Ammo Choices

[glp]

when I read the equipment lists I see the predominant ammo brand is Eley followed by Laupa.

Do most of you regular rimfire shooters test both brands then refine by lot number or do you just stick with one and try to find a good lot?

Why do you not see more RWS or Federal Match or Ultra Match(both RWS made)ammo used. Is it because you have found that it doesn't perform along side of Eley or Lapua or is it because it's not tested? Tks --Greg

 

[CliffA]

Ammo testing

It all boils down to three things for me. Number 1, Availability, 2 performance, 3 price. Until last year Eley was readily available, well priced, and a solid performer. Last year Eley became hard to acquire unless you wanted to buy as it came in without any testing. I think more shooters decided to test Lapua last year due to availability. With this year’s price increase in Eley ammo and still seemingly short supplies, along with Bob Collins selling RWS by lot code with a good supply, I think you will see more shooters testing other ammo. This should lead to a higher percentage of Lapua and RWS in the equipment lists. As for the Federal, I found it to be a good performer, but price and availability very poor.

 

[mistermike]

This is a good question. Ammo is the one variable in BR 22rf that the shooter has no control over. I've tried most brands and have stuck with Eley for my rifles. Although I shot Tenex last year, I've switched back down to Black Box.

In 2008-2009 there was a few batches of Eley BB going around that had some underloaded rounds. You could hear the difference on the line when the round was fired, along with the resulting "&%*#!!!" from the shooter as the shot dropped low. That is the only time I've seen inconsistency in Eley, and for what we're paying, it had better be the last.

The batches of Lapua I've tried just have not worked well in my guns. I'd like to try RWS or Federal, but I'm pretty set for ammo this year -- unless of course I need to shoot a heck of a lot of spotters. Or RWS and Federal would care to send out some sample cases for us to try!

Best,
Michael