Accurate and economical .22 standard velocity?

[IMshooter]

I am looking for some accurate and affordable .22 ammo in standard velocity.  This will be for Metallic Silhouette competition which is fired at 100 meters.  I would like to keep the price below $4 per box.  It must  be standard velocity ammunition.  What do you competition shooters recommend?

[GTKF]

If I recall correctly the most popular ammunitions at the nationals were; Wolf, Eley and Lapua. Each makes several grades.

That being said, the only way to be sure of accuracy is to try many brands/types in your gun and find what shoots best at 100 mtrs. When you find a brand type and lot # buy a case or as much as you can.

I was trying a few different types in both an Anschutz 64 sporter and 54 match last Saturday. CCI standard shot a 10 shot 0.9" (I was surprised, usually expecting some flyers from CCI) group in the 54 and 6.0" in the 64 at 100 yds. Lapua Super Club usually shoots under an inch in the 64.

Finding what the gun likes is part of the fun of Silhouette

[ppk1]

Mark, Here are two web sites that offer a good choice and price for target ammo (std. velocity).
www.champchoice.com   &    www.championshooter.com
Your $4 a box is about minimum for getting a good reliable group. Testing a less than 100 meters will not be a true test.
There are a lot of shooters at the nationals using the RWS Target at $2.70 a box with good results. My choice for short range animals.
I personally use two different ammos, one for chickens/pigs and another for turkeys/rams. The choice is what your particular setup prefers.
You can waste a lot of time/money on testing. Groups under 1 inch require top notch equipment. 1 1/4 is considered really good for an average setup and not a custom gun.
When you’re shooting a match being frustrated on turkeys and rams only leads to loss of concentration. Just remember there's 20 points in chickens & pigs.

[GeoNLR]

I have always been impressed by the SK lines (laupa, Wolf) .... they make practice ammo (SK Standard Plus) in the ~$2.50 a box area and have 4-5 different ammos in the ~$4 a box arena. Match, Rifle match, pistol match, etc. Don't be afraid to try the 'pistol' ammo in your rifle, just different velocities I have been told.

Another great way to get ammo is at Winnsboro every year. They have a Eley blow out of ~$4 a box stuff. In 2005 I bought (5) cases of the Eley/Remington Match EPS 'mismarked' for $425 a case ($4.25 per box) and I can not count the # of .5", 5-shot groups I have shot with it at 100M. Granted I have a custom built, but my old 1712 shot it nearly as well. To me the difference is the 'edge shots' and how it reacts in wind. The Eley is more predictable than the $2.50 a box standard plus....

[Jerry G]

You always get what you pay for.  You want cheep, you have to settle for larger groups.  You want small groups, you have to spend the money.  I have never understood why so many worry about the price of ammo.  I spend a couple of hundred flying to a match, just about that much for a rental car, and just about that much for a motel room, just about that much for entry fees and then I spend $20 or $30 on ammo to shoot that weekend.  Did I mention how much my 1712 and my 18x40 scope cost?

[IMshooter]

 I had to chuckle at your response, Gerry G.  It would appear your definition of fun is far different than mine.

[Jerry G]

I guess we all have our own definition.  My point was, of all the money you spend, ammo is probaly way down at the bottom unless you never go more than 20 miles from home.  In the summer I have to drive 150 miles one way for a match.  In the winter I have to go at least 70 miles one way.  The reward for living in the west.

[RaySendero]

Try CCI Blazers

[Arizona Jake]

Jerry,

Haven't seen you in Tucson. We will be shooting a 60 shot match on the 31st in Phoenix at Ben Avery. I hope you can make it. Hams will be awarded for the winners in each class!
 

Joaquin B.

[Jerry G]

I have been getting treatments for lymphoma and I am a little shakey.  I need to get back into it again.  When do you shoot at 3point?

[chucky52]

I shoot a Marlin 39A for lever action, a CZ Silhouette for smallbore and a TC in smallbore. I was shooting Wolf and it worked great in 3 guns; but, I can no longer find it. If you can find it, the price has gone from $13/brick to over $30/brick and it's backordered. So far, RWS is ok, Aquila is not too bad and everything else is poor. Wolf was great in three guns...What has happened to them?

Guess this means bite the bullet and pay more...

[1armoured]

If you can't find something that shoots half-decent in the SK, Lapua, Eley range, then probably best if you change your rifle.

And bear in mind, you don't have to shoot 'one-holers' at 100mtrs to hit a silhouette.
(Just aim in the middle, and say a little prayer as you follow through, while maintaining your hold !)

Hey, Jerry,
hope you're recovering well.

I've been shooting some good scores again after 5 yrs of treatment, chemo, and three operations.

So, don't give it up. Get on out there and 'break a leg' as they say in show business.
Fresh air, and exercise, and camaraderie does one the world of good.
Great for the ego also when you spank the young pretenders !

cheers,
Sean in 'Godzone'