CCI .22 LR Ammo Guide: Mini-Mag, Stinger, Velocitor, Standard & Quiet — Every Load Compared

1. CCI .22 LR — The Gold Standard in Rimfire

CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.) has been the benchmark name in rimfire ammunition since 1951. Now part of the Vista Outdoor family alongside Federal, Speer, and Blazer, CCI dominates the .22 LR market through a combination of legendary reliability, consistent accuracy, and the widest product range in the industry. When shooters say they trust a particular .22 LR brand above all others, it’s usually CCI.

What sets CCI apart is their clean-burning propellants and copper-plated bullets. CCI ammunition runs cleaner than most competitors, which means less fouling in your action and longer intervals between cleaning. The copper plating prevents lead buildup in the barrel and reduces airborne lead at indoor ranges. These aren’t marketing gimmicks — they’re measurable advantages that matter for shooters who put serious round counts through their .22 LR firearms.

This guide covers every CCI .22 LR product line with ballistic data, gel test results, and clear recommendations. Browse our selection of CCI .22 LR ammo at Tatted Tacticals.

2. The Complete CCI .22 LR Product Lineup

The takeaway: CCI’s lineup spans from 710 fps (Quiet-22) to 1,640 fps (Stinger). Every load is designed for a specific purpose — there’s no filler in CCI’s catalog.

3. CCI Mini-Mag — The Do-Everything .22 LR

The Mini-Mag is CCI’s flagship product and arguably the most popular .22 LR ammunition in America. Its reputation is built on one thing: reliability. Mini-Mags cycle every semi-automatic .22 LR on the market — pistols, rifles, and conversions — without the feeding, extraction, or ignition issues that plague cheaper ammunition.

36-Grain CPHP (Copper Plated Hollow Point)

The 36-grain hollow point at 1,260 fps is the most versatile Mini-Mag variant. The lighter bullet exits the barrel faster than the 40-grain options and the hollow point provides reliable expansion on small game. It’s accurate enough for informal target work and effective enough for squirrel and rabbit hunting inside 50 yards. This is the load most shooters should stock as their default .22 LR.

40-Grain CPRN (Copper Plated Round Nose)

The 40-grain solid at 1,235 fps is the range training standard. No expansion, maximum penetration, consistent accuracy. It’s the load you buy in 300-round boxes or 500-round bricks for range days. The round nose profile feeds flawlessly in every action type.

40-Grain Segmented HP

The Segmented HP is an underrated specialty load. On impact, the bullet fragments into three equal pieces, each creating its own wound channel. This produces significantly more tissue damage than a standard hollow point while reducing the chance of over-penetration. It’s designed for varmint control where you want maximum terminal effect with minimal risk of a bullet exiting and causing collateral damage.

The takeaway: The 36-grain CPHP is the best all-around .22 LR load. Period. It’s what CCI’s reputation is built on, and it earns that reputation every time you pull the trigger.

4. CCI Stinger — Maximum Velocity

The Stinger has been CCI’s speed demon since 1977. The 32-grain copper-plated hollow point leaves the barrel at 1,640 fps — the fastest commercially available .22 LR ammunition. That velocity produces 191 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and explosive expansion on soft targets.

How CCI Achieves 1,640 fps

The Stinger uses a slightly longer case than standard .22 LR (0.710″ vs 0.613″) to accommodate more propellant. This longer case fits within the .22 LR SAAMI overall length specification because the bullet seats deeper. However, the longer case can cause chambering issues in some tight-chamber match rifles and certain older firearms. In modern semi-automatics and standard sporting rifles, the Stinger cycles without issues.

Gel Test Performance

In ballistic gelatin, the Stinger’s lightweight hollow point expands aggressively in the first 2–4 inches of penetration. Total penetration typically runs 4–6 inches with expansion to .30–.35 caliber. The violent fragmentation creates a large temporary cavity relative to the bullet’s size. The trade-off is limited penetration depth — the Stinger dumps energy fast, which is ideal for varmints but insufficient for anything larger.

Accuracy Trade-Off

Hyper-velocity .22 LR ammunition is inherently less accurate than standard velocity loads. The Stinger crosses the transonic zone (where aerodynamic instability occurs) relatively close to the muzzle, which disrupts accuracy at distance. Expect 2–3 MOA at 50 yards versus 1–1.5 MOA from standard velocity ammunition. Inside 25 yards, the accuracy difference is negligible.

