Accuracy Test: CCI vs. Federal vs. Aguila

[MoondogIndustries]

I'm sharing a comparative accuracy test I conducted between CCI Mini-Mag HP, Federal Auto Match, and Aguila Super Extra HV. Every gun is different, but I wanted to test the accuracy of my 10/22 using "everyday ammo" that you could pick up at your local sporting goods or Walmart before COVID.

I tried my best to remove "shooter error" from the equation and just let the rifle shoot the ammo to get clean results. I mounted my phone to my rifle scope and lined up my shots through the phone's view, so you're seeing what I was seeing.

I inspected the cartridges before loading for manufacturing blems that might affect the test. There were none in the rounds I happened to pick from each box. All ammo shot reliably without failures to feed or cycle.

 

[243winxb]

When testing, barrel needs cleaned when changing brands. Then fire a few of the new to condition the barrel before testing.
Different bullet lubes dont always work well together. Same with different powders.

 

[MoondogIndustries]

I recently did a new test following that protocol, seasoning the barrel and only using a single ammo type. But the results weren't significantly different than this test. I suspect that at the plinking distance of this test (50yrds), seasoning doesn't make a big difference.

 

[1Merlin]

It's all relative. For someone who is actually a "plinker" shooting to shoot and have a good time there probably is no substantial difference. For someone who is a more "serious" shooter there definitely is a difference. When you are at the range and see a guy bring out a 5 thousand dollar BR rifle with a rest that cost twice what your rifle cost, a scope that costs thousands and is shooting 15-25 dollar a box ammunition..... Ask him what he thinks - you can expect his opinion to be there is a huge difference.

Just my opinion worth just what you paid for it.

 

[Rsadams]

I shoot alot of the aguila because I can find it easy... Normally it's CCI standered velocity for me in bolt rifles..

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Fed Auto Match shoots pretty good ( Nickel sized Groups ) for, CHEAPISH Ammo, in my Green Mtn Barrel ( Bentz Chambered ) BUT, the Lead is, Soft ( Leads up, Bbl more than, I'd like to see ! )
SK plus and Wolf Match Extra, shoot better and,.. cleaner !
I will be trying CCI Std Vel at a later Time BUT, hard to Find any .22 Ammo right now.
I had, a SS Ruger Factory Bbl and Experienced Flyers with, MOST Ammo ! Ok for Plinking,.. BUT ??

 

[Rsadams]

Fed Auto Match shoots pretty good ( Nickel sized Groups ) for, CHEAPISH Ammo, in my Green Mtn Barrel ( Bentz Chambered ) BUT, the Lead is, Soft ( Leads up, Bbl more than, I'd like to see ! )
SK plus and Wolf Match Extra, shoot better and,.. cleaner !
I will be trying CCI Std Vel at a later Time BUT, hard to Find any .22 Ammo right now.
I had, a SS Ruger Factory Bbl and Experienced Flyers with, MOST Ammo ! Ok for Plinking,.. BUT ??

Everything is sooo hard to find right now... For $3.99 a box or so CCI standered velocity is hard to beat , it shoots well in ALMOST all Rimfire...I have seen were some people it doesn't get the job done for them but I have many Rimfires and it shoots well in all mine... Better than anything by a mile in it's price range...

 

[snowpro440]

Thanks for the effort in testing ammo but I have found that .22 ammo can vary from gun to gun. My one Ruger 10/22 shoots Wolf Match Target and my other likes SK standard plus , both 10/22's have KIDD heavy barrels on them. Its all about what the gun likes not the ammo IMO. Try some SK or Wolf or Eley in there to see if will shoot those. I never could get the Aguilla ammo to shoot well in any of my .22's. CCI Std Velocity shot just a little better for me than federal or Winchester or Remington.

 

[MoondogIndustries]

Another precision shooting friend had some blunt criticism about my testing setup.

 

[Ggmac]

Thanks for the effort in testing ammo but I have found that .22 ammo can vary from gun to gun. My one Ruger 10/22 shoots Wolf Match Target and my other likes SK standard plus , both 10/22's have KIDD heavy barrels on them. Its all about what the gun likes not the ammo IMO. Try some SK or Wolf or Eley in there to see if will shoot those. I never could get the Aguilla ammo to shoot well in any of my .22's. CCI Std Velocity shot just a little better for me than federal or Winchester or Remington.

Gun to gun and LOT to LOT . Personally I think your in over your head , meaning every lot will be different, every gun will be different even the same make ! Itll be a never ending test .

 

[Nomosendero]

Are you saying we have more cases because we do more testing? I have several cases in my gun room, I didn't know that's what they meant on TV.

 

[justinp61]

I recently did a new test following that protocol, seasoning the barrel and only using a single ammo type. But the results weren't significantly different than this test. I suspect that at the plinking distance of this test (50yrds), seasoning doesn't make a big difference.

What I've found in my rifles (52's & 40Xb) is there isn't much difference between SK and RWS as far as seasoning goes. What I have found is that shooting CCI SV after SK or RWS is that the CCI will shoot very well for ten to twelve shots then groups start opening up. I've seen this several times in four rifles. It has to do with the lube.

This and $1.75 will buy you a cup of coffee in some places.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

Running 22lr ammo over a Labradar is eye opening to say the least. I run a bunch of different brands with my radar unit at our indoor range last winter just for something to do. I can say that Lapua, Norma (made by RWS) and RWS and also Wolf is pretty decent/consistent stuff. General rule,.. if you can buy it locally at big chain stores its not worth shooting in any match. BTW CCI "green tag" is worse than CCI "standard" for being consistent.
I only tried the ammo I had on hand so there may be other good/bad stuff.

 

[drover]

What I've found in my rifles (52's & 40Xb) is there isn't much difference between SK and RWS as far as seasoning goes. What I have found is that shooting CCI SV after SK or RWS is that the CCI will shoot very well for ten to twelve shots then groups start opening up. I've seen this several times in four rifles. It has to do with the lube.

This and $1.75 will buy you a cup of coffee in some places.

I have had the same experience with CCI S/V after shooting SK. Their lube may be greasy but it is very effective in contributing to good grouping ammo.

drover

 

[rogina]

I have had the same experience with CCI S/V after shooting SK. Their lube may be greasy but it is very effective in contributing to good grouping ammo.

drover

What does sk use for lube. Could it be applied to the cci sv?

 

[drover]

I suspect that information is sort of like the Coca-Cola formula - a well kept secret.

drover

 

[JavmanSTX]

What does sk use for lube. Could it be applied to the cci sv?

If I not mistaken I thinks it's some type of bees wax.

 

[justinp61]

If I not mistaken I thinks it's some type of bees wax.

If it's bees wax it's in a solution, load a magazine and it'll be all over your hands. CCI SV appears to be dipped in some sort of wax.

 

[JavmanSTX]

I've handled the SK, Eley, etc. and the SK definitely leave a slim like coating on your hands.

 

[1Merlin]

Alchemy is defined as the process of taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary,



Alchemy appears to be alive and going strong.