22 SHORT AND BULK 22 SHORT AMMO

About 22 SHORT Ammo

The 22 Short cartridge holds a distinguished place in the world of rimfire ammunition.

First introduced in 1857 by Smith & Wesson, the .22 Short was originally developed for their first revolver—making it not only the first American metallic cartridge but also one of the oldest continuously produced rounds in firearms history.

Initially loaded with black powder and a 29-grain bullet, the .22 Short was intended primarily for personal defense and law enforcement use during its early years.

Over time, the 22 Short evolved with the introduction of smokeless powder and improvements in bullet design, which increased its reliability and versatility. While more powerful rimfire options like the .22 Long and 22LR eventually became dominant for many applications, the .22 Short remained a favorite for low-recoil shooting, training, target practice, and even small game hunting at close range.

Its mild report and limited penetration made it especially useful in gallery guns and indoor target shooting, earning it a spot in countless shooting ranges throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, 22 Short ammo is still manufactured by top brands like CCI, Aguila, and Winchester, and remains popular among collectors, competitive shooters, and those seeking a quieter, lower-impact shooting experience.

It’s also used in certain vintage firearms and rifles chambered for multiple .22 rimfire cartridges, adding to its appeal in the classic firearms community.

Whether for nostalgia, training, or low-noise shooting, 22 Short ammunition continues to have a meaningful role in the shooting sports world—proving that even after more than 160 years, this compact cartridge still hits its mark.

22 SHORT Ammunition Features

22 Short ammunition is known for its unique combination of compact size, low recoil, and quiet performance—making it a popular choice for both beginner and seasoned shooters.

Despite its small stature, this classic rimfire round offers several distinct advantages that continue to keep it relevant in the shooting sports community.

Low Recoil & Minimal Noise
One of the standout features of .22 Short ammo is its exceptionally light recoil. This makes it an excellent option for new shooters, youth training, or anyone sensitive to kickback. Its mild report also makes it ideal for quiet shooting sessions, especially in indoor ranges or backyard settings (where legal).

Compact Design
Measuring just 0.686 inches in overall length, the 22 Short is the smallest and lightest member of the .22 rimfire family. Its compact design allows for high-capacity tubular magazines and compatibility with a wide range of multi-caliber .22 firearms.

Versatile Use Cases
While not intended for long-range performance, .22 Short ammunition is well-suited for close-range target shooting, small game hunting, and pest control. It’s also favored for vintage revolvers, gallery guns, and specialty firearms designed for quiet or reduced-penetration shooting.

Soft Shooting for Indoor & Training Applications
Because of its reduced energy and noise, 22 Short ammo is frequently used in training scenarios and indoor ranges. It’s a reliable choice for maintaining marksmanship without the wear and tear of higher-pressure rounds.

Wide Availability in Multiple Loads
Modern .22 Short ammo is available in various bullet types, including lead round nose (LRN) and hollow point (HP) variants, typically in 27 to 29 grain weights. These options offer modest ballistic performance tailored for specific uses like plinking or small varmint dispatching.

Legacy and Compatibility
Many older rifles and revolvers were chambered specifically for 22 Short, and many current .22 LR firearms are also capable of safely firing this cartridge. Its continued production by major manufacturers like CCI, Aguila, and Winchester ensures that shooters can still enjoy this heritage round today.

Whether you're looking for a training round, a quiet backyard plinker, or ammo for a classic firearm, .22 Short ammunition offers reliable performance in a timeless, soft-shooting package.

Common 22 SHORT Ammo Types

Lead Round Nose (LRN)
The most traditional and widely available .22 Short load, lead round nose (LRN) bullets typically weigh between 27 and 29 grains. These non-jacketed bullets offer excellent accuracy at close range and are ideal for:

• Target practice
• Plinking
• Firearms training
• Use in vintage or antique .22 Short rifles and revolvers
• Their soft lead composition also minimizes barrel wear, especially important in older firearms.

