CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition 39 Review

All About the **CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition

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When you’re dealing with small, persistent pests that can do real damage to property or be a nuisance around the home, having a specialized tool for the job is paramount. That’s precisely where the CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition
39 comes into play. For years, I’ve found myself needing a reliable, yet less destructive, option for dealing with various varmints that encroach on my living spaces and workshops. While larger caliber firearms are effective for larger game, they often feel like overkill for smaller targets, and can cause unnecessary damage to structures or the environment. This particular ammunition from CCI, a name synonymous with reliable rimfire cartridges, promised a contained, shot-like pattern from my .22 Long Rifle firearms, making it an intriguing solution for close-range pest problems.

My initial foray into this specialized ammunition was driven by a persistent issue with rats in my barn, a problem that had been exacerbated by stored grains. I needed something that wouldn’t risk over-penetration through the wooden structures or create excessive debris. While I considered standard .22 LR rounds, the idea of a controlled shot pattern from my trusty Browning Buck Mark pistol seemed far more appropriate for the task at hand. I was also looking at birdshot loads from other manufacturers, but CCI’s reputation for consistent priming and quality control tipped the scales in their favor. The immediate impression upon seeing the packaging was one of focused intent; this wasn’t general-purpose ammunition, it was designed for a specific purpose.

When I first picked up a box, the brass casings felt standard and well-formed, and the small payload of shot hinted at its intended application. There was a quiet confidence that this ammunition would perform as advertised, offering a solution that balances effectiveness with a degree of controlled energy. For my immediate needs, this seemed like a promising alternative to more powerful or less precise options.

Real-World Testing: Putting **CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition

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First Use Experience

My initial tests with the CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition
39 took place around my rural property, specifically targeting the aforementioned barn rats and the occasional ground squirrel that had taken a liking to my garden. I primarily used a Ruger 10/22 rifle and a Browning Buck Mark pistol, both chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The ammunition fed flawlessly through both firearms, with no issues of jamming or extraction experienced during these initial outings.

The conditions varied; I tested during dry, dusty afternoons and also on a damp, early morning. The ammunition performed consistently regardless of the environmental factors, maintaining reliable ignition and function. What immediately struck me was the ease of use; these shotshells function exactly like standard .22 LR rounds in terms of loading and firing, requiring no special adapters or modifications to the firearms.

A minor surprise was the spread pattern at very close range, which was tighter than I might have anticipated for a “shotshell” round from a .22 LR. This, however, turned out to be a significant advantage for the specific pests I was targeting. My first success came quickly with a rat at approximately 10 yards; one shot was all it took.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, I’ve continued to utilize this specialized ammunition for ongoing pest management. This has included tackling a particularly troublesome gopher population and the occasional snake encounter, most notably rattlesnakes in Eastern Washington State, as mentioned in user feedback. The ammunition has consistently proven its worth in these extended scenarios, reliably dispatching targets at close range.

Durability has not been an issue. Even after being stored in various range bags and subjected to the typical bumps and jostles, the casings remain intact and show no signs of degradation. I’ve experienced no performance drop-off, with ignition and pattern consistency remaining high.

Maintenance for firearms used with this ammunition is straightforward. A quick clean after a session is all that’s needed, similar to using any other .22 LR round. There’s no special residue or fouling left behind by these shotshells that requires unique cleaning procedures. Compared to standard .22 LR rounds, the effectiveness on small pests at close range is significantly improved, offering a more humane and efficient solution without the need for more powerful or potentially dangerous firearms.

Breaking Down the Features of **CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition

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Specifications

The CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition
39 comes packed with specifications designed for its niche purpose. Each cartridge contains a 31 grain payload of fine pellets, offering a concentrated burst of shot at close distances. The cartridge case is constructed from durable brass, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction in a variety of firearms.

These rounds boast a respectable muzzle velocity of 1000 ft/s, which is sufficient for the intended application of pest control. The package typically contains 20 rounds per box, making it convenient for stowing in a range bag or keeping readily accessible. The bullet type is shotshell, signifying its unique projectile composition.

The primer style is standard rimfire, meaning it’s compatible with most .22 Long Rifle firearms. The overall application is clearly designated as Pest Control, highlighting its specialized nature. The cartridge case material is brass, providing good corrosion resistance and a classic look. This combination of features makes it a purpose-built round for specific tasks.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – pest control – these shotshells perform admirably. The key is understanding their effective range, which is quite limited. At distances of 3 to 15 yards, they deliver a tight, consistent pattern that is highly effective on small varmints like squirrels, rats, and snakes.

