The Ultimate Guide to CCI’s .22 Product Line: From Standard Velocity to Hyper‑Velocity and Specialty Loads

Few manufacturers have defined the .22 Long Rifle market like CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.). Known for producing reliable, high‑quality rimfire ammunition for over a century, CCI’s diverse product line spans from everyday training rounds to specialized loads for suppressed shooting and varmint control. In this guide, we group CCI’s .22 ammunition into categories of similar rounds and provide detailed insights into each offering. Whether you’re a competitive target shooter, a varmint hunter, or a plinker, this article is your definitive resource on CCI’s entire .22 lineup.

A Brief History of CCI and Its Impact on Rimfire Ammunition

Legacy: CCI has been a pioneer in rimfire ammunition production for over a hundred years. With an unwavering commitment to quality and consistency, they’ve earned the trust of shooters worldwide. Their ability to produce reloadable, boxer‑primed brass has made them a favorite among both high‑volume range shooters and dedicated reloaders.

Market Position: Competing with other value‑oriented lines like Federal American Eagle, Remington UMC, and Blazer Brass, CCI’s products are celebrated for balancing performance with affordability. The diversity of their product line allows shooters to select the exact load that meets their unique needs, whether that’s extreme velocity, sub‑sonic operation, or standard everyday performance.

Standard Rimfire Loads

These rounds are the backbone of CCI’s lineup. They are designed for everyday shooting—offering reliable cycling, consistent accuracy, and reloadable brass—all at a price that makes them ideal for high‑volume range use and training.

CCI Standard Velocity .22 LR

Overview: The Standard Velocity load is engineered for dependable, everyday performance. It’s the baseline for many shooters who value consistency over extreme performance.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Typically around 1070–1100 fps, providing a gentle recoil that’s perfect for both training and competition.

• Bullet Weight & Design: Generally available in 36‑ or 40‑grain lead round nose (LRN) or complete metal jacket (CMJ) configurations.

• Performance: Shooters report group sizes of around 2–3 inches at 25 yards in pistols, with predictable cycling in a wide variety of firearms.

• Reloading: The reloader‑friendly boxer‑primed brass makes this load a popular choice for those looking to build custom loads while keeping costs down.

Ideal Applications: Everyday range practice, target shooting, and introductory competitions—where affordability and consistency are more important than ultra‑precision.

CCI Clean‑22

Overview:Clean‑22 focuses on reducing fouling and flash by employing specially formulated powders that burn more cleanly than traditional loads.

Technical Details:

• Powder Formulation: Engineered for minimal residue, Clean‑22 minimizes barrel fouling, thus reducing maintenance time between sessions.

• Bullet Options: Typically available with FMJ bullets in standard weights (36–40 grains), offering consistent performance.

• Performance: Operates at standard velocity levels (around 1070–1100 fps) with the benefit of cleaner shooting—a critical factor for high‑volume practice sessions.

• Reloading: Like other CCI lines, it uses reloadable, boxer‑primed brass that remains dimensionally consistent.

Ideal Applications: High‑volume range training, classroom shooting, and scenarios where ease of maintenance and reliability are paramount.

High‑Velocity and Hyper‑Velocity Loads

For shooters requiring additional speed and flatter trajectories, CCI offers high‑velocity options that deliver increased energy and improved performance downrange. These loads are particularly favored in competitive shooting and varmint hunting.

CCI Mini‑Mag .22 LR

Overview: The Mini‑Mag is arguably one of the most popular .22 LR loads available. Known for its higher velocity and consistent performance, it has become a favorite for semi‑automatic platforms.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Achieves speeds around 1235 fps, significantly faster than standard loads.

• Bullet Weight: Commonly available in 36‑ or 40‑grain configurations, often with a copper‑plated finish to reduce barrel fouling.

• Performance: The increased velocity results in flatter trajectories and improved energy retention at extended ranges, ideal for both target shooting and varmint control.

• Reloading: Boxer‑primed, reloadable brass ensures that the Mini‑Mag remains a cost‑effective option for high‑volume shooters.

Ideal Applications: Competitive training, varmint hunting, and any scenario where a flatter trajectory and increased energy are beneficial.

