Description
Is expensive .22 LR match ammunition more accurate than budget ammo? Steve and Caleb from Brownells put Lapua Center-X and Winchester White Box to the test at 50 yards in this episode of SmythBusters.
Caleb shoots three 3-shot groups with each load and records velocity with a Garmin chronograph. Despite strong wind, Lapua Center-X produces tighter groups in this test, including one with all three shots touching. Interestingly, its recorded velocity spread and standard deviation are slightly higher than Winchester’s.
Steve and Caleb discuss what those results mean for recreational shooting and rimfire competition, and when premium ammunition may be worth the additional cost.
What .22 LR ammunition shoots best in your rifle? Share your experience in the comments. For help with your rimfire questions, contact the Brownells tech line.
Chapters
0:00 Is expensive .22 LR ammo worth it?
0:35 Lapua Center-X vs. Winchester White Box
1:06 Test setup and windy conditions
1:39 Winchester White Box groups
3:30 Winchester chronograph results
4:05 Lapua Center-X groups
5:47 Comparing targets at 50 yards
6:38 Examining the tightest groups
7:07 When premium rimfire ammo makes sense
7:58 Accuracy and ammunition consistency
8:20 Velocity results vs. group size
8:57 Match ammo for competition
9:15 Final verdict
9:39 Questions and closing thoughts