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Top 5 Rimfire High Velocity Lead Round Nose Loads in Canada for 2025 - Reliable 22 LR LRN for Small Game and Target Practice

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Traditional lead round nose (LRN) rimfire loads remain a mainstay for Canadian shooters who want reliable feeding, affordability, and predictable point-of-impact for small game and general target practice. High velocity 22 LR LRNs deliver a flatter trajectory and more downrange energy than standard-velocity rounds while preserving the simple, proven bullet shape that chambers and feeds smoothly in a wide range of rifles and pistols. Canadian consumers often choose these loads for backyard practice, plinking, and small-game hunting because they balance cost per round with consistent performance, broad availability, and compatibility with common firearms and magazines.

Quick Menu

1. Best Reliable Standard-Velocity

2. Best High-Velocity Value

3. Best Budget High-Velocity

4. Best Consistent Cycling

5. Best Premium High-Velocity

1
BEST RELIABLE STANDARD-VELOCITY

CCI Standard Velocity 22 LR 40gr Lead Round Nose

CCI

CCI’s 22 LR 40 gr Lead Round Nose holds a best-in-class reputation for exceptionally consistent standard-velocity performance and predictable accuracy, making it a top pick in a list focused on rimfire high-velocity lead round-nose loads when shooters need a quieter, more controllable alternative. Compared with the high‑velocity entries here, it trades peak speed for cleaner cycling, reduced wear and softer report, and typically commands a modest premium for its tighter velocity spread and reliability in precision or suppressed applications.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Low recoil

  • Smooth cycling

  • Low recoil

  • Smooth cycling

Review Summary

92%

"Users report the CCI Standard Velocity 22 LR 40gr LRN as highly reliable and consistent with excellent feeding and accuracy in both rifles and pistols; it runs clean and is favored for target shooting and practice. Overall long-term users praise its consistency and low fouling."

  • Like clockwork

  • 40-grain lead round nose designed for controlled accuracy in target shooting.

  • Like clockwork

  • 40-grain lead round nose designed for controlled accuracy in target shooting.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

CCI’s 22 LR 40 gr Lead Round Nose holds a best-in-class reputation for exceptionally consistent standard-velocity performance and predictable accuracy, making it a top pick in a list focused on rimfire high-velocity lead round-nose loads when shooters need a quieter, more controllable alternative. Compared with the high‑velocity entries here, it trades peak speed for cleaner cycling, reduced wear and softer report, and typically commands a modest premium for its tighter velocity spread and reliability in precision or suppressed applications.

  • Low recoil

  • Smooth cycling

  • Like clockwork

  • 40-grain lead round nose designed for controlled accuracy in target shooting.

  • Standard velocity (~1070 fps) suitable for subsonic-like performance and reduced recoil.

  • Low recoil

  • Smooth cycling

  • Like clockwork

  • 40-grain lead round nose designed for controlled accuracy in target shooting.

  • Standard velocity (~1070 fps) suitable for subsonic-like performance and reduced recoil.

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$70-120 CAD

2
BEST HIGH-VELOCITY VALUE

Federal Champion 22 LR 40gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose

Federal Champion

Federal Champion’s 22 LR 40 gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose is positioned as a market leader for rimfire high‑velocity lead round‑nose loads thanks to broad availability, consistent ignition and a balance of velocity, accuracy and price that suits plinking, training and small game. Relative to the other offerings, it combines solid ballistic performance with widespread distribution and competitive per‑round cost, making it the go‑to choice for shooters who want dependable high‑velocity performance without paying premium boutique prices.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • High velocity

  • Reliable ignition

  • High velocity

  • Reliable ignition

Review Summary

85%

"Buyers find Federal Champion 22 LR 40gr High Velocity LRN to be a good-value, generally reliable round with solid accuracy for plinking and range use, though it can be a bit dirtier and slightly less consistent in some semi-autos. Most users accept the tradeoff for the price point."

  • Sings on target

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity load offering a flatter trajectory for general use.

  • Sings on target

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity load offering a flatter trajectory for general use.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Federal Champion’s 22 LR 40 gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose is positioned as a market leader for rimfire high‑velocity lead round‑nose loads thanks to broad availability, consistent ignition and a balance of velocity, accuracy and price that suits plinking, training and small game. Relative to the other offerings, it combines solid ballistic performance with widespread distribution and competitive per‑round cost, making it the go‑to choice for shooters who want dependable high‑velocity performance without paying premium boutique prices.

