Best .22LR Ammo for Plinking and Target Shooting
January 26, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
.22LR is the most popular cartridge on earth — cheap, low-recoil, and endlessly fun. For plinking you mainly want reliable feeding and good value. Here is what to look for.
High velocity vs standard velocity
High-velocity .22LR (1,200–1,400 fps) gives flatter trajectory and reliable cycling in semi-autos — ideal for plinking. Standard/subsonic is quieter and often more accurate for slow-fire target work.
What to prioritize
- Reliable ignition (rimfire can be finicky — quality brands matter)
- Copper-plated or lubricated lead round nose for clean cycling
- Bulk packaging (boxes of 300–500+) for the best price per round
Because .22LR is so cheap, buying in bulk barely strains the budget. Compare live .22LR ammo prices and watch the .22LR price history for the best time to stock up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best .22LR ammo for plinking?
Reliable high-velocity copper-plated loads from established rimfire brands offer the best mix of cycling reliability, accuracy, and price for plinking.
Is bulk .22LR worth it?
Yes — .22LR is inexpensive and buying in bulk lowers cost per round with little downside, as long as you store it dry.
Compare live prices
