First Impressions of Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off
For years, I’ve relied on .22 LR ammunition for everything from training new shooters to dispatching varmints on the ranch. I was looking for a reliable, high-velocity round that would cycle consistently in my modern sporting rifles chambered in .22LR. The Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off promised just that, with its design optimized for high-capacity magazines and a higher muzzle velocity.
My primary need was to find ammunition that would minimize malfunctions in my AR-22 platform. I’ve experienced frustrating jams with other bulk .22 LR ammo, especially during rapid-fire drills. I wanted something that could handle the heat and provide consistent performance, ensuring my training sessions weren’t interrupted by constant clearing of malfunctions.
Upon receiving the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off, the packaging was standard Winchester – functional and no-frills. The box felt substantial, hinting at the 500 rounds contained within. Inspecting the rounds, the copper plating on the round nose bullets looked clean and consistent, a good sign for reliable feeding.
Compared to CCI Mini-Mags, another high-velocity .22 LR option, the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off appeared to have a slightly more pronounced ogive on the bullet. I also considered Federal AutoMatch, known for bulk affordability, but the M-22’s specific design for modern sporting rifles and higher velocity swayed me. The CCI is more expensive and sometimes hard to find, while I found the Federal AutoMatch to be less consistent.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The ammunition looked well-made, and the advertised specifications aligned with my needs. I was eager to get to the range and see if the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off could live up to its promises of reliability and accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off at my local outdoor shooting range, primarily using my AR-22 rifle with a 25-round magazine. The weather was sunny and dry, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ideal shooting conditions. My testing included slow, controlled fire for accuracy and rapid-fire drills to assess reliability in high-volume shooting scenarios.
The initial loading and cycling were smooth, with no immediate issues. The ammunition fed reliably into the chamber, and the first few magazines were emptied without a single malfunction. I did notice a slight increase in smoke compared to other .22 LR rounds I’ve used, but it didn’t impact visibility or overall shooting experience.
However, after about 100 rounds, I experienced a few failures to extract, occurring approximately once every three magazines. It was an annoyance but not a deal-breaker, especially since the extraction failures were easy to clear. The accuracy, though, was impressive; I was able to consistently hit a 4-inch target at 50 yards with iron sights.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, I’ve put approximately 2500 rounds of Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off through my AR-22. The frequency of failures to extract remained consistent, occurring roughly once every 75-100 rounds. This is acceptable for recreational shooting, but I would hesitate to rely on this ammunition for serious competition or self-defense.
The ammunition showed no significant signs of degradation or performance decrease over time. Cleaning my rifle after each session revealed a moderate amount of residue, typical for .22 LR ammunition. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the bolt and chamber are crucial to maintain reliable function with any .22 LR, including the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off.
In comparison to my previous experiences with CCI Mini-Mags, the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off offered comparable accuracy but slightly lower reliability in my AR-22. The CCI Mini-Mags, while more expensive, consistently cycled without failures in my rifle. While I like the overall performance, I was slightly disappointed with the reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off
Specifications
The Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It’s a .22 Long Rifle cartridge, designed for rifles and some pistols chambered in this caliber. The bullet weight is 40 grain, a common standard for .22 LR, balancing velocity and energy.
The bullet type is Copper Plated Round Nose (CPRN), intended to enhance feeding reliability, especially in semi-automatic firearms. The cartridge case is made of brass, which is standard for rimfire ammunition. The muzzle velocity is advertised at 1255 feet per second (fps), providing increased energy and a flatter trajectory compared to standard velocity .22 LR rounds.
The ammunition is suitable for various applications, including varmint hunting, target shooting, and even self-defense, though .22 LR is generally considered a less-than-ideal self-defense caliber. The primer style is rimfire, the standard for .22 LR ammunition. Muzzle energy is rated at 140 ft-lbs.
Performance & Functionality
The Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off performs admirably in terms of accuracy, delivering consistent groupings at reasonable distances. However, the reliability, as mentioned previously, is not perfect, with occasional failures to extract. The higher muzzle velocity translates to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges.
The strengths of this ammunition include its accuracy, consistent bullet weight, and design for modern sporting rifles. A significant weakness is the occasional failure to extract in certain firearms. The ammunition meets expectations for accuracy but falls slightly short on reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off is simple and functional. The copper-plated round nose bullet is designed for smooth feeding. The brass cartridge case is standard and contributes to reliable ignition.
The ammunition is user-friendly and requires no special handling or preparation. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is durable and does not degrade significantly over time if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Regular cleaning of the firearm after use is essential to remove residue and prevent malfunctions. No specific maintenance is required for the ammunition itself.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off is primarily an ammunition product and does not come with any accessories. It is compatible with any .22 LR firearm that is designed to handle high-velocity ammunition. Aftermarket magazines, optics, and other accessories can be used to enhance the performance of the firearm but are not directly related to the ammunition itself.
Pros and Cons of Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off
Pros
- Higher velocity provides a flatter trajectory and increased energy.
- Copper-plated round nose bullet ensures smooth feeding in most firearms.
- Consistent accuracy makes it suitable for target shooting and varmint hunting.
- Affordable bulk packaging is convenient for high-volume shooting.
- Designed for use in modern sporting rifles, enhancing their reliability.
Cons
- Occasional failures to extract can occur, especially in some AR-22 platforms.
- Produces more smoke compared to some other .22 LR ammunition brands.
Who Should Buy Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off?
The Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off is perfect for recreational target shooters who prioritize accuracy and a higher velocity .22 LR round. It is also well-suited for varmint hunters looking for an affordable and effective ammunition option. Those using modern sporting rifles chambered in .22 LR will also benefit from its design optimized for reliable feeding.
This product is not ideal for competitive shooters where absolute reliability is paramount. Individuals seeking a completely smoke-free shooting experience might also want to explore other options. If you have a firearm that is particularly finicky with ammunition, it’s best to test a small batch before buying in bulk.
A bore snake and some cleaning solvent would be a must have for the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off.
Conclusion on Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off
In summary, the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off offers a compelling combination of accuracy, increased velocity, and affordability. While not perfect in terms of reliability, its performance is generally satisfactory for recreational shooting and varmint hunting.
Considering the price point and the ammunition’s strengths, the value proposition is justified. The Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and accurate .22 LR ammunition for their modern sporting rifles. I would recommend it with the caveat to be aware of potential extraction issues in certain firearms.
Give it a try and see if the Winchester M-22 Rimfire Rifle Ammunition .22 LR 40 gr RN S22LRT5 $4.60 Off meets your specific shooting needs!