Not all .22lr rounds are made equal but some people assume them to be equal. They may assume that “subs” are the only round that can be suppressed. and High Velocity (HV) covers everything other than “subs” or standard ammunition.
The humble .22lr is slightly more complex than that as it can be divided into 4 main velocity groups:
Subsonic is generally below 1100 feet per second (fps)
Standard velocity can range from 1000 – 1135 fps
High Velocity rounds normally range between 1200 – 1310 fps
Hyper Velocity rounds are over 1400 fps
There is some overlap between the velocity group. Each manufacturer will state the fps on their packaging as well as the velocity classification they group their round in. Below are some examples of .22lr CCI rounds with their fps and velocity groups. Notice the variation of fps between rounds.
CCI Quiet-22 40grn 710fps – Subsonic
CCI Subsonic 40grn 1050fps – Subsonic
CCI Standard Velocity 40grn 1070fps – Standard Velocity
CCI AR Tactical 40grn 1200fps – High Velocity
CCI Mini-mag 40grn 1235fps – High Velocity
CCI Mini-mag 36grn 1260fps – High Velocity
CCI Velocitor 40grn 1435fps – Hyper Velocity
CCI Stinger 32grn 1640fps – Hyper Velocity
It is important that both the velocity classification and actual fps is checked by the user, for example, Mini-mag velocities vary depending on the bullet weight. The 40grn bullet is 25fps slower than the 36grn.
Some firearms manufacturers will recommend a particular velocity or fps range to operate correctly. CCI standard velocity can be suppressed as it is still within suppression limits but will cycle in some semi-auto rifles better that the subsonic round.
