CPHP is the standout — accurate and effective on small game. The Interceptor trades accuracy for maximum energy. The High Velocity CP is your bulk-buy range round.

4. Standard Velocity — Target and Plinking

Super Extra Standard Velocity (1,130 fps)

Aguila’s standard velocity load runs at 1,130 fps with a 40-grain lead round nose bullet. Standard velocity .22 LR is inherently more accurate than high-velocity ammunition because the bullet stays subsonic throughout its flight — no transonic transition to destabilize it. This makes the Super Extra Standard a good choice for target shooting, informal competition, and any application where accuracy matters more than energy.

At 113 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, it’s adequate for small game at close range but noticeably less powerful than the high-velocity options. The trade-off is worth it for shooters who prioritize precision.

The takeaway: Standard velocity is quieter, more accurate, and more pleasant to shoot than high-velocity loads. It’s the right choice for target work and general plinking where maximum energy isn’t required.

5. Subsonic Loads — Sniper Subsonic & Subsonic Solid Point

Sniper Subsonic (SSS) — 60 Grain

The Sniper Subsonic is Aguila’s most unique product — and one of the most distinctive .22 LR loads made by anyone. It uses a 60-grain lead bullet on a shortened case, maintaining standard .22 LR overall length. That 60-grain bullet is 50% heavier than standard 40-grain projectiles, which means 40% more energy than a typical 40-grain subsonic load despite the lower velocity.

At 950 fps from a 22-inch barrel, the Sniper Subsonic stays well below the sound barrier. Through a suppressor, it’s remarkably quiet — the loudest sound is often the bolt cycling. The heavy bullet retains energy better at distance than lighter subsonic loads and penetrates deeper in tissue.

The Twist Rate Caveat

The 60-grain SSS bullet is significantly longer than standard .22 LR projectiles, and most .22 rifles have a 1:16 twist rate designed for 40-grain bullets. The SSS needs approximately 1:9 to 1:12 twist to stabilize properly. In standard 1:16 twist barrels, accuracy is often poor — 3–6 inch groups at 50 yards or worse. Some rifles stabilize it better than others, so testing in your specific firearm is essential. Rifles with faster twist rates (some bolt actions and custom barrels) can produce excellent accuracy with the SSS.

Subsonic Solid Point (1,025 fps)

The 40-grain Subsonic Solid Point is a more conventional subsonic option. At 1,025 fps, it stays comfortably below the sound barrier in any barrel length and stabilizes properly in standard 1:16 twist barrels. Accuracy is good — comparable to standard velocity ammunition — and it cycles reliably in most semi-automatic platforms. This is the subsonic load to choose if you want suppressor-quiet shooting with predictable accuracy.

The takeaway: The Subsonic Solid Point is the reliable, accurate choice for suppressed shooting. The Sniper Subsonic hits harder but needs a fast-twist barrel to shoot well. Test the SSS in your rifle before buying in bulk.

6. Colibri Series — Ultra-Quiet Specialty Loads

Super Colibri (590 fps)

The Super Colibri uses a small powder charge behind a 20-grain conical lead bullet. At 590 fps, it generates approximately 15 ft-lbs of energy — less than most air rifles. The noise level from a rifle-length barrel is roughly equivalent to a hand clap. It’s designed for close-range pest control (rats, mice, starlings) in situations where noise is a primary concern.

Colibri (420 fps)

The standard Colibri is primer-only — no powder charge at all. The primer alone propels the 20-grain bullet at 420 fps, generating roughly 8 ft-lbs of energy. This is the quietest commercially manufactured .22 LR ammunition in existence. The report from a rifle barrel is barely louder than a BB gun.

Important Warnings

Both Colibri loads should only be fired from rifles with barrel lengths of 18 inches or more. In short-barreled firearms, the bullet may not have enough velocity to clear the barrel, creating a dangerous obstruction. Additionally, neither load generates enough energy to reliably cycle semi-automatic actions — they must be manually cycled. Accuracy is unpredictable because the 20-grain bullet is too light to stabilize properly in most .22 LR rifling twist rates.

The takeaway: Colibri loads are specialty tools for specific situations — primarily indoor or close-quarters pest control where noise must be minimized. They are not target, hunting, or defensive ammunition.

7. Aguila .22 LR Ballistic Data Comparison Table

*Standard velocity at 1,130 fps is technically supersonic but very close to the transonic zone, which can affect accuracy at longer ranges.

The takeaway: The Sniper Subsonic delivers 30% more energy than the standard 40-grain subsonic at the same noise level. For suppressor users, that energy advantage is significant.

