First Impressions of **CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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The world of .22 Long Rifle ammunition is vast, filled with options for plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting. But when it comes to personal defense, the .22 LR often gets a bad rap. The CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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As someone with over a decade of experience in the outdoor and tactical gear industry, I’ve seen countless products claim to revolutionize the market. I was looking for a reliable .22 LR round that could provide adequate self-defense capabilities in a compact handgun. The claim of consistent expansion from short barrels piqued my interest, as that’s been a historical weakness of .22 LR defensive rounds.
Upon receiving the CCI Ammunition Uppercut, the first thing that struck me was the nickel-plated casings. The nickel plating is designed to enhance feeding and extraction, a feature I appreciate in any rimfire ammunition. The rounds felt well-made, and the jacketed hollow point design looked aggressive, inspiring a degree of confidence that standard .22 LR rounds often lack.
I’ve used various .22 LR rounds, including CCI Mini-Mags and Federal Punch, for different purposes. The Mini-Mags are great for reliable plinking and small game, while the Federal Punch is a solid performer, but the Uppercut’s jacketed hollow point with nose skiving promised better expansion than either. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, but ultimately, performance would determine whether the CCI Ammunition Uppercut lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting **CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing of the CCI Ammunition Uppercut took place at my local shooting range, using a Ruger LCP II (.22 LR) and a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 pistol. I wanted to assess its performance in both a very short-barreled handgun, mirroring a common concealed carry scenario, and a longer barreled pistol. I tested the rounds in varied weather conditions. The weather was partly cloudy with approximately 5 mph winds.
The CCI Ammunition Uppercut was generally reliable in both platforms, but I did experience a few failures to feed in the Ruger LCP II, which is known to be picky with ammunition. Accuracy was acceptable for defensive purposes at typical self-defense distances (7-10 yards). Expansion, however, was inconsistent; some rounds expanded visibly in gel, while others did not.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the CCI Ammunition Uppercut proved to be reasonably reliable, but not flawless. I estimate an overall failure rate of about 2-3% in the LCP II, mostly consisting of failures to feed or extract. The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 proved to be more reliable.
I observed no significant signs of wear and tear on the ammunition itself, and the nickel-plated casings remained relatively clean. Maintaining the firearms used in testing was straightforward. The nickel plating seemed to reduce fouling compared to standard brass casings. In terms of reliability, the results were mixed. While the promise of expansion intrigued me initially, the inconsistent performance became concerning with more extended testing.
Breaking Down the Features of **CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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Specifications
The CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition boasts some interesting specifications. The 32-grain jacketed hollow point projectile is lighter than many standard .22 LR rounds, presumably to achieve higher velocities from short barrels. The nickel-plated brass casings are intended to improve feeding and extraction, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions.
The rounds are packaged in boxes of 50, suitable for range practice and defensive carry. The rimfire primer is standard for .22 LR ammunition. This design is typically reliable but prone to misfires if not properly stored. These specifications are critical because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in a self-defense scenario, where reliability and consistent expansion are paramount.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the CCI Ammunition Uppercut is to provide a reliable and effective self-defense option in .22 LR. The ammunition did deliver adequate accuracy at close ranges. However, the expansion was inconsistent, which raises concerns about its terminal performance on a threat.
The key strength is the design intent: to offer controlled expansion and sufficient penetration from short-barreled handguns. The main weakness is the inconsistent expansion, making it less reliable than other defensive rounds in larger calibers. It meets the minimum expectations for accuracy, but falls short of exceeding expectations for consistent expansion.
Design & Ergonomics
The CCI Ammunition Uppercut’s design is fairly straightforward. The nickel-plated casings enhance smooth feeding into a firearm. The rounds feel well-made and consistent in size and weight. The jacketed hollow point design is designed to promote expansion upon impact.
The bullet weight is relatively light, but the jacketed construction helps maintain momentum and penetration. There’s no learning curve involved in using the ammunition, as it functions like any other .22 LR round. The nickel plating aids in easy loading and cycling, making it user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
.22 LR ammunition is generally durable when stored properly in a cool, dry environment. I anticipate that the CCI Ammunition Uppercut will last for years if stored correctly. Maintenance is minimal. The ammunition should be kept clean and free of debris to ensure reliable feeding and ignition.
The nickel plating should resist corrosion, but regular inspection is always recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CCI Ammunition Uppercut doesn’t require any specific accessories or customization options, as it’s a self-contained ammunition product. However, it’s crucial to use it with firearms that are well-maintained and known to be reliable with .22 LR ammunition.
Using high-quality magazines and ensuring proper firearm maintenance can significantly improve the reliability of any .22 LR ammunition. It is also compatible with most standard .22 LR firearms.
Pros and Cons of **CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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Pros
- Designed for Expansion: Engineered with nose skiving for reliable expansion from short-barreled handguns.
- Nickel-Plated Casings: Nickel-plated brass improves feeding and extraction.
- Adequate Accuracy: Provides acceptable accuracy at typical self-defense distances.
- Reduced Fouling: The unwaxed bullet and nickel plating help reduce fouling and improve feeding.
- Personal Defense Application: Specifically marketed and designed for self-defense, giving peace of mind.
Cons
- Inconsistent Expansion: Expansion in gel testing was not always reliable, raising concerns about terminal performance.
- Reliability Issues: Some failures to feed and extract were experienced, particularly in shorter-barreled handguns.
Who Should Buy **CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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The CCI Ammunition Uppercut might be a decent choice for individuals seeking a dedicated self-defense .22 LR round for a longer-barreled pistol or rifle. Those who prioritize having some expansion over no expansion from standard .22 LR rounds might find it appealing.
Individuals relying on short-barreled .22 LR handguns for self-defense should probably skip this product, especially if they require absolute reliability and consistent terminal performance. Must-have accessories would include a high-quality, reliable .22 LR firearm, magazines known to feed reliably, and rigorous testing with your specific firearm to verify functionality.
Conclusion on **CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition
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The CCI Ammunition Uppercut .22 Long Rifle 32 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point JHP Nickel Plated Rimfire Ammunition presents an interesting attempt to bridge the gap between .22 LR’s traditional role and its potential for self-defense. However, the inconsistent expansion and occasional reliability issues prevent it from being a truly dependable option.
The price of $10.99 for a box of 50 rounds is reasonable for defensive ammunition. However, the lack of consistent performance makes it difficult to justify solely on value. I can’t enthusiastically recommend it as a primary self-defense round, especially for short-barreled handguns.
My final thought is that while the concept is promising, the CCI Ammunition Uppercut needs further refinement to achieve the reliable expansion and consistent performance required for a truly effective self-defense .22 LR round. Do your own testing before relying on it.