CCI Stinger .22 LR

Overview: Representing the hyper‑velocity segment, the Stinger is designed to push the limits of speed in the .22 LR category. It is engineered for shooters who need extreme velocity and energy, making it highly effective in specialized applications.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Typically around 1640 fps, making it one of the fastest .22 LR loads available.

• Bullet Weight: Utilizes lighter bullets, often in the 32‑ to 36‑grain range, to achieve these high speeds.

• Bullet Design: Commonly offered in hollow‑point (HP) variants, which promote rapid expansion on impact, ensuring effective terminal performance.

• Performance: The Stinger’s hyper‑velocity results in an exceptionally flat trajectory and increased downrange energy, though the lighter bullets may produce more muzzle blast.

Ideal Applications: Varmint hunting, specialized competitive shooting, and situations where extended range and high energy are paramount.

Mini‑Mag Segmented

Overview: The Mini‑Mag Segmented is an innovative variation of the traditional Mini‑Mag. By segmenting the magazine, CCI aims to improve weight distribution and feeding consistency, thereby enhancing overall performance.

Technical Details:

• Magazine Design: The segmented design reduces overall magazine weight and can help maintain consistent pressure on each round, contributing to tighter groupings.

• Velocity: Similar to the standard Mini‑Mag, with velocities around 1235 fps, but with potential improvements in accuracy due to enhanced feed reliability.

• Bullet Weight: Uses the same 36‑ or 40‑grain options found in the standard Mini‑Mag.

• Performance: Shooters may experience improved groupings and a smoother cycling action, particularly in high‑volume shooting scenarios.

Ideal Applications: Competitive target shooting, high‑volume range use, and any application where improved feeding and consistency can provide a performance edge.

Sub‑Sonic and Suppressor Loads

For shooters who require reduced noise—especially when using suppressors—CCI offers a range of sub‑sonic loads designed to operate quietly without sacrificing reliability.

CCI Quiet‑22

Overview: The Quiet‑22 line is engineered specifically for suppressed shooting. These loads are designed to run at sub‑sonic speeds to minimize the sonic crack and reduce overall noise.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Operates around 710–800 fps, ensuring sub‑sonic performance.

• Bullet Weight: Typically heavier than standard loads to maintain sufficient energy at lower velocities.

• Design: Available in both standard FMJ and specialized configurations to balance noise reduction with reliable cycling.

• Performance: While Quiet‑22 sacrifices some velocity and energy, its low‑noise characteristic makes it ideal for stealthy shooting and suppressed applications.

Ideal Applications: Suppressed shooting, tactical training where noise reduction is critical, and discreet pest control or defensive practice.

Quiet‑22 Segmented HP

Overview: A variation of Quiet‑22, the Quiet‑22 Segmented HP incorporates a segmented hollow‑point bullet designed for improved expansion at sub‑sonic speeds while maintaining the low‑noise benefits.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Similar sub‑sonic speeds (around 710–800 fps) as standard Quiet‑22.

• Bullet Design: The segmented hollow‑point (HP) design ensures more controlled expansion and better terminal performance, even at reduced velocities.

• Reloadable Brass: Consistent with the rest of the CCI line, this variant uses boxer‑primed brass that is reloadable.

• Performance: Offers enhanced terminal ballistics while preserving the quiet characteristics needed for suppressed use.

Ideal Applications: Ideal for shooters using suppressed firearms who require improved terminal performance in a low‑noise package, making it suitable for both tactical training and certain hunting scenarios.

Subsonic HP

Overview: The Subsonic HP line is designed to combine sub‑sonic operation with the benefits of hollow‑point expansion. These loads deliver reliable, effective terminal performance even at lower speeds.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Sub‑sonic speeds (usually below 1080 fps) ensure that the rounds remain quiet when fired through a suppressor.

• Bullet Design: Utilizes hollow‑point (HP) bullets that are engineered to expand reliably even at lower velocities, ensuring effective energy transfer.

• Performance: While energy levels are reduced compared to high‑velocity loads, Subsonic HP is optimized for close‑range effectiveness where noise suppression is essential.

• Reloading: The use of consistent, reloadable brass ensures that these rounds can be cost‑effectively used and reloaded by experienced shooters.

Ideal Applications: Tactical operations, suppressed shooting, and close‑range defensive training where maintaining a low noise profile is paramount.

