6 Best Hypervelocity 22Lr Ammos That Group Tightly Past 100 Yards

You’re set up on the bipod, staring down the scope at a small steel swinger 125 yards away. A gentle crosswind whispers through the tall grass. With standard velocity .22LR, you’d have to hold over significantly, but today you’re trying something different. Pushing the humble .22LR past its perceived limits is a rewarding challenge, and hypervelocity ammunition is the key to unlocking that long-range plinking and small-game potential.

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Pushing .22LR: Hypervelocity for Distance

When we talk about hypervelocity .22LR, we’re generally referring to rounds that break the 1,400 feet-per-second (fps) barrier. This is a significant jump from standard velocity ammo, which typically hums along at around 1,100 fps. The primary benefit is a flatter trajectory, meaning less bullet drop over distance. This simplifies your holdover and makes hitting those distant targets much more intuitive.

The trade-off, however, is often bullet weight and stability. To achieve these blistering speeds, manufacturers use lighter projectiles, which can be more susceptible to wind drift. Furthermore, not every .22 rifle barrel, with its specific twist rate (most commonly 1:16"), will stabilize these zippy, lightweight bullets effectively. The result is that one brand of hypervelocity ammo might shoot like a laser out of your friend’s rifle but pattern like a shotgun out of yours. Finding the right hyper-ammo is a journey of discovery, not a simple purchase.

CCI Stinger 32gr: The Classic Speed Demon

If you’ve been around rimfire shooting for any length of time, you’ve heard of the CCI Stinger. It’s the benchmark for hypervelocity .22LR, famous for its 1,640 fps muzzle velocity and distinctive nickel-plated case. That longer case, however, can be a point of contention; it may not chamber reliably in firearms with tight match-grade chambers, so check your rifle’s compatibility.

The Stinger’s 32-grain copper-plated hollow point offers a flat trajectory and explosive expansion on small varmints at typical ranges. When you stretch it past 100 yards, that light projectile can get pushed around by the wind. But on a calm day, for a rifle that likes it, the Stinger can deliver impressive accuracy and makes connecting with distant targets feel almost effortless due to the minimal bullet drop.

CCI Velocitor 40gr for Heavier Bullet Impact

What if you want speed without sacrificing bullet weight? That’s the exact problem the CCI Velocitor was designed to solve. It launches a full-weight, 40-grain copper-plated hollow point at a blistering 1,435 fps. This combination is a game-changer for anyone looking to hunt larger varmints or simply deliver more authority at the 100-yard mark.

The heavier bullet retains its energy more effectively downrange and is inherently more stable in windy conditions compared to its lighter counterparts. This often translates directly to tighter groups past 100 yards. For many shooters, the Velocitor represents the best of both worlds: the flat-shooting characteristics of a hypervelocity round with the downrange punch and stability of a standard high-velocity load. It’s a top contender for any serious small-game hunter looking to extend their effective range.

Aguila Supermaximum 30gr: Pushing Velocity

If raw speed is your primary goal, look no further than the Aguila Supermaximum. This round pushes an ultralight 30-grain plated lead hollow point to a staggering 1,700 fps. It’s one of the fastest .22LR rounds on the market, delivering an incredibly flat trajectory inside 100 yards.

That extreme velocity comes with a caveat for long-range work. A 30-grain bullet is easily influenced by wind, and it sheds its velocity quickly. Stability can also be an issue in barrels that don’t have the right harmonics for such a light, fast projectile. This is an ammunition that absolutely requires you to test it in your specific rifle to see if you can achieve consistent groups at distance.

Winchester Varmint HE for Explosive Impact

Designed with a clear purpose, the Winchester Varmint HE (High Energy) is all about terminal performance on small pests. It features a 37-grain segmented hollow point that travels at a respectable 1,435 fps, putting it in the same velocity class as the CCI Velocitor. The bullet is designed to break into three distinct pieces upon impact, creating a massive wound channel.

From a long-range accuracy perspective, the 37-grain weight offers a good compromise between the lighter 32-grain options and the heavier 40-grain standard. Its performance at 100+ yards will depend entirely on how well your barrel stabilizes this specific projectile. For varmint hunters who need dramatic effect on target, and whose rifles group it well, the Varmint HE is a potent choice.

Remington Yellow Jacket for Flat Trajectories

The Remington Yellow Jacket is another long-standing classic in the hypervelocity world, easily recognizable by its unique truncated cone hollow-point bullet. This 33-grain projectile leaves the muzzle at around 1,500 fps, offering a significant velocity boost over standard ammo. The "Power-Lokt" hollow point design is intended to provide both accuracy and expansion.

The slightly heavier 33-grain weight and unique bullet profile can sometimes be the magic combination for rifles that don’t group well with other hypervelocity options. It offers a flat trajectory that simplifies aiming at various distances, making it a fun and effective round for plinking or controlling pests. Like all .22LR ammo, its long-range performance is rifle-dependent, but it’s a worthy option to include in your testing lineup.

CCI Copper-22 21gr: A Lead-Free Speedster

For shooters in areas that restrict the use of lead ammunition, options can feel limited. The CCI Copper-22 steps in to fill that gap with an innovative approach. It uses an incredibly light 21-grain copper-polymer composite hollow point, achieving a mind-boggling muzzle velocity of 1,850 fps.

This is the fastest round on our list, but also the most specialized. The ultralight bullet is extremely susceptible to wind and loses energy rapidly, making 100+ yard precision a significant challenge. However, its lead-free construction makes it a vital option for hunting in regulated zones. It’s a testament to modern ammunition design, but it requires a calm day and a lot of practice to master at distance.

Finding Your Rifle’s Preferred Hyper-Ammo

There is no universal "best" hypervelocity .22LR ammo. The single most important factor is how a specific round performs in your specific rifle. Rimfire firearms are famously finicky, and the only way to find what works is to get to the range and test them.

Start by buying a 50-round box of three or four of the options listed here. On a calm day, from a stable bench rest, shoot several five-shot groups of each type at 100 yards. Don’t just look for the single best group; look for the ammunition that delivers the most consistent performance. You might find that the round with the highest velocity isn’t the one that groups the tightest. The fun is in the process of discovery, tuning your setup, and building confidence in your rifle’s long-range capabilities.

Ultimately, the perfect ammunition is the one that lets you confidently take the shot, whether it’s on a distant steel plate or a pesky varmint. The goal isn’t to own the "best" gear on paper, but to find the gear that works for you and then get outside to use it. The real reward is the time spent honing your skills and enjoying the outdoors.