Best Rimfire Ammo For Suppressors

Across the shooting sports, suppressors have gone from a relatively rare novelty to one of the most popular pieces of gear. Shooters and hunters everywhere have realized what should have been obvious: Reducing muzzle blast makes shooting quieter, safer, more enjoyable and more effective. And although rimfires are generally quieter by nature than centerfires and shotguns, the benefits of putting a can on them are just as meaningful. But most suppressor novices don’t understand the important role ammo plays in their performance. We explain this and reveal the best rimfire ammo to choose.

Built For Suppressors

The best rimfire ammo for suppressors is subsonic and clean. Subsonic is good because a lot of the noise produced from a fired round is the “crack” created by the bullet breaking the sound barrier—and if you can eliminate that, it takes a suppressed rimfire from merely “quiet” to virtually silent. Cleanliness matters because the system of baffles within a suppressor collects a lot of fouling that eventually needs to be removed. The cleaner the ammo, the less maintenance you’ll need to do on your suppressor. That’s why CCI offers several loads that are literally built for them, including Suppressor Max, Suppressor and Clean-22 Suppressor.

Suppressor Max is the newest addition. It is specifically designed for the best accuracy, terminal performance and noise reduction through rimfire suppressors. Intended primarily for small game hunting, the 45-grain hollow-point bullet segments on impact, even though its 970 fps muzzle velocity falls comfortably below the sound barrier. It also cycles reliably in semi-autos, which can be a challenge with some subsonic ammo.

Suppressor 22 LR is another great option. Its subsonic loading further reduces noise, and the hollow-point bullet expands reliably to bring down a variety of small game. Clean-burning powders keep suppressors from filling with fouling.

Speaking of fouling, Clean-22 Suppressor was made to prevent it. Its 45-grain bullet is covered with an exclusive polymer coating that reduces lead fouling inside a suppressor up to 60 percent. Clean-22 Suppressor also cycles reliably through any suppressed firearm.

Subsonic Options

But you don’t need to buy ammunition with “suppressor” in the name to get the benefits needed for better performance. CCI offers a wide array of subsonic loads that shoot clean, accurate and quiet through suppressed rimfires. If you’re looking to head to the range, options include Clean-22 Subsonic, Quiet-22, Quiet-22 Semi-Auto, Standard Velocity and Green Tag.

For hunters targeting small game, pests and varmints, there’s 22 Short HP, Sub-Sonic HP and Quiet-22 SHP. Whichever route you choose, you’ll find the best rimfire ammo for suppressors from CCI.