22 Suppressor

Overview: The 22 Suppressor line represents CCI’s commitment to providing ammunition specifically engineered for use with suppressors. These rounds are tuned for sub‑sonic operation while ensuring reliable cycling and acceptable terminal performance.

Technical Details:

• Velocity: Carefully calibrated to maintain sub‑sonic speeds to avoid the sonic crack, ideal for suppressed platforms.

• Bullet Type: Typically available in FMJ or basic HP designs that balance reduced speed with sufficient terminal performance.

• Design Considerations: Emphasizes consistent performance in semi‑automatic systems even when operating under reduced pressure.

• Reloadable Brass: As with all CCI products, 22 Suppressor uses reloadable, boxer‑primed brass, ensuring longevity and cost savings for high‑volume shooters.

Ideal Applications: Primarily for shooters who use suppressors in tactical or recreational settings. The 22 Suppressor line is perfect for those who need to maintain stealth while still enjoying the benefits of .22 LR performance.

Specialty and Tactical Loads

CCI also offers several specialty lines that cater to niche markets, including environmentally focused loads, segmented products, and options designed for AR‑style platforms.

AR Tactical

Overview: The AR Tactical line is engineered for shooters using AR‑15 platforms. These loads are optimized for reliable cycling in semi‑automatic rifles and are formulated to provide enhanced terminal performance for tactical applications.

Technical Details:

• Performance: Designed to work seamlessly with AR‑15 magazines and feeding systems, these loads deliver consistent cycling and reliable energy output.

• Bullet Options: Typically available in FMJ or basic JHP configurations that meet the specific needs of tactical shooters.

• Design: Focused on ensuring that the ammunition operates reliably in the high‑pressure environments of modern tactical platforms.

Ideal Applications: Tactical training, defensive exercises, and competitive shooting for AR‑15 users who need cost‑effective yet reliable .22 LR ammo.

Green Tag

Overview: The Green Tag line represents CCI’s environmentally friendly option. These loads are designed to reduce lead exposure by using alternative bullet materials or lead‑free formulations, appealing to shooters in regions with lead restrictions.

Technical Details:

• Bullet Composition: Often features non‑toxic materials such as copper alloys, which reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

• Performance: Maintains similar velocity and accuracy to traditional loads, ensuring that eco‑friendly choices do not compromise shooting performance.

• Quality Control: Produced with the same rigorous standards as other CCI lines, Green Tag ammunition is reliable and consistent.

Ideal Applications: Hunters and competitive shooters operating in lead‑restricted areas, or anyone who prioritizes environmental responsibility while maintaining high‑quality performance.

Shotshell

Overview: While less common than rimfire cartridges, CCI also produces .22 LR shotshells designed for specific applications. These rounds blend the characteristics of traditional shot shells with the low‑recoil, cost‑effective advantages of .22 LR.

Technical Details:

• Design: Incorporates multiple pellets rather than a single bullet, creating a spread pattern ideal for certain short‑range applications.

• Velocity: Typically designed to maintain speeds comparable to standard .22 LR loads, although the pellet spread can alter trajectory characteristics.

• Usage: Primarily intended for backyard plinking and pest control, where a wider pattern increases hit probability on small, fast‑moving targets.

Ideal Applications: Pest control, backyard plinking, and recreational shooting where a broader pattern is desirable and the unique spread characteristics can enhance the shooting experience.

Performance Comparison and Best Practices

Each group of CCI .22 ammunition offers distinct advantages depending on your needs. Here’s a summary of key performance considerations across the different product groups:

Velocity and Trajectory:

• High‑Velocity/Hyper‑Velocity (Mini‑Mag, Stinger, Stangers): Deliver flatter trajectories and increased downrange energy, ideal for competitive shooting and varmint hunting.

• Standard Loads (Standard Velocity, Clean‑22): Provide consistent performance with mild recoil, perfect for training and general range use.

• Sub‑Sonic/Suppressed Loads (Quiet‑22, Subsonic HP, 22 Suppressor, Quiet‑22 Segmented HP): Designed for reduced noise, these rounds maintain sub‑sonic speeds while still offering acceptable terminal performance in suppressed firearms.

Bullet Design and Terminal Performance:

• FMJ vs. HP: Standard FMJ rounds provide reliable cycling and consistent accuracy for training, while hollow‑point (HP) and segmented HP designs offer rapid expansion for enhanced terminal effects in hunting or defensive applications.

