Quietest Subsonic .22 LR Ammo: Best Loads for Suppressors, Accuracy, and Small Game

.22 Long Rifle ammunition is one of the most affordable and enjoyable cartridges to shoot, and subsonic loads make it even better.

When paired with a suppressor, the right subsonic .22 LR ammo can dramatically reduce noise while maintaining excellent accuracy and dependable performance. For plinking, pest control, and small game hunting, it is difficult to beat a quality suppressed rimfire setup.

This guide covers the quietest subsonic .22 LR loads, how they perform, and what to consider before buying.

What Is Subsonic .22 LR Ammo?

Subsonic .22 Long Rifle ammunition is loaded so the bullet stays below the speed of sound.

v<1125fps

v < 1125\ \text{fps}

v<1125 fps

Most subsonic .22 LR loads push a 38- to 45-grain bullet at approximately 950 to 1,080 fps.

Because the projectile does not break the sound barrier, these loads eliminate the sonic crack and produce a significantly quieter report when suppressed.

Why Use Subsonic .22 LR Ammo?

Shooters choose subsonic .22 LR for several reasons:

• Extremely low noise with a suppressor
• Excellent accuracy in many rifles
• Reduced disturbance for backyard pest control where lawful
• Minimal recoil
• Affordable cost per round

For many suppressor owners, subsonic .22 LR offers the best cost-to-enjoyment ratio of any cartridge.

Quietest Subsonic .22 LR Ammo: Top Picks

CCI Quiet-22 40 Grain LRN

• Extremely low noise
• Ideal for bolt-action rifles
• May not cycle semi-automatic firearms reliably

CCI Standard Velocity 40 Grain LRN

• Consistent and highly accurate
• Common benchmark load for suppressed rimfire use
• Frequently cycles semi-automatic rifles and pistols

Eley Subsonic Hollow 38 Grain HP

• Excellent accuracy
• Suitable for small game hunting

SK Subsonic Match

• Match-grade consistency
• Popular among precision shooters

Aguila Subsonic 40 Grain Solid Point

• Affordable and widely available

Best Subsonic .22 LR Ammo by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended Load
Quietest Possible	CCI Quiet-22
Best Overall	CCI Standard Velocity
Match Accuracy	SK Subsonic Match
Small Game Hunting	Eley Subsonic Hollow
Budget-Friendly	Aguila Subsonic

CCI Quiet-22 vs CCI Standard Velocity

Feature	CCI Quiet-22	CCI Standard Velocity
Velocity	~710 fps	~1,070 fps
Noise	Extremely low	Very quiet
Semi-Auto Cycling	Often unreliable	Usually reliable
Effective Range	Shorter	Standard rimfire distances

If maximum quiet is the goal, CCI Quiet-22 is exceptional. If you need semi-automatic reliability, CCI Standard Velocity is often the better choice.

Best Subsonic .22 LR for Suppressors

The most popular suppressed loads are:

• CCI Standard Velocity
• SK Subsonic Match
• Eley Subsonic Hollow
• Aguila Subsonic

The ideal choice depends on your firearm’s preferences and your intended use.

Best Subsonic .22 LR for Accuracy

Many precision rimfire shooters prefer:

• SK Subsonic Match
• Eley Subsonic
• CCI Standard Velocity

Rimfire barrels can be highly load-sensitive, so testing several brands is worthwhile.

Best Subsonic .22 LR for Hunting

For small game, hollow point loads provide improved terminal performance.

Recommended options:

• Eley Subsonic Hollow
• CCI Sub-Sonic HP
• Winchester Super Suppressed

Always verify legal requirements and use effective shot placement.

Will Subsonic .22 LR Cycle Semi-Automatic Firearms?

Some loads cycle semi-automatics reliably, while others may not.

Generally:

• CCI Standard Velocity often cycles well.
• CCI Quiet-22 often does not.
• Match loads vary by firearm.

Test your chosen ammunition before purchasing in bulk.

Subsonic .22 LR vs High-Velocity .22 LR

Feature	Subsonic	High Velocity
Sonic Crack	No	Usually yes
Noise (Suppressed)	Much quieter	Louder
Accuracy	Often excellent	Varies
Cycling	Depends on load	Usually reliable

How to Store Rimfire Ammunition

To maximize longevity:

• Keep ammunition dry
• Store in sealed containers
• Avoid extreme heat and humidity
• Rotate older stock first

Properly stored rimfire ammunition can remain reliable for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quietest subsonic .22 ammo?

CCI Quiet-22 is among the quietest commercially available loads.

What is the best all-around subsonic .22 LR ammo?

CCI Standard Velocity is widely regarded as the best balance of reliability, accuracy, and value.

Will subsonic .22 LR cycle my semi-auto?

Many standard-velocity loads do; ultra-low-velocity loads may not.

Is subsonic .22 LR more accurate?

Often yes, because the bullet avoids transonic instability.

Can you hunt with subsonic .22 LR?

Yes, for appropriate small game and at reasonable distances.

Final Thoughts

Subsonic .22 Long Rifle ammunition offers:

• Extremely quiet suppressed performance
• Excellent accuracy
• Low cost
• Minimal recoil

For most shooters:

• CCI Standard Velocity is the best overall choice.
• CCI Quiet-22 delivers maximum noise reduction.
• SK and Eley provide premium match-grade accuracy.

If you own a rimfire suppressor, quality subsonic .22 LR ammunition is one of the most rewarding combinations in shooting sports