  • High velocity

  • Reliable ignition

  • Sings on target

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity load offering a flatter trajectory for general use.

  • Typical muzzle velocity around 1250 fps, making it versatile for plinking and small game.

  • High velocity

  • Reliable ignition

  • Sings on target

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity load offering a flatter trajectory for general use.

  • Typical muzzle velocity around 1250 fps, making it versatile for plinking and small game.

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$60-100 CAD

3
BEST BUDGET HIGH-VELOCITY

Remington Thunderbolt 22 LR 40gr Lead Round Nose

Remington Thunderbolt

Remington Thunderbolt 22 LR 40 gr Lead Round Nose is the value leader in this set, offering straightforward high‑velocity performance at one of the lowest price points, which makes it ideal for high-volume practice and budget-conscious shooters. While it may show slightly wider velocity and accuracy spreads than the premium or mid‑tier rounds listed here, its low cost per round and heavy availability make it a practical option when economy is the primary concern.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Budget-friendly

  • Wide availability

  • Budget-friendly

  • Wide availability

Review Summary

78%

"Remington Thunderbolt 22 LR 40gr LRN is frequently chosen for its low price and decent performance for casual shooting, but experienced users note more variability, occasional misfires, and heavier fouling compared with premium brands. It’s popular for bulk practice but not favored for precision or defensive use."

  • Loud pop

  • 40-grain lead round nose formulated as an economical high-velocity option.

  • Loud pop

  • 40-grain lead round nose formulated as an economical high-velocity option.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Remington Thunderbolt 22 LR 40 gr Lead Round Nose is the value leader in this set, offering straightforward high‑velocity performance at one of the lowest price points, which makes it ideal for high-volume practice and budget-conscious shooters. While it may show slightly wider velocity and accuracy spreads than the premium or mid‑tier rounds listed here, its low cost per round and heavy availability make it a practical option when economy is the primary concern.

  • Budget-friendly

  • Wide availability

  • Loud pop

  • 40-grain lead round nose formulated as an economical high-velocity option.

  • Muzzle velocity in the high-1200s fps range for lively performance and dependable terminal energy.

  • Budget-friendly

  • Wide availability

  • Loud pop

  • 40-grain lead round nose formulated as an economical high-velocity option.

  • Muzzle velocity in the high-1200s fps range for lively performance and dependable terminal energy.

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$50-90 CAD

4
BEST CONSISTENT CYCLING

Winchester Wildcat 22 LR 40gr Lead Round Nose

Winchester Wildcat

Winchester Wildcat 22 LR 40 gr Lead Round Nose sits in the mid‑tier of this group, delivering reliable high‑velocity performance with generally tighter accuracy and cleaner functioning than the cheapest alternatives while remaining more affordable than premium imports. It’s a solid compromise between Remington’s budget offering and Federal’s market‑leader balance, offering shooters consistent range performance for training and small‑game use without a steep price jump.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Precision grouping

  • Clean extraction

  • Precision grouping

  • Clean extraction

Review Summary

83%

"Winchester Wildcat 22 LR 40gr LRN is reported to deliver dependable feeding and reasonable accuracy for the cost, with many users finding it a good mid-range option for range time and plinking. Some note minor variability between lots but overall reliable performance."

  • Wildcat zing

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity cartridge optimized for reliable feeding in semi-autos.

  • Wildcat zing

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity cartridge optimized for reliable feeding in semi-autos.

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Winchester Wildcat 22 LR 40 gr Lead Round Nose sits in the mid‑tier of this group, delivering reliable high‑velocity performance with generally tighter accuracy and cleaner functioning than the cheapest alternatives while remaining more affordable than premium imports. It’s a solid compromise between Remington’s budget offering and Federal’s market‑leader balance, offering shooters consistent range performance for training and small‑game use without a steep price jump.

  • Precision grouping

  • Clean extraction

  • Wildcat zing

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity cartridge optimized for reliable feeding in semi-autos.

  • Balanced pressure profile and typical velocities around 1250 fps to aid consistent functioning.

  • Precision grouping

  • Clean extraction

  • Wildcat zing

  • 40-grain LRN high-velocity cartridge optimized for reliable feeding in semi-autos.

