The Best .22LR Ammo Nobody Talked About in 2025 (But Should Have)

In the ever-evolving world of rimfire ammunition, 2025 has brought some noteworthy developments — especially in .22 Long Rifle (LR) cartridges. While most shooters think of .22LR simply as inexpensive plinking ammo, the reality is far more interesting. Some rounds this year are breaking out of the usual categories, offering performance and versatility that many shooters overlook.

Why .22LR Still Matters in 2025

The .22LR cartridge remains one of the most widely used calibers in the world due to its low recoil, low cost, and remarkable versatility. Whether you’re target-shooting at the range, training new shooters, hunting small game, or experimenting with suppressors, there’s a .22LR load tailored to the purpose — and in 2025, some lesser-talked-about options deserve attention.

1. Ammunition That Defies Expectations

Most shooters automatically reach for common .22LR brands like CCI or Federal. Those striving for the best accuracy often reach for higher quality brands like Eley and Lapua. But there are other loads in 2025 that shine for specific roles:

Specialized Subsonic Loads — Designed for suppressed