My ammo findings... CCI vs. Federal

[sean eady]

After google convinced me that walmart federal 550 bulk shot good and was accurate , this is what I found with my time at the range today. On the left is 10rnds of CCI Mini Mag at 100yds. On the Right is 10rnds of federal at 100 yds.Both were shot back to back. Needless to say CCI is all I will be buying from now on. I must admit the federal had no issues feeding at all , but accuracy in my opinion is terrible.

Here is the range

 

[industrialfish]

Is that the 36gr HP or 40gr?

 

[Dragon88]

What is the cost of 10 rounds of each? That is the missing factor here.

 

[industrialfish]

What is the cost of 10 rounds of each? That is the missing factor here.

CCI should be abut $.65 for 10 rounds. Federal bulk would be be less. maybe $.20 for 10 rounds.

 

[Bflaker]

The federal 550 at walmart is 3.4 cents per round and the CCI is 6.5 cents per round. That's almost double the price.

 

[sean eady]

Sorry about that.... I guess a little info would be helpful huh? The CCI was 36 grain hollow point as was the federal. The velocity of the CCI is 1260. Federal 1260. So specs of the ammo are identical. Price was $.70 per 10 rnds of CCI. $.35 per 10rnds of Federal.

 

[industrialfish]

Good info. I normal get the 36gr CCI for my P22 but opted for the 40gr for the 15-22 as they are supposed to be slightly more accurate for target vs slightly more stopping power for varmints.

 

[Skunkhome]

What is the size of the spread on those targets. It is very hard to tell with no reference.

 

[Hobie1]

Fed. vs CCI

I bought a bunch of the Fed.550 bulk. I'm glad I didn't buy more. Even at 50' the difference between it and the CCI mini-mags and SV is remarkable. I can cut out the center with CCI, the Fed. looks more like a shotgun spread. I measured the rims on a bunch of the Fed. stuff and it was all over the place thickness wise. Even after sorting out several batches and shooting them the accuracy still sucked. The CCI was very consistent on the other hand and it showed on the targets. It comes down to this for me: do I want make noise and spray and pray? Or do I want the rounds to go where I aim them and pay more for that?
Just depends on the situation.

Hobie BTW Sean, that was pretty grouping at 100 yards for the CCI.
Here's Bill the Cat that posed for the picture at 50'. The top group is CCI, the bottom "pattern" Fed bulk.

 

[diligent1]

I'd rather hit what I'm aiming at rather than just spraying lead (or copper). Great shooting by the way!

 

[Citoriplus]

Damn, that's some really nice groups. Looks as good or better than the best I have ever managed from my heavily massaged carbon fiber barreled (and a hell of a lot more expensive) 10/22.

 

[sean eady]

Good info. I normal get the 36gr CCI for my P22 but opted for the 40gr for the 15-22 as they are supposed to be slightly more accurate for target vs slightly more stopping power for varmints.

Funny you say that... I bought my wife a p-22 yesterday and took it out for the first time today. Shot like a dream with the CCI , but would not blow the slide back far enough to rack a new round with the federal.

 

[Hobie1]

Just for clarity..

Just want to make sure that you know that Bill was shot indoors. I'm impressed with the OP's 100yd. targets even with the Fed.'s.

Okay bye!

Hobie

 

[sean eady]

What is the size of the spread on those targets. It is very hard to tell with no reference.

These were the 12" targets. center red circle is 2" diameter.

 

[sean eady]

I bought a bunch of the Fed.550 bulk. I'm glad I didn't buy more. Even at 50' the difference between it and the CCI mini-mags and SV is remarkable. I can cut out the center with CCI, the Fed. looks more like a shotgun spread. I measured the rims on a bunch of the Fed. stuff and it was all over the place thickness wise. Even after sorting out several batches and shooting them the accuracy still sucked. The CCI was very consistent on the other hand and it showed on the targets. It comes down to this for me: do I want make noise and spray and pray? Or do I want the rounds to go where I aim them and pay more for that?
Just depends on the situation.

Hobie BTW Sean, that was pretty grouping at 100 yards for the CCI.
Here's Bill the Cat that posed for the picture at 50'. The top group is CCI, the bottom "pattern" Fed bulk.

I'd rather hit what I'm aiming at rather than just spraying lead (or copper). Great shooting by the way!

Damn, that's some really nice groups. Looks as good or better than the best I have ever managed from my heavily massaged carbon fiber barreled (and a hell of a lot more expensive) 10/22.

Just want to make sure that you know that Bill was shot indoors. I'm impressed with the OP's 100yd. targets even with the Fed.'s.

Okay bye!

Hobie

Thank you all for the compliments on the grouping. I can not begin to explain how much fun I have with this rifle...... It truly is an addiction......I love it !!!!!!

 

[Dragon88]

Sorry about that.... I guess a little info would be helpful huh? The CCI was 36 grain hollow point as was the federal. The velocity of the CCI is 1260. Federal 1260. So specs of the ammo are identical. Price was $.70 per 10 rnds of CCI. $.35 per 10rnds of Federal.

I merely wanted to point out the difference in price for the ammunition. For some people using this as an AR carbine trainer, Fed bulk pack is more than accurate enough. If you want to shoot small groups then CCI may be worth twice the price to you. Your group there with the CCI looks great for a 22 rifle, I would not have expected that level of accuracy.

 

[Ed333]

try some AutoMatch...

Before you make up your mind for sure, try some 40 gr. lead Federal AutoMatch, that is the Federal bulk sold in a 325 round box, a bit more expensive than the 36 gr. copper plate HP Value Pack (550 round box). Might surprise you. Not knocking the CCI, my Annie vastly prefers CCI MiniMag to Federal, but just try it...might do pretty good.
All of my .22 pistols have individual preferences for ammo, even those pistols of same brand.

 

[sean eady]

I merely wanted to point out the difference in price for the ammunition. For some people using this as an AR carbine trainer, Fed bulk pack is more than accurate enough. If you want to shoot small groups then CCI may be worth twice the price to you. Your group there with the CCI looks great for a 22 rifle, I would not have expected that level of accuracy.

I see what your saying on the price. What confuses me is the specs are identical. Why is there such a difference in accuracy.Hobie 1 stated the size variance he found wich I understand, but I could actually feel a considerable difference in the shot from one brand to the other. Are the specs federal puts on the box BS ?

 

[sean eady]

Before you make up your mind for sure, try some 40 gr. lead Federal AutoMatch, that is the Federal bulk sold in a 325 round box, a bit more expensive than the 36 gr. copper plate HP Value Pack (550 round box). Might surprise you. Not knocking the CCI, my Annie vastly prefers CCI MiniMag to Federal, but just try it...might do pretty good.
All of my .22 pistols have individual preferences for ammo, even those pistols of same brand.

I will keep an eye out for them. For the most part all of my local shops and wally world only carry the 550 ct.

 

[Dragon88]

Making good 22LR ammunition is actually a very complex process. Spinning priming compound in such a small rim evenly is very hard, as is throwing such a small charge of powder consistently. Look at the pricing on ultra match 22LR ammo, it is absurd and approaches the cost of match grade centerfire ammunition. They are made to the same general specifications, the CCI is just made much better, with a slower production rate and a higher price.