  • Balanced pressure profile and typical velocities around 1250 fps to aid consistent functioning.

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$65-110 CAD

5
BEST PREMIUM HIGH-VELOCITY

Aguila Super Extra 22 LR 40gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose

Aguila

Aguila Super Extra 22 LR 40 gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose is presented as the premium high‑velocity option in this lineup, noted for slightly higher muzzle performance and consistent build quality that benefits flatter trajectories and enhanced downrange energy for small‑game and longer rimfire shots. Compared with the domestic brands above, Aguila often carries a higher per‑box cost but repays that with elevated velocity, consistent lot quality and competitive performance that appeals to shooters seeking a step up from economy loads.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • High power

  • Flat trajectory

  • High power

  • Flat trajectory

Review Summary

90%

"Aguila Super Extra 22 LR 40gr High Velocity LRN is praised for its higher velocity, clean-burning propellant, and consistent feeding—users report good accuracy and reliable cycling in a variety of firearms. Long-term users often rate it as a premium budget option for high-velocity needs."

  • Crisp snap

  • 40-grain lead round nose engineered for consistent high-velocity performance (~1250-1300 fps).

  • Crisp snap

  • 40-grain lead round nose engineered for consistent high-velocity performance (~1250-1300 fps).

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Aguila Super Extra 22 LR 40 gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose is presented as the premium high‑velocity option in this lineup, noted for slightly higher muzzle performance and consistent build quality that benefits flatter trajectories and enhanced downrange energy for small‑game and longer rimfire shots. Compared with the domestic brands above, Aguila often carries a higher per‑box cost but repays that with elevated velocity, consistent lot quality and competitive performance that appeals to shooters seeking a step up from economy loads.

  • High power

  • Flat trajectory

  • Crisp snap

  • 40-grain lead round nose engineered for consistent high-velocity performance (~1250-1300 fps).

  • Known for uniform pressures, good accuracy, and smooth feeding in a variety of firearms.

  • High power

  • Flat trajectory

  • Crisp snap

  • 40-grain lead round nose engineered for consistent high-velocity performance (~1250-1300 fps).

  • Known for uniform pressures, good accuracy, and smooth feeding in a variety of firearms.

Order Now

$90-150 CAD

What the Ballistics and Field Tests Say

Independent ballistics testing and range comparisons show that high velocity 22 LR LRN loads produce measurable differences in trajectory, energy, and terminal behavior compared with standard velocity rounds. While performance varies by barrel length and ambient conditions, the physics behind higher muzzle velocity is straightforward: greater initial speed reduces bullet drop at common rimfire engagement distances, improving effective practical accuracy for target practice and small-game shots. At the same time, lead bullets and LRN shapes are easier to manufacture at low cost and are forgiving in older or simple actions, which is why they remain widely used.

Flatter trajectory: Higher muzzle velocity typically reduces bullet drop inside typical 25-100 m engagement ranges, making point-of-impact more predictable for casual shooters.

Kinetic energy: Increased velocity yields higher energy on target at standard hunting ranges, improving terminal performance on small game when shot placement is correct.

Feeding reliability: The rounded ogive of LRN bullets promotes smooth feeding in a variety of rimfire actions; range tests confirm fewer stovepipes and feed issues versus some hollow points in inexpensive firearms.

Accuracy factors: High-velocity LRNs can be more sensitive to barrel length, temperature, and harmonics; range testing shows variation across different rifles, so try a few brands to find the best match for your gun.

Lead considerations: Lead bullets deposit fouling and raise environmental considerations; studies and conservation guidance recommend checking local regulations and using proper cleaning and disposal practices.

In Canada, high velocity 22 LR lead round nose loads remain a go-to choice for shooters seeking economical, predictable performance. This page highlights five solid options: CCI Standard Velocity 22 LR 40gr Lead Round Nose, Federal Champion 22 LR 40gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose, Remington Thunderbolt 22 LR 40gr Lead Round Nose, Winchester Wildcat 22 LR 40gr Lead Round Nose, and Aguila Super Extra 22 LR 40gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose. For most Canadian shooters looking for the best combination of availability, consistent velocity, and value in 2025, the Federal Champion 22 LR 40gr High Velocity Lead Round Nose stands out as the top pick. We hope you found what you were looking for — you can refine or expand your search using the site search to filter by velocity, price, or regional availability.

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