The strength of this ammunition lies in its ability to deliver a shotgun-like spread from a .22 Long Rifle firearm at close range. This significantly increases the chance of a hit with multiple pellets, ensuring a humane dispatch. Its weakness, however, is its effectiveness beyond 15-20 yards; the pattern spreads too thin to reliably take down targets.

For its intended application, the CCI shotshells meet and often exceed expectations. They provide a practical and accessible solution for close-quarters pest management, especially when compared to standard .22 LR rounds which can be less effective due to a single projectile. The 1000 ft/s velocity ensures the pellets retain enough energy for their short-range duty.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition
39 is fundamentally that of a standard .22 Long Rifle cartridge, but with a crucial difference in its payload. The brass casing is well-formed and consistent, leading to reliable feeding in both bolt-action and semi-automatic firearms. The overall build quality reflects CCI’s reputation for producing dependable ammunition.

Ergonomically, there’s nothing to distinguish these from regular .22 LR rounds from a user perspective, which is a good thing. They load, chamber, and extract just like any other cartridge. This lack of complexity means there’s no learning curve for operating them, which is ideal for quick deployment when a pest is spotted.

The shotshell bullet type is the defining design element. Internally, it holds a carefully measured amount of fine pellets, designed to spread rapidly after leaving the barrel. This simple yet effective design is crucial for its function.

Durability & Maintenance

These are, by nature, rimfire ammunition, meaning they are designed for single use and then discarded. Their durability, therefore, is measured in their shelf life and their ability to withstand typical storage conditions. From my experience, CCI ammunition is known for its excellent longevity, and these shotshells are no exception.

Maintenance for the firearms using these rounds is no different than using standard .22 LR. A clean barrel and action will ensure optimal performance, but there are no specific or unusual cleaning requirements associated with these shotshells. The brass casings are resistant to corrosion, which aids in their long-term storage.

Potential failure points are, as with any ammunition, rare but possible. However, CCI’s commitment to quality control generally minimizes these risks. The primary consideration is proper storage to prevent environmental degradation over extended periods.

Accessories and Customization Options

As ammunition, the CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition
39 does not come with accessories in the traditional sense. Its customization is inherent in the firearms it is used with. For instance, using it in a handgun like the Browning Buck Mark offers excellent maneuverability for close-quarters work.

Conversely, employing it in a rifle such as the Ruger 10/22 provides a stable platform for slightly longer (though still limited) shots. The choice of firearm can effectively tailor the “system” for different pest scenarios. The ammunition itself is a fixed component, not designed for modification.

There are no optional attachments or modifications for the ammunition itself. Its effectiveness is directly tied to the accuracy and handling characteristics of the .22 Long Rifle firearm it is fired from.

Pros and Cons of **CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition

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Who Should Buy **CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition

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This ammunition is ideally suited for homeowners, property managers, and rural residents who frequently deal with small, nuisance pests. If you have issues with rats in outbuildings, squirrels damaging gardens, or snakes around your dwelling, these shotshells offer a highly practical solution. They are also a good choice for outdoorsmen who might encounter venomous snakes in their travels and want a readily available, effective deterrent.

Anyone looking for a specialized tool for humane pest control at close range should consider this product. It’s particularly beneficial for those who already own .22 Long Rifle firearms and want to expand their utility.

However, individuals seeking ammunition for general target practice, long-range varmint hunting, or self-defense should look elsewhere. The limited range and spread pattern make it inappropriate for these applications. For those without a .22 LR firearm, investing in one to use this ammunition might not be cost-effective unless pest control is a significant concern.

Conclusion on **CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition

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The CCI Ammunition Shotshell Pest Control .22 Long Rifle 31 Grain Shotshell Rimfire Ammunition
39 is a niche product that absolutely excels at its intended purpose. For dealing with small pests at close to moderate distances, its performance is undeniable. The combination of reliable CCI ignition, a well-designed shotshell payload, and compatibility with common .22 Long Rifle firearms makes it an effective and accessible tool.

While the price per round is higher than standard .22 LR ammunition, the increased effectiveness and reduced risk of collateral damage justify the cost for those who genuinely need it. Its limited range is its primary drawback, but within that effective envelope, it performs exceptionally well.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone facing persistent small pest problems around their home or property who already owns a .22 Long Rifle firearm. It’s a specialized solution that gets the job done efficiently and effectively, offering peace of mind and a more controlled approach to pest management.