Copper-Plated Round Nose (CPRN)
Offering the same profile as LRN bullets but with a copper plating, CPRN .22 Short ammo helps reduce barrel fouling while still maintaining low recoil and quiet performance. It’s a popular choice for:

• Extended range sessions
• Clean shooting with less maintenance
• Training younger or recoil-sensitive shooters

Hollow Point (HP)
For small game and pest control, .22 Short hollow point ammo delivers enhanced terminal performance. These bullets are designed to expand upon impact, providing more energy transfer and stopping power at close distances. Hollow point .22 Shorts are most effective for:

• Squirrels and small varmints
• Backyard pest control (where legal)
• Hunters using lightweight lever-action or bolt-action rifles

High-Velocity .22 Short
Certain manufacturers offer high-velocity .22 Short rounds, which increase muzzle speed while keeping recoil manageable. These rounds push velocities up to 1,100–1,200 fps, extending their effective range slightly and offering more consistent performance in semi-automatic firearms. Ideal for:

• Semi-auto handguns and rifles chambered for .22 Short
• Slightly extended target ranges
• Improved accuracy in competition settings

CB (Conical Ball) and Quiet Loads
CB Short rounds or ultra-quiet .22 Short loads are specialty cartridges designed for very low noise and recoil. Often used in indoor shooting galleries, these are perfect for:

• Close-range pest control
• Quiet backyard shooting (check local laws)
• Sensitive environments like training youth shooters
  

Popular 22 SHORT Ammunition Brands

When it comes to 22 Short ammunition, quality, reliability, and consistency are key—especially for precision shooting, small game hunting, or recreational plinking.

Over the years, several manufacturers have earned the trust of shooters by delivering dependable .22 Short ammo that feeds smoothly, fires consistently, and performs well in both modern and vintage firearms.

Below are some of the most popular and reputable brands producing .22 Short ammunition today:

CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.)
CCI .22 Short ammo is among the most trusted by shooters for its clean-burning propellants, reliable primers, and consistent velocities. Known for precision manufacturing, CCI offers:

• High-Velocity Copper-Plated Round Nose (CPRN)
• CB Short (Conical Ball) Subsonic Loads
• Target and Pest Control Rounds

CCI is a top pick for target shooters, varmint hunters, and anyone looking for consistent ignition and low fouling in .22 Short platforms.

Aguila Ammunition
Aguila .22 Short ammo is a favorite for its affordability and performance. Manufactured in Mexico with a reputation for innovation and quality, Aguila offers:

• Standard Velocity Lead Round Nose (LRN)
• High-Velocity Copper-Plated and Hollow Point Loads

Ideal for training, small game, and recreational use, Aguila .22 Short is widely available and trusted by both casual and experienced shooters.

Winchester Ammunition
A legendary name in the firearms world, Winchester .22 Short ammo has been a staple in shooting sports for decades. Their rounds are known for their versatility and performance, including:

• Super-X Lead Round Nose (LRN)
• High-Velocity Hollow Point (HP) Options

Winchester's .22 Short offerings are especially popular for pest control, lever-action rifles, and older revolvers.

Remington Ammunition
Though not as widely available as in the past, Remington .22 Short ammo has long been recognized for quality manufacturing. Look for classic Golden Bullet series .22 Shorts for reliable ignition and clean shooting.

Eley Ammunition
For match shooters and enthusiasts of vintage target rifles, Eley .22 Short ammo provides elite-grade consistency. Though more niche, Eley offers:

• Premium Target Loads
• Specialty Competition Rounds

Popular Uses for 22 SHORT Ammunition

Despite its compact size and low power compared to other rimfire cartridges, .22 Short ammunition has carved out a lasting legacy in the firearms world. Known for its mild recoil, low noise, and manageable power, .22 Short is still a preferred choice for various shooting applications.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular uses for .22 Short ammo:

Target Shooting & Training
.22 Short ammo is widely used for target practice and marksmanship training, particularly for new shooters. Its low recoil and soft report make it ideal for young or beginner marksmen learning the fundamentals of shooting. Additionally, many vintage target pistols and rifles were designed around the .22 Short cartridge, making it the go-to choice for competitive or casual range sessions with those firearms.

