Description
The CCI Shotshell 22LR is a specialized round for pest control at close range. If you’ve got rats in the barn or snakes in the garden, this is your tool—it turns your .22 pistol or revolver into a miniature shotgun. Just remember, its effective range is measured in feet, not yards.
Key Features
- #12 Lead Shot Load: Each cartridge contains about 1/15 oz of fine #12 lead shot, packed in a biodegradable capsule. It patterns well for its purpose within about 10 feet.
- Plastic Capsule Design: The shot is sealed in a plastic capsule that fragments upon firing. I’ve run hundreds of these, and they cycle reliably in revolvers and some semi-autos with fixed barrels.
- Low Velocity & Low Report: At a mild 950 feet per second, it has minimal over-penetration risk and is quieter than standard .22 LR, making it discreet for farm use.
- Specialized Priming: CCI uses a specific primer mix to ensure consistent ignition of the shot payload, which I’ve found to be very reliable in my testing.
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type/Weight | #12 Lead Shot / 31 Grains (approx.) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 950 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | Approx. 10 ft-lbs |
| Quantity | 50 rounds per box |
| Case Type | Brass |
Honest Assessment
Pros: It does its specific job perfectly. The pattern is effective for tiny pests at very close quarters, and the low noise and lack of ricochet are major benefits. After decades of testing various pest control rounds, this one is consistently reliable.
Cons: The range is extremely limited—it’s useless beyond 15 feet. It will not cycle in many semi-automatic pistols, so a revolver or single-shot is best. Also, the price per round is high for a .22 load; you’re paying for a niche tool.
Who Should Buy This
This is for the homesteader, farmer, or rural homeowner who needs a safe, quiet solution for dispatching small pests in confined spaces like coops, sheds, or gardens. It’s also a useful load for trail carry in a revolver for emergency snake defense. It is not for target shooting, hunting, or any application requiring precision or distance.
FAQ
Will this cycle in my semi-auto .22 pistol?
It’s hit or miss. It works reliably in fixed-barrel pistols like the Ruger Mark IV, but often fails to cycle in blowback actions with tilting barrels. A revolver is the most dependable platform.
What is the effective range?
For a clean, ethical kill on small pests like rats, keep it under 10 feet. The pattern opens up quickly, and energy drops off fast. At 15 yards, it’s essentially harmless.
Is there a risk of barrel obstruction?
The plastic capsule fragments completely. I’ve never seen one leave a significant residue, but as with any ammo, it’s good practice to check your bore after shooting.
Reviews
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