CCI Ammunition

CCI Mini-Mag: The .22 LR Benchmark

The CCI Mini-Mag is the standard against which other .22 LR cartridges are measured for reliability and consistency. Available in 36-grain hollow point and 40-grain round nose configurations at approximately 1,260 fps from a rifle barrel, Mini-Mag feeds reliably in the widest range of semi-automatic .22 LR firearms including the Ruger 10/22, Smith & Wesson M&P15-22, and virtually every other popular platform. For shooters whose primary concern is reliable feeding and consistent ignition across a variety of .22 LR firearms, Mini-Mag is the default recommendation. It is not the cheapest .22 LR option, but it is among the most reliable. See also: .22 LR Ammo.

CCI Stinger: Hyper-Velocity Performance

The CCI Stinger introduced the concept of hyper-velocity .22 LR ammunition when it launched in 1977, pushing a 32-grain copper-plated hollow point to approximately 1,640 fps from a rifle barrel—significantly faster than standard .22 LR loads. The Stinger’s higher velocity produces reliable hollow point expansion at ranges where standard .22 LR velocities may not reliably expand a hollow point. It is widely used for small game hunting and pest control where maximum terminal effect from a .22 LR is desired. Note that some semi-automatic .22 LR pistols may experience feeding or cycling issues with hyper-velocity loads—verify compatibility with your specific firearm.

CCI Blazer: Affordable Centerfire Training

CCI Blazer uses an aluminum case rather than the brass cases found in most centerfire pistol ammunition. Aluminum-cased ammunition is less expensive to produce, allowing Blazer to offer a lower-cost training option in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and other common centerfire pistol calibers. The tradeoff is that aluminum cases cannot be reloaded—for handloaders, Blazer is not appropriate. For shooters who don’t reload and want to reduce training costs, Blazer Aluminum provides reliable function at reduced cost. Blazer Brass offers the same economical positioning with reloadable brass cases for handloaders who want an affordable training option.

Frequently Asked Questions: CCI Ammunition

What is CCI best known for?
CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.) is a Lewiston, Idaho rimfire and centerfire primer manufacturer — the most trusted name in .22 LR ammunition for semi-automatic firearms. CCI Mini-Mag is the most widely recommended .22 LR for cycling reliability in semi-automatic pistols and rifles, and CCI Standard Velocity is the benchmark for .22 LR bolt-action accuracy. CCI also produces the Stinger (the fastest production .22 LR at 1,640 fps) and CCI Quiet (710 fps subsonic loads for hearing-safe .22 use without a suppressor in bolt-actions).

Why is CCI Mini-Mag the most recommended .22 LR?
Mini-Mag’s high-velocity 40-grain round-nose or hollow-point load produces enough energy to reliably cycle the bolt in virtually all .22 LR semi-automatic pistols and rifles — including finicky platforms that fail with economy bulk ammunition. CCI’s quality control produces consistent primer ignition that reduces misfires compared to budget .22 LR. For any .22 LR semi-auto, Mini-Mag is the starting recommendation before experimenting with other loads.

What is CCI Stinger and when should I use it?
CCI Stinger is a .22 LR +P high-velocity load — 1,640 fps from a rifle barrel with a 32-grain copper-plated hollow point. It is the most effective .22 LR for small game hunting and pest control where maximum velocity and expansion matter. Note that Stinger uses a slightly longer case than standard .22 LR — it does not fit some firearms with tight chambers designed for standard .22 LR. Check your firearm’s manual before using Stinger.

See Also: .22 LR Ammo • Rimfire Ammo • .22 WMR Ammo • .22 Rifles • All Ammunition