Rimfire Ammo for Small Varmints?

[msinc]

I have to be odd an out again...many folks claim to have no luck or accuracy with CCI Stingers. The last couple 10-22's I have had shot them lights out and they kill. Federal made {makes??} ammo with bullets that split into three sections on impact, cant remember what they were called. One other company made a similar bullet in 22LR. They will definitely kill alright, knock a squirrel graveyard dead. The problem I had was hitting the animal. Those things were just not very accurate at all for me.
Same way with 22 magnum....CCI Maxi Mag +V"s I guess are the magnum version of a Stinger. Don't seem to be too many fans of those either, but all three 22 magnums I own will shoot them dead on.

 

[perry42]

I've had great accuracy using SK, Lapua, and Fiochi biathlon ammo. My Anschutz prefers Lapua, my 40x SK, and my BSA martini the Fiochi. All of the rifles will group 1/2inch or better using SK.

perry42

 

[snert]

For larger varmints like groudhogs, coons, etc, i love the CCI segmented. I been using them since they were Quik-shok. One and done

 

[klamathsteel]

Ditch the 22LR and go .17HMR. Good out to 150yds in the right conditions

 

[MrMajestic]

I have found the CCI Velociters provide the best accuracy(<1"@50 yds.) of all high velocity ammo in both my Remington 581 and 10/22. Both will shoot Eley Match EPS better and with a brain hit small animals don't seem to know the difference.
I do concurr that the HM2 will add another 50 yards to your kill zone but still require beaner shots to anchor..

 

[varmintshooter]

For small critters a 17m2 or 17hmr no question. If shooting paper go for a good 22.

 

[flatlander]

Years ago, K-Mart carried Winchester DynaPoint 500rd bulk pack ammo. Never saw any of it anywhere else but K-Mart. Bought a bunch of it, shoots just fine out of my 10/22.

 

[SSL]

Since you specifically mentioned "50-yard shots", there is certainly no need to replace your .22LR with the faster (and usually more expensive) .17s. If you want a .17, by all means get one, just don't get rid if your .22. Besides, no one should ever be without a .22!
As mentioned several times, .22s are probably more finicky than many centerfires. Try a little of everything. Borrow a few rounds of different brands and such from friends to save the cost of full boxes when possible. You might be surprised at what shoots best. May be one of the cheapest on the shelf. I was pleasantly surprised that my Browning T-Bolt loves the inexpensive Federal Champions and Remington bulk boxes from good old WalMart, but hates sub-sonic and most "match" offerings. Test all you can find. Besides, that's a great excuse to get out and shoot!
Best of luck.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

CCI velociters were the best we found for raccoon, without stepping up to a 22 mag. We ran dogs so shots were 100' or less.

 

[243Mendoza]

Results so far at 25yds. Winds were gusty but I tried to avoid them. Ignore upper left group which were sighting shots. Most of leftmost groups for each brand of ammo were 'fouling shots'. Will be more testing under more favorable conditions and more secure rifle hold.

 

[Bill K]

1. What is the best ammo to be used in a semi for accuracy up to 50yd and reliability to cycle rifle and fire and take out the varmint?

That will depend on what your rifle shoots the best. Most folks buy several brands, weights and type and shoot it at 25 & 50 yrds and then stick with the one your rifle does best with.