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22 Short Ammo

Find .22 short ammo right here at Palmetto State Armory. .22 short rimfire ammunition is an excellent quiet option for short distance target training. Choose from the top brands such as Remmington, Winchester, and CCI at competitive prices.
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  1. CCI .22 Short 29gr Copper RN Ammunition 100rds - 0027

    CCI .22 Short 29gr Copper RN Ammunition 100rds - 0027

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    $11.99 $0.24
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  2. Winchester Ammunition Super-X Blank Black Powder .22 Short Ammo, 50/box - X22SB

    Winchester Ammunition Super-X Blank Black Powder .22 Short Ammo, 50/box - X22SB

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  3. ArmsCor .22 Short 29 gr LS 50rds

    ArmsCor .22 Short 29 gr LS 50rds

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  4. Winchester Super X Blank .22 Short Smoke and Noise Ammunition, 50 Rounds

    Winchester Super X Blank .22 Short Smoke and Noise Ammunition, 50 Rounds - X22SBW

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  5. Winchester Ammunition Super-X 29 gr Lead Round Nose Low Noise Copper-Plated .22 Short Ammo, 50/box - X22S

    Winchester Ammunition Super-X 29 gr Lead Round Nose Low Noise Copper-Plated .22 Short Ammo, 50/box - X22S

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  6. Remington 22 Golden Bullet 29 gr Plated Lead Round Nose .22 Short Ammo, 100/box - 1000

    Remington 22 Golden Bullet 29 gr Plated Lead Round Nose .22 Short Ammo, 100/box - 1000

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  7. CCI Short Target 29 gr Lead Round Nose .22 Short Ammo, 100/box - 0037

    CCI Short Target 29 gr Lead Round Nose .22 Short Ammo, 100/box - 0037

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  8. ArmsCor 29 gr Solid Point .22 Short Ammo, 50/box - 50415

    ArmsCor 29 gr Solid Point .22 Short Ammo, 50/box - 50415

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  9. Aguila 22 Short Super Extra High Velocity Copper Plated Bullet 50 rds - 1B222110

    Aguila 22 Short Super Extra High Velocity Copper Plated Bullet 50 rds - 1B222110

    Rating:
    87%
    (3)
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  10. 22 SHORT 27GR CPHP

    CCI .22 Short 27gr Copper Plated HP High Velocity Ammunition 100rds -0028

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Learn More about .22 Short

A Short History Lesson for the .22 Short

The .22 Short cartridge has a rich history that dates back to 1857, making it one of the oldest self-contained cartridges still in use today. Developed by Smith & Wesson for their first revolver, the .22 Short was originally intended for personal defense. At the time, it offered a revolutionary step forward from black powder muzzleloaders, combining bullet, powder, and primer in one compact, easy-to-use package.

Although its power was modest even by 19th-century standards, the .22 Short quickly gained favor for its simplicity, reliability, and low recoil. Over the years, it transitioned from a defensive round to one more associated with target shooting, training, and small-game hunting. Its long standing reputation for low noise, minimal recoil, and user-friendly characteristics has kept it alive for more than 160 years.

What Is a .22 Short Good For?

While the .22 Short is no longer a first choice for self-defense, it remains valuable in several important roles.

  • Target Shooting: The .22 Short is ideal for close-range target practice. Its low recoil and soft report make it an excellent choice for beginners and those sensitive to noise or recoil.

  • Pest Control: It is still useful for dispatching small pests such as rats, squirrels, and snakes at close ranges. In controlled environments like farms or gardens, where overpenetration must be minimized, the .22 Short offers just the right balance.

  • Training: New shooters benefit from the low noise and minimal kick of a .22 Short cartridge, allowing them to focus on fundamentals without developing a flinch.

  • Recreational Shooting: Plinking — informal shooting at cans, bottles, and other targets — is where the .22 Short continues to shine, providing affordable and low-stress fun.

In sum, the .22 Short remains an excellent choice for controlled environments where precision and minimal noise are key.

Is .22 Short Still Made?

Yes, .22 Short ammunition is still being manufactured today, although it is not as widely available as more popular calibers like .22 LR (Long Rifle). Major manufacturers, including CCI, Winchester, and Aguila, continue to produce it for niche markets.

Typically, production runs of .22 Short are smaller and may be seasonal, which means availability can vary. Specialty sporting goods stores, online retailers, and some larger gun shops often keep it in stock. Whether used for vintage firearms, niche competitions, or pest control, the demand, though smaller than in its heyday, remains steady enough to ensure ongoing production.

Can I Shoot .22 Short Out of a .22 LR?

In many cases, yes. Most firearms chambered for .22 Long Rifle can safely fire .22 Short cartridges. However, there are a few considerations:

  • Feeding Issues: Semi-automatic rifles and pistols designed specifically for .22 LR may have trouble cycling .22 Short ammunition because of its lower power. In bolt-action rifles, single-shot firearms, and revolvers, this is less of a concern.

  • Accuracy and Point of Impact: Because the .22 Short has different ballistics compared to .22 LR, the point of impact may shift slightly, and accuracy might be affected over longer distances.

  • Chamber Fouling: Repeatedly firing .22 Short rounds in a .22 LR chamber can lead to a buildup of residue in the chamber, potentially causing issues when switching back to .22 LR ammunition. Regular cleaning is recommended to avoid problems.

Always consult your firearm’s manual or manufacturer guidelines to ensure compatibility, but for most manual-action firearms, using .22 Short is generally safe and practical.

Affordability of .22 Short Ammo

Affordability is one of the enduring strengths of .22 Short ammunition, although due to lower production volumes, it is typically more expensive per round than .22 LR.

  • Cost Per Round: Depending on the brand and quantity purchased, .22 Short ammunition usually costs 10 to 20 cents per round. Bulk buying often reduces the price.

  • Availability: While not as plentiful as .22 LR, .22 Short can still be found online and in brick-and-mortar stores that cater to a wide range of shooters.

  • Comparison to .22 LR: The .22 Short is slightly more expensive than the .22 LR, and shooters seeking purely economical training or plinking options might prefer the .22 LR. However, the low noise, mild recoil, and special applications of the .22 Short justify its price for many users.

  • Reloading: Given the cartridge's rimfire design, reloading .22 Short is generally not practical for most shooters. Instead, factory ammunition remains the standard.

In practical terms, the .22 Short remains one of the most affordable rimfire options for specific uses, especially for those who need quieter shooting or own vintage firearms chambered for it.