Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models Review

What Makes Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models Stand Out?

Rimfire ammunition is a staple for many shooters, from those learning the basics to seasoned veterans honing their skills. The Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models aims to provide an affordable and reliable option for target practice, small game hunting, and general plinking. With its copper-plated bullets and bulk packaging, it promises reduced fouling and cost-effectiveness – claims I was eager to investigate after years of experience with various .22 LR loads.

I’ve always been on the lookout for a consistently performing .22 LR round that doesn’t break the bank, particularly for introducing new shooters to the sport. Reliability and minimizing fouling are crucial to avoid frustration and maintain smooth operation of the firearm. This is especially true with semi-automatic .22 rifles, which can be finicky with lower quality ammunition.

The first thing I noticed upon receiving the bulk pack was the sheer volume of cartridges – always a good sign for extended range sessions! The copper plating appeared uniform, and the rounds looked generally clean and well-made. It gave off the impression of decent quality despite the affordable price point.

I’ve used similar bulk .22 LR ammunition from Federal and Remington in the past, specifically their Champion and Golden Bullet lines, respectively. The Winchester offering seemed to position itself as a middle-ground option, potentially offering a slightly cleaner burn than the notoriously dirty Remington rounds while undercutting Federal’s price. Time would tell if it lived up to that potential.

My initial excitement was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by bulk .22 LR promising the world and delivering only frustration. However, the Winchester name carries weight, and the copper plating suggested a step above the cheapest offerings on the market.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for the Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models was my local outdoor shooting range. I brought along a variety of firearms, including a Ruger 10/22, a Marlin Model 60, and a bolt-action Savage Mark II, to assess performance across different platforms. The goal was to evaluate accuracy, reliability (failure-to-feed, failure-to-eject), and overall consistency.

The weather was mildly humid, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze – typical conditions for a summer afternoon at the range. I started with the Ruger 10/22, a semi-automatic rifle known for its generally good reliability. After the first 50 rounds, there were two failures to feed, which immediately raised a slight concern.

The Winchester ammunition felt a bit “dirtier” than I expected for copper-plated rounds. The action of the Ruger 10/22, as well as the Marlin Model 60, required more frequent cleaning than when using higher-end ammunition. This was a minor letdown.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several weeks, I put several hundred rounds of the Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models through my various .22 firearms. The reliability, while not terrible, remained a consistent issue. I experienced an average of 2-3 failures to feed or eject per 100 rounds in the semi-automatic rifles.

After about 500 rounds, the build-up of residue became noticeable in all firearms, requiring a thorough cleaning to maintain optimal performance. I did notice a bit less leading than I have seen in standard lead .22LR rounds. The copper plating seemed to help in that regard.

Compared to my experiences with CCI Mini-Mags (my benchmark for .22 LR reliability), the Winchester rounds fell short. CCI is substantially more expensive, but the peace of mind and reliable feeding are worth the investment, especially for serious small-game hunting. The Winchester would be fine for casual range time.

Breaking Down the Features of Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models

Specifications

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is the standard rimfire caliber for recreational shooting and small game hunting.

• Bullet Weight: 36 grain. The lighter bullet weight provides a higher velocity, making it suitable for plinking and varmint hunting at shorter ranges.

• Bullet Type: Copper Plated Hollow Point (CPHP). The copper plating helps reduce fouling in the barrel, while the hollow point design promotes expansion upon impact, increasing stopping power on small game.

• Packaging: Bulk Pack. The bulk pack offers a cost-effective way to purchase a large quantity of ammunition for extended shooting sessions.

• Use: Target practice, small game, varmints, plinking. This ammunition is designed to be versatile for a variety of shooting activities.

Performance & Functionality

The Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models generally performed adequately for its intended purposes. Accuracy was acceptable for plinking and casual target shooting at distances up to 50 yards. The hollow point design seemed to provide decent expansion on small targets.

The main weakness was the aforementioned reliability issues, particularly in semi-automatic rifles. This was less pronounced in the bolt-action rifle, where the manual cycling allowed for more consistent feeding. The ammunition met my expectations for an inexpensive bulk .22 LR round, but didn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The ammunition is designed to be functional and affordable. The copper plating is a welcome feature that theoretically reduces fouling. The weight is adequate for various weapons.

There is nothing particularly remarkable about the design or ergonomics. Its a simple, functional .22LR round.

Durability & Maintenance

.22 LR ammunition, properly stored, can last for decades. Cleaning is necessary after using these rounds, particularly in semi-automatics. A simple bore snake is sufficient for most maintenance needs.

This ammunition requires regular maintenance. The frequency is higher than with premium ammunition.

Accessories and Customization Options

There are no specific accessories that come with the Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models. However, it is compatible with all firearms chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Aftermarket magazines designed for specific rifles can improve reliability if feeding issues are encountered.

Optics are a very popular addition to .22 rifles. These can enhance accuracy at longer ranges.

Pros and Cons of Winchester 222 .22 Long Rifle 36 grain Copper – 1 out of 4 models