8. Accuracy and Reliability Testing

Accuracy Rankings

Based on independent testing across multiple firearms:

*Sniper Subsonic accuracy is highly barrel-dependent. Fast-twist barrels (1:9 to 1:12) produce much tighter groups than standard 1:16 twist.

Semi-Auto Reliability

The High Velocity CP and Interceptor cycle reliably in most semi-automatic .22 LR rifles and pistols. Standard velocity and subsonic loads may require a hotter action spring or won’t cycle actions designed for high-velocity ammunition. The Colibri loads will not cycle any semi-automatic action. The Sniper Subsonic’s short case and heavy bullet can cause feeding issues in some magazine-fed platforms — test before relying on it.

The takeaway: The Super Extra CPHP is Aguila’s most accurate load. The Sniper Subsonic’s accuracy depends entirely on your barrel’s twist rate — it’s either impressive or terrible, with little middle ground.

9. Best Aguila .22 LR Load by Application

Best for Small Game Hunting: Super Extra CPHP

The accuracy and hollow-point expansion make this the clear winner for squirrel, rabbit, and similar small game. At 1,280 fps, it’s fast enough for reliable expansion but accurate enough for head shots at 50 yards.

Best for Plinking/Training: High Velocity CP

Affordable, reliable in semi-autos, and accurate enough for practical shooting. Buy in bulk 500-round bricks.

Best for Suppressed Shooting: Subsonic Solid Point

Reliable cycling, consistent accuracy, and guaranteed subsonic velocity. This is the safe, predictable choice for suppressor users.

Best for Maximum Suppressor Energy: Sniper Subsonic

If your barrel stabilizes the 60-grain bullet, the SSS delivers 30% more energy than standard 40-grain subsonic loads at the same noise level. Test it first.

Best for Maximum Energy: Interceptor

The fastest and hardest-hitting .22 LR in Aguila’s lineup. Use for pest control and varmint situations where energy matters more than precision.

Best for Ultra-Quiet Pest Control: Super Colibri

When noise is your primary concern and the target is within 15 yards. Effective on rats and mice in barns, outbuildings, and similar close-quarters situations.

The takeaway: Start with the Super Extra CPHP for hunting and the High Velocity CP for range use. Add the Subsonic Solid Point if you run a suppressor.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aguila .22 LR ammo reliable?

The high-velocity and standard velocity loads are generally reliable, with misfire rates comparable to CCI and Federal. The specialty loads (Colibri, Sniper Subsonic) are more temperamental — the Colibri in particular can have ignition issues since it relies solely on primer power. Overall, Aguila has improved quality control significantly over the past decade.

Will the Sniper Subsonic cycle my 10/22?

Maybe. The short case and heavy bullet create a different pressure curve than standard ammunition. Some 10/22s cycle the SSS reliably; others short-stroke or have feeding issues. If reliable semi-auto cycling with subsonic ammo is critical, the standard Subsonic Solid Point is the safer choice for a Ruger 10/22.

Can I use Colibri in a pistol?

Aguila recommends rifles only for Colibri loads. In a pistol’s short barrel, the bullet may not achieve enough velocity to exit the barrel reliably, creating a potentially dangerous bore obstruction. Use only in rifles with barrels 18 inches or longer.

How does Aguila compare to CCI?

CCI generally edges Aguila in consistency and accuracy for standard loads (Mini-Mag vs High Velocity CP). Where Aguila stands out is in their specialty products — no other manufacturer offers the Colibri, Super Colibri, or 60-grain Sniper Subsonic. In terms of price, Aguila typically costs 10–20% less than CCI for equivalent loads.

Is the Interceptor better than CCI Stinger?

The Interceptor (40gr at 1,470 fps) and Stinger (32gr at 1,640 fps) take different approaches to hyper-velocity. The Interceptor’s heavier bullet carries more energy at distance, while the Stinger’s lighter bullet shoots flatter at close range. For small game hunting, the Interceptor’s heavier bullet provides better penetration. For pure velocity, the Stinger wins.

Does Aguila make match-grade .22 LR?

Aguila’s standard velocity and Super Extra loads shoot well, but Aguila does not market a dedicated match-grade product to compete with Eley, Lapua, or SK. For formal competition, those European brands are better choices. For informal target shooting and plinking, Aguila’s accuracy is more than adequate.

Ready to try Aguila? Browse our full selection of Aguila .22 LR ammo at Tatted Tacticals. For a complete overview of all .22 LR performance data, see our .22 LR Ballistic Data Guide.