Subsonic vs standard velocity vs high velocity .22 LR: speed, noise, accuracy and which to use
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The categories
| Category | Typical muzzle velocity | Example loads | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-velocity / "quiet" | ~700–800 fps | CCI Quiet-22 (710 fps) | Very quiet |
| Subsonic / standard velocity | ~1,050–1,100 fps | CCI Standard Velocity (1,070), CCI Subsonic HP (1,050), Eley Match (1,085) | No supersonic crack from most rifles |
| High velocity | ~1,200–1,300 fps | CCI Mini-Mag HP (1,260), Winchester Super-X (1,255), Federal Champion Target (1,200) | Supersonic crack near the muzzle |
| Hyper velocity | 1,500+ fps | CCI Stinger (1,640) | Loudest |
Velocities are maker figures from 22–24 in test barrels as compiled by GunVera [1]. Shorter barrels are slower.
Why the speed of sound matters
The speed of sound at sea level is about 1,125 fps [1] [2]. A bullet faster than that makes a sonic crack along its path, even through a suppressor. High-velocity .22 LR starts supersonic and slows through the transonic zone within the first 25–50 yd; that transition can disturb the bullet and is hard for ballistic calculators to model [2]. Standard-velocity ammo starts subsonic and avoids it, which is the main reason match ammo is standard velocity.
Drop and energy compared (50 yd zero)
| Load | Muzzle energy | Energy at 100 yd | Drop at 100 yd | Drop at 150 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCI Stinger 32 gr | 191 ft-lb | 91 ft-lb | -3.8 in | -12.8 in |
| CCI Mini-Mag HP 36 gr | 127 ft-lb | 79 ft-lb | -5.3 in | -17.1 in |
| CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr | 102 ft-lb | 74 ft-lb | -6.8 in | -21.3 in |
| CCI Quiet-22 40 gr | 45 ft-lb | 37 ft-lb | -14.8 in | -47.5 in |
GunVera, maker velocities, JBM-calculated downrange figures [1].
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
Which is more accurate?
In precision bolt guns, standard-velocity match ammo usually groups best, which is why competitors shoot it. But individual rifles vary, and some shoot a particular high-velocity load very well. Shooting Illustrated's T1x shot a cloverleaf with Aguila Super Extra at 1,309 fps [3], and Gun Digest's BMR shot its best group with CCI Velocitor [4]. Test in your rifle: ammo testing and lot testing.
Which to use for what
| Use | Best category | Ammo we link |
|---|---|---|
| Bench, NRL22, PRS rimfire | Standard velocity match | SK Rifle Match, Lapua Center-X, Norma TAC-22, Federal Gold Medal Target |
| Practice and plinking | Standard or high velocity | CCI Standard Velocity, SK Standard Plus |
| Small game | High velocity HP or subsonic HP | CCI Mini-Mag |
| Suppressed shooting | Subsonic / standard velocity | CCI Standard Velocity, CCI Quiet-22 |
| Semi-autos (10/22, A22) | Usually high velocity for reliable cycling | CCI Mini-Mag |
Barrel length changes the category
Velocities are from 22–24 in test barrels [1]. A 16 in barrel is somewhat slower, so a high-velocity load may run closer to the sound barrier and a standard-velocity load stays comfortably subsonic. If you want to know for sure, measure with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro.
Noise and hearing
Even subsonic .22 LR from an unsuppressed rifle is loud enough to warrant hearing protection. Suppressed with subsonic ammo, it's far quieter, but not silent. Wear electronic muffs or foam plugs at the range. Suppressor rules: suppressor laws by state.
Cost
Bulk high-velocity ammo is usually the cheapest per round; match-grade standard velocity costs more; premium lots cost much more. Many shooters practice with a cheaper standard-velocity load and save match ammo for competition.
Temperature effects
Velocity can shift with temperature, which matters most near the sound barrier and at longer ranges; see cold-weather rimfire.
Where "subsonic" can mislead
Box labels aren't standardized across brands. Some "target" loads sit right around the speed of sound, and a load that's subsonic from a 24 in test barrel may behave differently in your rifle on a hot day. If staying subsonic matters (suppressed or precision shooting), measure your actual velocity.
Bullet types
- Lead round nose (LRN): most match and standard-velocity ammo.
- Copper-plated: common in high-velocity loads; cleaner to handle and often cycles semi-autos well.
- Hollow point (HP): designed to expand on small game.
- Segmented HP: designed to break apart for a larger wound channel.
How to test categories in your rifle
- Buy a box each of one standard-velocity, one high-velocity and one match load.
- Shoot five 10-shot groups of each at 50 yd from a solid rest, alternating loads.
- Pick the most accurate load that also suits your use (quiet, cycling, terminal performance).
- Then test lots of that product: lot testing.
Bottom line
For most bolt-gun shooters, standard-velocity ammo is the best all-round choice: quiet, accurate and gentle on suppressors. Use high velocity when you need reliable semi-auto cycling or a flatter path for small game, and hyper velocity for the flattest trajectory on pests.
Suppressor fouling and ammo choice
Lead round-nose standard-velocity ammo leaves lead and lubricant in a suppressor; copper-plated loads can be somewhat cleaner but are often supersonic. If you shoot suppressed a lot, pick a subsonic load you can live with and clean the can on the maker's schedule. See how to buy a suppressor for can options.
Quick decision guide
- Bolt gun, accuracy first: standard-velocity match.
- Suppressed hunting: subsonic hollow point.
- Semi-auto plinking: high velocity.
- Pests to 100 yd, noise not a concern: hyper velocity.
- Backyard-quiet, very short range: low-velocity "quiet" loads, rifle only.
Why match shooters stay subsonic
Competitors care about consistency shot to shot. Starting subsonic avoids the transonic transition and keeps velocity spreads small, which shows up as less vertical stringing at 100 yd and beyond.
FAQ
Is subsonic .22 LR more accurate?
In precision bolt guns, standard-velocity (subsonic) match ammo usually groups best, but individual rifles vary. Test in your rifle.
What speed is subsonic for .22 LR?
Below the speed of sound, about 1,125 fps at sea level. Standard-velocity loads run about 1,050–1,100 fps from a rifle.
Will standard velocity ammo cycle a 10/22?
Sometimes. Many blowback semi-autos cycle best with high-velocity ammo; test yours.
Is high velocity .22 better for hunting?
It shoots a little flatter and hits harder inside 100 yd, but accuracy and shot placement matter most.
Sources
- GunVera .22 LR ballistics chart (maker velocities, JBM-calculated drop)
- AmmoSight .22 LR trajectory table (G1 0.125, 1,235 fps)
- Shooting Illustrated (T1x $649, Oct 2024)
- Gun Digest Bergara BMR review (2024)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · contact@rimfirebuilds.com