Top rimfire cartridge options for target shooting

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting your journey into precision shooting, choosing the right ammunition can make all the difference between a good day at the range and a great one. Rimfire cartridges have long been the backbone of target shooting, offering an unbeatable combination of accuracy, affordability and manageable recoil that appeals to shooters of all skill levels. 

The beauty of rimfire ammunition lies in its accessibility. Unlike centerfire cartridges that can quickly drain your wallet during extended practice sessions, rimfire rounds allow you to fire hundreds of rounds without breaking the bank. This affordability factor is crucial for developing shooting skills, as consistent practice is the key to improvement. Additionally, the minimal recoil of rimfire cartridges makes them ideal for new shooters who are still developing their fundamentals, while the reduced noise levels make them suitable for indoor ranges and noise-sensitive environments. 

Modern rimfire ammunition has evolved significantly from the simple plinking rounds of decades past. Today's match-grade options deliver precision that rivals centerfire cartridges at short to medium ranges, making them serious contenders for competitive shooting. At Creedmoor Sports, we understand that every shooter deserves access to ammunition that performs consistently shot after shot, which is why we've carefully curated a selection of the finest rimfire cartridges available. 

Why rimfire excels in target shooting 

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge has dominated target shooting for over a century and there are compelling reasons why it continues to be the go-to choice for shooters worldwide. Understanding these advantages will help you appreciate why rimfire ammunition deserves a place in every serious shooter's arsenal. 

Minimal recoil for maximum precision 

One of the most significant advantages of rimfire ammunition is its incredibly low recoil. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for target shooting, where maintaining sight alignment and consistent shooting form is crucial. The gentle recoil allows shooters to stay on target for follow-up shots and makes it easier to spot impacts downrange. For new shooters, this reduced recoil eliminates the fear and flinching that often accompany larger calibers, allowing them to focus on developing proper shooting fundamentals without the distraction of heavy recoil. 

Cost-effective high-volume practice 

Target shooting requires practice and lots of it. Rimfire ammunition's affordability makes it possible to fire hundreds or even thousands of rounds during training sessions without the financial burden associated with centerfire cartridges. This economic advantage translates directly into improved shooting skills, as consistent practice is the foundation of marksmanship excellence. The ability to shoot frequently without worrying about ammunition costs allows shooters to experiment with different techniques, shooting positions and equipment configurations. 

Surprising precision potential 

Modern match-grade rimfire ammunition has reached impressive levels of precision that were unimaginable just a few decades ago. Advanced manufacturing techniques and quality control measures have resulted in rimfire cartridges capable of producing sub-MOA groups at 50 yards, with some premium loads achieving even tighter groupings. This level of accuracy makes rimfire ammunition suitable for serious competitive shooting, including Olympic-level events and precision benchrest competitions. 

Versatility across shooting disciplines 

Rimfire cartridges excel in various shooting disciplines, from precision benchrest shooting to dynamic action shooting sports. The consistent performance and predictable ballistics make them ideal for everything from formal target competitions to informal plinking sessions. This versatility means that a single type of ammunition can serve multiple purposes, simplifying your shooting experience and reducing the need for multiple cartridge types. 

Premier rimfire cartridge options 

Selecting the right rimfire cartridge depends on your specific shooting goals, budget and the level of precision you're seeking. The following options represent the cream of the crop in rimfire ammunition, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different shooting needs and preferences. 

ELEY Tenex: The gold standard for competition 

When competitive shooters need absolute precision, ELEY Tenex consistently delivers championship-level performance. This premium ammunition has earned its reputation through decades of success in the world's most demanding shooting competitions, including Olympic events and world championships. 

ELEY Ammunition has built its reputation on meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising quality standards. Each Tenex cartridge undergoes rigorous testing and quality control measures that ensure consistent performance from lot to lot. The company's commitment to excellence extends beyond just manufacturing, as they continuously invest in research and development to push the boundaries of rimfire ammunition performance. 

With a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,070 fps, ELEY Tenex provides the consistency that competitive shooters demand. What sets Tenex apart is its incredibly tight production tolerances and the fact that each round is individually evaluated during the manufacturing process. This attention to detail results in ammunition that produces remarkably consistent velocities and trajectories, essential qualities for competitive success. 

The cartridge design focuses on providing optimal stability and accuracy across various barrel lengths and twist rates. Competitors in International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and National Rifle Association (NRA) events frequently choose Tenex for its dependable shot-to-shot consistency. The ammunition's reputation for reliability means that shooters can focus on their technique and shooting fundamentals rather than worrying about ammunition performance variables. 

To maintain the peak performance that ELEY Tenex can deliver, proper firearm maintenance is crucial. Rimfire cleaning kits help ensure that your rifle's bore remains in optimal condition, allowing the precision ammunition to perform at its best. 