• Polymer‑Tipped Options: Although less common, polymer‑tipped rounds in the CCI lineup (included within some specialty or hyper‑velocity loads) enhance aerodynamic efficiency and provide flatter trajectories.

Reliability and Cycling:

• Reloadable Brass: Across the entire product line, CCI uses boxer‑primed, reloadable brass that is dimensionally consistent, making these rounds ideal for both everyday use and reloading.

• Feeding Consistency: Most lines—whether Standard Velocity, Mini‑Mag, or Quiet‑22—are designed to cycle reliably in both pistols and rifles, though certain hyper‑velocity loads (like the Stinger) may require testing in specific firearms.

Noise and Suppression:

• Quiet‑22 and Subsonic Loads: These products are engineered for use with suppressors, reducing the sonic crack and making them ideal for tactical or stealthy applications. However, their lower velocities mean they may not cycle as reliably in some semi‑automatic platforms.

Cost Efficiency:

• Bulk Packaging: CCI’s .22 ammunition is available in bulk, which is ideal for high‑volume shooters and training sessions. Reloadable brass further enhances cost‑efficiency for reloading enthusiasts.

• Value vs. Premium: While premium lines may offer match‑grade accuracy or advanced terminal performance, CCI’s diverse lineup provides a solid balance of performance and affordability for everyday shooting.

Practical Recommendations for Choosing the Right CCI .22 Load

Assess Your Application:

• Training/Range Use: For high‑volume practice sessions, consider Standard Velocity, Clean‑22, or Mini‑Mag lines due to their reliability and cost‑effectiveness.

• Competitive Shooting: If you require slightly enhanced precision, Mini‑Mag and Target Mini‑Mag variants may offer improved groupings.

• Hunting/Varmint Control: For hunting small game or varmints, the high‑velocity Stinger and Mini‑Mag HP provide the extra energy and controlled expansion needed for ethical kills.

• Suppressed Use: For suppressed firearms, Quiet‑22, Quiet‑22 Segmented HP, and 22 Suppressor are your best options, offering sub‑sonic performance and minimal noise.

• Special Considerations:

  • AR Tactical & Green Tag: If you use AR‑15 platforms or require eco‑friendly ammunition, these specialty lines are tailored to meet those specific needs.

  • Shotshell: Experiment with the .22 LR shotshell if you’re interested in a different shooting experience for pest control or recreational plinking.

Match Your Firearm:

• Pistol vs. Rifle: Be sure to select loads optimized for your particular firearm. Some rounds may cycle better in semi‑automatic pistols, while others are tuned for rifles with longer barrels.

• Reloading: If you reload, consider the dimensional consistency of the brass and the reloading potential of each line. CCI’s reloadable brass across all product lines is a significant advantage.

Test and Evaluate:

• Field Testing: Before committing to bulk purchases, test different loads in your firearm to assess cycling reliability, grouping, and terminal performance.

• Environmental Considerations: Ensure that the load you select performs well under the conditions in which you shoot—be it extreme heat, cold, or variable humidity.

Final Thoughts

CCI’s extensive .22 LR product line is designed to meet the diverse needs of shooters—from everyday training and competitive target shooting to specialized hunting and suppressed applications. With products spanning Standard Velocity, Mini‑Mag (and its segmented and HP variants), Stinger, Quiet‑22 (and its segmented and sub‑sonic HP variants), AR Tactical, Green Tag, Shotshell, and 22 Suppressor lines, CCI offers something for every shooter.

Each category is engineered with specific performance characteristics in mind:

• Standard Loads deliver reliability and consistency for routine practice.

• High‑Velocity/Hyper‑Velocity Loads provide flatter trajectories and increased energy for competitive shooting and varmint hunting.

• Sub‑Sonic and Suppressor Loads are optimized for low‑noise operations.

• Specialty and Tactical Loads cater to niche applications, including AR‑compatible rounds and eco‑friendly, lead‑free options.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each product category and matching them to your shooting needs, you can maximize the performance of your firearm and enjoy cost‑effective, reliable ammunition for every session. CCI’s commitment to quality, consistency, and reloadability has made their .22 LR ammunition a cornerstone of the rimfire market, and with this comprehensive guide, you have all the information you need to choose the perfect load for your application.

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