The takeaway: The Stinger is purpose-built for close-range varmint hunting and pest control. It’s devastating on small targets inside 50 yards. Don’t expect match accuracy — that’s not what it’s designed for.

5. CCI Velocitor — The Best Hunting .22 LR

The Velocitor occupies a critical niche: it’s the fastest 40-grain .22 LR load available from any manufacturer at 1,435 fps. That combination of standard bullet weight and high velocity produces 183 ft-lbs of energy while retaining the accuracy and downrange performance advantages of a heavier bullet.

Why the Velocitor Matters

The Stinger’s 32-grain bullet is faster at the muzzle but sheds velocity rapidly due to its poor ballistic coefficient. By 75 yards, the Velocitor’s 40-grain bullet actually carries more energy than the Stinger despite starting slower. The heavier bullet also penetrates deeper and retains more weight through tissue, making it more effective on larger varmints like raccoons, woodchucks, and possums.

Gel Test Results

The Velocitor’s hollow point expands to approximately .28–.32 caliber in gelatin with 8–10 inches of penetration. That’s significantly deeper than the Stinger and more consistent shot-to-shot. Weight retention runs 85–90% — the bullet mushrooms but doesn’t fragment like the Stinger does.

The Self-Defense Argument

Some shooters consider the Velocitor the best .22 LR option for self-defense (in situations where a .22 is the only option). The 40-grain bullet at 1,435 fps provides deeper penetration than lighter hyper-velocity loads and more reliable expansion than standard velocity ammunition. It’s not a replacement for a proper defensive caliber, but if a .22 LR is what you have, the Velocitor maximizes its potential.

The takeaway: The Velocitor is the best .22 LR for hunting. It hits harder at distance than the Stinger, penetrates deeper, and maintains accuracy better. If you can only buy one CCI hunting load, this is it.

6. CCI Standard Velocity & Clean-22 — Target Shooting

CCI Standard Velocity (1,070 fps)

CCI’s Standard Velocity is a 40-grain lead round nose at 1,070 fps. It stays subsonic throughout its flight path, which eliminates the transonic instability that degrades accuracy in high-velocity loads. The result is consistently tight groups at 50 and 100 yards. Many competitive rimfire shooters use CCI Standard Velocity as their go-to practice ammunition because it closely matches the trajectory and feel of premium match ammunition at a fraction of the cost.

CCI Clean-22 (1,235 fps)

The Clean-22 uses a polymer bullet coating that CCI claims reduces copper and lead fouling by up to 60%. The 40-grain bullet runs at high-velocity specs (1,235 fps) with accuracy comparable to the Mini-Mag. The practical benefit is longer intervals between barrel cleaning, which matters for high-volume shooters who go through several hundred rounds per range session. Available in both high-velocity and subsonic configurations.

The takeaway: CCI Standard Velocity is the best-value target .22 LR in CCI’s lineup. The Clean-22 is worth the slight premium for shooters who hate cleaning their guns.

7. CCI Subsonic & Quiet-22 — Low-Noise Options

Subsonic HP (1,050 fps)

CCI’s Subsonic HP is a 40-grain lead hollow point designed for suppressed firearms. At 1,050 fps, it stays reliably below the sound barrier in any barrel length. The hollow point provides moderate expansion on small game while the subsonic velocity keeps noise levels low even without a suppressor. It cycles most semi-automatic .22 LR actions, though some may need a lighter recoil spring.

Quiet-22 (710 fps)

The Quiet-22 reduces perceived noise by up to 75% compared to standard velocity .22 LR. At 710 fps with a 40-grain bullet, it generates only 45 ft-lbs of energy — roughly the same as a premium air rifle. It’s designed for close-range pest control in noise-sensitive environments (residential areas, barns, near livestock). The Quiet-22 will not cycle semi-automatic actions — it must be manually cycled.

Quiet-22 Semi-Auto (835 fps)

CCI developed the Quiet-22 Semi-Auto specifically to address the standard Quiet-22’s inability to cycle semi-automatic actions. The 45-grain bullet at 835 fps generates enough energy (70 ft-lbs) to cycle most blowback semi-auto .22 LR rifles and pistols. It’s louder than the standard Quiet-22 but still significantly quieter than subsonic ammunition.

