CCI Rimfire Shotshell Ammunition .22 LR 1/15 oz #12 31 gr 1000 fps 20/ct

The CCI Rimfire Shotshell Ammunition .22 LR 1/15 oz #12 31 gr 1000 fps (20 rounds per box) is designed primarily for close-range small pest control and small game hunting. It contains 1/15 ounce of No. 12 lead shot, which is effective for dispatching small birds, rodents, and reptiles at short distances, typically up to about 15 yards or less depending on the firearm barrel length. This makes it much like a mini shotgun shell in .22 LR form, providing a spread of small pellets rather than a single bullet.

Key points about this ammo include:

• Performance: It is well regarded for reliable ignition, consistent velocity around 1000 fps, and suitable close-range effectiveness on small pests like rats or snakes.
• Effective Range: Best used within approximately 10-15 yards with rifles, and even shorter range with handguns (around half that). Beyond this range, the shot spread and energy fall off notably.
• Intended Use: Excellent for situations where a traditional bullet might be too powerful or cause excessive collateral damage, such as barns or garden areas with small pests.
• Shooting Experience: Users report it works fairly well out of rifles and revolvers but may not cycle reliably in semi-automatic .22 guns due to unique ammo design.
• Impact: Testing shows it can cause significant damage on soft targets at close range, enough to stop small pests effectively.
• Limitations: Not suited for longer ranges or larger game. Effectiveness declines rapidly past point-blank distances.

What are the recommended barrel lengths for optimal accuracy with these shotshells?

For CCI Rimfire Shotshell .22 LR ammunition, the recommended barrel lengths for optimal accuracy and effectiveness are generally in the range of 16 to 20 inches for rifles. Here’s what the research and user experience say:

• Rifle Lengths (16-20 inches): Most sources and experienced shooters recommend 16-20 inch rifle barrels as the ideal range. These lengths provide the best balance of complete powder burn, good velocity, and steady shot pattern. Barrels longer than about 20 inches do not provide any significant increase in accuracy or power for rimfire ammunition.
• Accuracy Benefit: Rifles with 16-inch or longer barrels allow you to get precise hits on small targets like a softball at typical shotshell ranges (up to 15 yards). The pattern from these shotshells stays relatively consistent from both short and long rifle barrels at short ranges, but the longer sight radius and greater velocity can offer minor advantages in target hits.
• Shorter Barrels (Handguns): With revolvers and handguns, patterns can be decent, but the effective range drops compared to rifles.

CCI 22LR Shotshell Review

For the best performance with CCI .22 LR shotshells, use a rifle with a barrel length between 16 and 20 inches. This range provides optimal accuracy for close-range pest control, offers manageable patterns, and ensures complete powder burn from the shotshells. Handguns work, but are less consistent and effective for this specialized ammo.