Lapua Center-X: Premium performance with practical value 

Lapua has established itself as a world leader in producing the finest brass and rimfire ammunition available today. Their Center-X cartridge represents an excellent balance between premium performance and practical value, making it an ideal choice for serious target shooters who demand high quality without the premium price of competition ammunition. 

The Lapua Center-X delivers a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,070 fps, matching the velocity of more expensive competition rounds while maintaining the consistency that Lapua is known for. This ammunition has earned recognition for producing dense groupings and dependable performance across a wide range of shooting conditions and rifle configurations. 

What makes Center-X particularly appealing is its versatility. While it performs exceptionally well in precision shooting applications, it's also practical enough for extended training sessions and club-level competitions. The ammunition strikes an optimal balance between performance and cost, making it possible to shoot premium-quality rounds without the financial commitment required for the most expensive competition ammunition. 

The consistency of Center-X makes it an excellent choice for shooters who want to develop their skills with ammunition that will perform reliably as they progress. The predictable ballistics and consistent accuracy help shooters identify and correct technique issues without wondering whether ammunition variables are affecting their performance. 

Lapua offers Center-X in multiple lot variants, allowing shooters to test different lots to find the one that performs best in their specific rifle. This lot-to-lot testing approach is common among serious rimfire shooters, as individual rifles often show preferences for specific ammunition lots based on their unique barrel characteristics and dimensions. 

SK Rifle Match: Quality performance at an accessible price 

SK Ammunition has earned recognition as a leading manufacturer of .22 LR match-grade rimfire ammunition, trusted by competitive shooters, training facilities and precision shooting enthusiasts worldwide. Their Rifle Match cartridge offers outstanding quality at a more accessible price point, making premium ammunition available to a broader range of shooters. 

Produced by the same parent company as Lapua, SK Rifle Match benefits from the same high-quality manufacturing processes and attention to detail that characterizes premium European ammunition. With a muzzle velocity of approximately 1,070 fps, Rifle Match provides consistent performance that excels in various rifle configurations and shooting applications. 

The ammunition's design philosophy focuses on delivering reliable accuracy across different barrel types and shooting conditions. SK Rifle Match performs exceptionally well in standard barrels and, with appropriate rifle tuning and lot testing, can compete in performance with significantly more expensive alternatives. This makes it an excellent choice for club-level competitions and serious practice sessions where consistent performance is essential but budget considerations are important. 

One of the strengths of SK Rifle Match is its reliability in semi-automatic rifles, where consistent cycling and reliable ignition are crucial for maintaining shooting rhythm and accuracy. The ammunition's consistent powder charges and primer sensitivity ensure reliable function across a wide range of rifle types and conditions. 

To maximize the performance potential of SK Rifle Match, proper shooting technique and equipment setup are essential. Scope levels and wind flags help minimize environmental errors and allow the ammunition's inherent accuracy to shine through. These accessories help shooters identify and compensate for external factors that can affect accuracy, ensuring that ammunition performance isn't masked by technique or environmental variables. 

RWS High Velocity Hollow Point: Versatility meets performance 

RWS has built a reputation for producing high-quality ammunition and shooting accessories that combine precision engineering with exceptional performance. Their High Velocity Hollow Point cartridge offers a unique combination of target shooting accuracy and practical versatility that appeals to shooters who want one ammunition type for multiple applications. 

The RWS High Velocity Hollow Point delivers a higher muzzle velocity of approximately 1,265 fps, providing flatter trajectory characteristics that can be advantageous for shooting at varying distances. This higher velocity, combined with the hollow point bullet design, creates an ammunition option that bridges the gap between pure target shooting and practical field applications. 

While not specifically designed as match-grade ammunition, the RWS High Velocity Hollow Point provides impressive accuracy potential for recreational target shooting and training applications. The flatter shooting characteristics make it particularly suitable for shooters who want to practice at different ranges without constantly adjusting their point of aim or scope settings. 

The hollow point bullet design offers reliable expansion characteristics, making this ammunition suitable for pest control and small game hunting applications while maintaining the accuracy needed for target shooting. This dual-purpose capability makes it an excellent choice for shooters who want versatility in their ammunition selection. 

The higher velocity of this cartridge also makes it an excellent choice for shooters who want to experience slightly different ballistic characteristics while still maintaining the fundamental advantages of rimfire ammunition. The increased velocity can help shooters understand the effects of different bullet speeds on trajectory and wind drift, valuable lessons for those planning to eventually move to centerfire cartridges. 

For convenient storage and transport during range sessions, the Creedmoor Rimfire Ammo Slider Box provides an organized and efficient way to manage your ammunition supply, ensuring that you can focus on shooting rather than fumbling with loose cartridges. 

Selecting the right rimfire cartridge for your needs 

Choosing the optimal rimfire cartridge involves considering several factors that will influence your shooting experience and results. Understanding these considerations will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your shooting goals, budget and equipment capabilities. 