The takeaway: Subsonic HP for suppressor users who want expansion. Quiet-22 for maximum noise reduction in bolt actions. Quiet-22 Semi-Auto when you need reduced noise with semi-auto cycling.

8. CCI .22 LR Ballistic Data Comparison Table

The takeaway: The Velocitor carries more energy at 50 yards than the Stinger despite starting 200 fps slower — heavier bullets retain velocity better. For maximum downrange effectiveness, bullet weight matters more than muzzle velocity.

9. Best CCI .22 LR Load by Application

Best All-Around: Mini-Mag 36gr CPHP

Feeds everything, shoots everything, kills small game, breaks targets. If you could only own one .22 LR load, this is it.

Best for Hunting: Velocitor 40gr CPHP

Maximum energy retention at distance, deep penetration, and reliable expansion. The best CCI load for squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and predator control.

Best for Varmint Control: Stinger 32gr CPHP

Explosive fragmentation on small varmints inside 50 yards. When you want maximum damage on the target with minimal exit.

Best for Target Shooting: Standard Velocity 40gr LRN

Subsonic accuracy without the price tag of European match ammunition. The best value in CCI’s target lineup.

Best for Suppressed Shooting: Subsonic HP 40gr

Reliable subsonic velocity in any barrel length, expansion on small game, and proven cycling in most semi-automatics.

Best for Noise-Sensitive Areas: Quiet-22 Semi-Auto 45gr

Significantly reduced noise while maintaining semi-auto cycling capability. The best option when you need quiet without losing your semi-auto functionality.

Best for Training/Range: Mini-Mag 40gr CPRN

Buy in bulk. No expansion means consistent accuracy, and the round nose feeds cleanly in every platform. The most reliable training .22 LR on the market.

The takeaway: CCI makes the right load for every .22 LR application. Start with Mini-Mags as your baseline and add specialty loads as your needs require.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Why are CCI Mini-Mags more expensive than other .22 LR?

You’re paying for copper-plated bullets (reduced fouling), clean-burning propellants, and CCI’s quality control process. The Mini-Mag’s near-zero failure rate and consistent accuracy justify the premium for shooters who value reliability over saving a penny per round.

Is the CCI Stinger safe in all .22 LR firearms?

The Stinger’s slightly longer case can cause chambering issues in some tight-chamber match rifles and certain older firearms. In standard sporting rifles and modern semi-automatics, it’s safe and reliable. If your firearm’s manual specifically warns against hyper-velocity ammunition, don’t use the Stinger.

Can I use CCI Quiet-22 for self-defense?

No. At 710 fps and 45 ft-lbs, the Quiet-22 lacks the velocity and energy for reliable terminal performance on a human threat. It’s designed for pest control and noise-sensitive plinking. For defensive use with a .22 LR, the Velocitor or Stinger are significantly better options, though a larger caliber is always preferred.

How does CCI compare to Federal and Winchester .22 LR?

CCI generally edges both brands in reliability and consistency. Federal (AutoMatch, Champion) competes well on price for bulk training ammunition. Winchester (Super-X, Wildcat) is competitive in the high-velocity segment. Where CCI truly dominates is in the specialty segment — no other manufacturer matches CCI’s breadth of subsonic, ultra-quiet, and hyper-velocity options.

Will CCI Standard Velocity cycle my semi-auto?

Standard velocity at 1,070 fps will cycle most modern semi-automatic .22 LR firearms. Some pistols with stiff recoil springs (Ruger Mark IV, for example) may require break-in before reliably cycling standard velocity ammunition. If cycling is inconsistent, switch to Mini-Mag for break-in, then try Standard Velocity again after 200–300 rounds.

What’s the best CCI .22 LR for a Ruger 10/22?

The Mini-Mag 40gr CPRN is the safest recommendation — it cycles the 10/22’s rotary bolt reliably and feeds from the factory magazine without issues. For hunting with a 10/22, the Velocitor is the best choice. For suppressed 10/22 use, the Subsonic HP cycles well in most stock 10/22 actions.

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