Small Game Hunting & Pest Control
While not as powerful as .22 LR, .22 Short rounds are effective for small game like squirrels, rabbits, and birds at close range. They are also commonly used for pest control in barns, gardens, or around the homestead, especially in areas where minimizing noise is essential. Subsonic and CB (Conical Ball) Short variants are particularly quiet, making them ideal for close-quarters vermin control.

Vintage and Antique Firearms
Many classic revolvers, gallery guns, and early lever-action rifles were chambered specifically for .22 Short ammo. Because of its historical significance, collectors and firearm enthusiasts continue to use .22 Short to preserve the function and authenticity of these antique and heirloom firearms.

Exhibition Shooting & Gallery Guns
Historically, .22 Short was the standard for carnival gallery shooting, where low recoil and reduced ricochet risk were important. Some exhibition shooters and historical reenactors still use .22 Short in period-correct firearms due to its smooth cycling and manageable energy.

Urban & Low-Noise Shooting Applications
In areas where noise pollution is a concern, .22 Short subsonic loads are a top pick. Their quiet discharge makes them suitable for discreet shooting scenarios, such as shooting on private land, backyard ranges (where legal), or indoor ranges that permit rimfire calibers.

Why Shooters Still Choose .22 Short

• Minimal Recoil: Perfect for beginners or those sensitive to recoil.
• Low Noise: Great for quiet environments and suppressed firearms.
• Vintage Compatibility: Keeps classic firearms in service.
• Cost-Effective Practice: Ideal for high-volume plinking and informal shooting.

22 SHORT Ammo FAQs

Question: What is 22 Short ammo?
Answer: 22 Short ammo is a rimfire cartridge introduced in 1857. It features a small case and light bullet, making it ideal for low-recoil target shooting, small game hunting, and vintage firearms. Known for its quiet report and minimal recoil, 22 Short remains a favorite for training and recreational shooting.

Question: What is the difference between .22 Short and .22 Long Rifle ammo?
Answer: The main differences between .22 Short ammo and .22 LR ammo are case length, bullet weight, and power. .22 LR is longer, more powerful, and more widely used today. .22 Short produces less noise and recoil, making it better for beginners and quiet shooting scenarios.

Question: What is 22 Short ammunition used for?
Answer: 22 Short ammunition is commonly used for:

• Target shooting and plinking
• Pest control and small game hunting
• Training new shooters
• Shooting vintage or antique firearms designed specifically for .22 Short

Question: Can I shoot .22 Short in a .22 LR chambered firearm?
Answer: Some firearms chambered in .22 LR can also shoot .22 Short ammo, but this depends on the gun’s action type. Most revolvers and bolt-action rifles handle .22 Short without issue, but many semi-automatics will not cycle properly due to the lower pressure of .22 Short rounds.

Question: Is 22 Short good for self-defense?
Answer: While 22 Short ammunition can be lethal, it’s not generally recommended for self-defense due to its limited power and penetration. There are more suitable calibers for personal protection. However, in close-range emergency situations, it can still pose a serious threat.

Question: Is 22 Short ammo still being made?
Answer: Yes, several manufacturers continue to produce 22 Short ammunition, including CCI, Aguila, and Winchester. It’s available in a variety of load types such as standard velocity, high velocity, hollow point, and subsonic rounds.

Question: Can I buy 22 Short bulk ammo online?
Answer: Absolutely. Bulk 22 Short ammo is available online from trusted retailers like Ammunition Depot. Buying in bulk can save money and ensure you always have rounds on hand for plinking, training, or pest control.

Question: How much does 22 Short ammo cost?
Answer: 22 Short ammunition is generally inexpensive, but slightly more costly than .22 LR due to lower production volumes. Bulk purchases typically reduce the cost per round, making it more economical for frequent shooters.

Question: Is 22 Short good for hunting?
Answer: Yes, 22 Short rounds are effective for hunting small game like squirrels, rabbits, and birds—especially at close ranges. Subsonic loads are ideal for quiet, stealthy pest control in barns, gardens, or rural properties.

Question: Which brands make the best 22 Short ammo?
Answer: Top brands offering reliable 22 Short ammo include:

• CCI: Known for its standard and high-velocity loads
• Aguila: Offers quiet and clean-burning rounds
• Winchester: Produces a variety of 22 Short variants, including hollow points