Matching ammunition to your shooting goals 

Different shooting disciplines and skill levels require different ammunition characteristics. Competitive shooters participating in precision events will benefit from the exceptional consistency of premium match-grade ammunition like ELEY Tenex or Lapua Center-X. These cartridges provide the shot-to-shot consistency necessary for competitive success, where small variations in ammunition performance can significantly impact scores. 

Recreational shooters and those developing their fundamental skills may find that high-quality but less expensive options like SK Rifle Match provide excellent performance for their needs. The key is matching the ammunition's capabilities to your current skill level and shooting goals, ensuring that you're not overspending on precision that exceeds your ability to utilize it effectively. 

Understanding your rifle's preferences 

Individual rifles often show distinct preferences for specific ammunition types and even specific lots within a brand. This phenomenon occurs because slight variations in barrel dimensions, rifling characteristics and chamber specifications can affect how different ammunition performs. Serious target shooters often purchase small quantities of different ammunition types to test in their rifles, keeping detailed records of accuracy and consistency. 

The testing process involves shooting multiple groups with each ammunition type under consistent conditions, carefully documenting group sizes and any patterns that emerge. This investment in testing time often pays dividends in improved accuracy and consistency, as finding the optimal ammunition for your specific rifle can result in significant improvements in shooting performance. 

Budget considerations and value optimization 

While premium ammunition offers the highest levels of consistency and precision, the law of diminishing returns applies to ammunition selection just as it does to other shooting equipment. Shooters should consider their budget constraints and shooting volume when selecting ammunition, as the cost of premium cartridges can add up quickly during high-volume practice sessions. 

For many shooters, using premium ammunition for competition and important practice sessions while using high-quality but less expensive alternatives for general practice and skill development provides an optimal balance between performance and cost. This approach allows shooters to experience the benefits of premium ammunition when it matters most while maintaining affordable practice opportunities. 

Maximizing your rimfire shooting experience 

Getting the most from your rimfire ammunition investment extends beyond simply selecting high-quality cartridges. Proper equipment maintenance, shooting technique and understanding of external factors all contribute to maximizing the performance potential of your chosen ammunition. 

Proper storage and handling 

Rimfire ammunition requires proper storage to maintain its performance characteristics over time. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations. Proper storage not only preserves ammunition performance but also ensures reliable ignition and consistent velocities. 

When handling rimfire ammunition, avoid touching the bullet or case rim, as oils from your skin can affect ballistic performance and potentially cause accuracy issues. Using ammunition boxes or trays that protect the cartridges from damage and contamination helps maintain consistency from storage to shooting. 

Equipment maintenance and optimization 

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your rifle are essential for maximizing ammunition performance. A clean bore allows bullets to travel consistently and predictably, while accumulated fouling can affect accuracy and velocity consistency. Establishing a regular cleaning routine helps ensure that your rifle performs at its best with your chosen ammunition. 

Scope and sight alignment should be checked regularly, as even small shifts in zero can affect accuracy significantly. Many shooters find that keeping detailed shooting logs helps identify when equipment maintenance is needed and tracks the performance of different ammunition types over time. 

Environmental considerations 

Understanding how environmental factors affect rimfire ammunition performance helps shooters make informed decisions about when and how to use their chosen cartridges. Temperature, humidity and altitude all influence ammunition performance and serious target shooters often keep records of how their ammunition performs under different conditions. 

Wind reading skills become particularly important when shooting rimfire ammunition at longer distances, as the lighter bullets are more susceptible to wind drift than heavier centerfire projectiles. Developing these skills through practice and observation helps shooters maximize their ammunition's accuracy potential. 

Your path to rimfire excellence 

The world of rimfire target shooting offers incredible opportunities for skill development, competitive success and shooting enjoyment. Whether you're just beginning your journey or seeking to reach new levels of precision, the right ammunition selection forms the foundation of your shooting success. 

Each of the cartridges discussed offers unique advantages that cater to different shooting needs and goals. ELEY Tenex provides the ultimate in competitive precision, Lapua Center-X offers premium performance with practical value, SK Rifle Match delivers quality at an accessible price point and RWS High Velocity Hollow Point provides versatility for multiple applications. 

The key to success lies in understanding your specific needs, testing different options to find what works best in your rifle and maintaining consistent practice with quality ammunition. Remember that even the finest ammunition cannot compensate for poor shooting fundamentals, so focus on developing solid technique alongside your ammunition selection. 

At Creedmoor Sports, we're committed to helping shooters achieve their goals through access to the finest rimfire ammunition and shooting equipment available. Our carefully curated selection ensures that whether you're competing at the highest levels or enjoying recreational target shooting, you have access to ammunition that will help you perform at your best. 

Explore our complete selection of premium rimfire ammunition and shooting accessories and discover how the right equipment can transform your shooting experience. For personalized assistance in selecting the perfect ammunition for your needs, contact our expert team who can help guide you toward the optimal setup for your shooting goals.