22 LR ammo testing for the T1x and CZ 457: CCI SV, SK, Eley, Lapua (50 and 100 yd)
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Why does .22 LR ammo matter so much?
Rimfire primers, case rims and bullets vary from lot to lot. Two boxes with the same label can group very differently in the same rifle, and a lot that's superb in one barrel can be ordinary in another. Owners of T1x and CZ 457 rifles report this constantly [1] [2]. Testing several loads, and then buying a case of the lot that wins, is the single biggest accuracy upgrade you can make.
What does published testing show?
The table shows one dataset, reproduced with its context. It's the most complete public 50/100 yd comparison we found. Read it as a guide to which grades tend to perform, not as T1x or CZ 457 results.
| Load | Avg 50 yd | Avg 100 yd | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapua Midas+ | 0.164 in | 0.510 in | Match (premium) |
| Lapua Center-X | 0.215 in | 0.630 in | Match |
| Lapua Standard Plus | 0.303 in | 0.859 in | Training/match |
| CCI Standard Velocity | 0.312 in | 0.939 in | Training |
| Eley Club | 0.384 in | 0.622 in | Club/match |
| SK Standard | 0.593 in | 1.813 in | Training |
Source: Accurate Shooter Daily Bulletin, "22 LR Ammunition Accuracy: 55 Types Tested" (2012). Five 5-shot groups per load from a Bleiker rifle [3]. Lots from 2012 are long gone, and current production may differ (conf: med). A separate Rimfire Central owner test measured Midas+ at 1.081 in and CCI Standard at 3.075 in at 100 yd in a different rifle [4], which shows how much results vary by rifle.
SK's current lineup is graded from the same production: Standard Plus is the second grade and Rifle Match is a higher grade, sorted by SK's test results. That's why owners often report Standard Plus shooting close to Rifle Match [2].
Our range results (coming soon)
This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.
What ammo should I test first in a T1x or CZ 457?
- Training baseline: CCI Standard Velocity and SK Standard Plus, both subsonic, cheap and consistent enough for practice. Also Norma TAC-22 and Federal Gold Medal Target 711B (owners report 711B lots vary).
- Match step: SK Rifle Match and Lapua Center-X. Center-X is the most common NRL22 match load at the next price tier.
- Premium: Lapua Midas+ and Eley Match/Tenex for 100 yd+ and benchrest. Buy a test box from the lot you'd actually purchase.
- Hunting and suppressed: CCI Mini-Mag HP for small game and CCI Quiet-22 for very quiet backyard work (short range). See small-game setups.
How do I lot-test .22 LR at 50 and 100 yards?
- Prep: clean the bore and chamber, then fire 10–20 fouling shots with the first load. A clean barrel often throws the first shots.
- Setup: solid rest (bipod or front rest plus a rear bag), calm wind (use flags), scope parallax set, and the same position every time.
- 50 yd first: fire at least five 5-shot groups per load and measure center-to-center. One small group proves nothing.
- Advance the top two or three to 100 yd. Velocity spread (SD) shows up there. Use a chronograph if you have one.
- Record lot numbers from the box end and buy a case of the winning lot. Re-test when you change barrels.
- Lapua test centers (Mesa, AZ and Marengo, OH) machine-test your rifle against many lots, for serious competitors.
Log it all with a data book (see range bag) and use good test targets.
Do the T1x and CZ 457 prefer different ammo?
We found no evidence that either platform prefers a brand. Preference is individual to the barrel and chamber. T1x owners frequently report good results with Norma TAC-22, SK and Lapua [5] [2]. CZ 457 MTR owners report the match chamber can be fussier and reward SK or Lapua match grades. Treat both as anecdote and test yourself.
Standard velocity vs high velocity: which is more accurate?
Use standard-velocity (subsonic, about 1,070 fps for CCI SV [6]) for target work. These loads stay subsonic, which avoids transonic buffeting and keeps a suppressed rifle quiet. Keep high-velocity loads for hunting, where expansion matters more than small groups.
What does good ammo cost?
Prices we saw on 2026-10-11: SK Standard Plus $81.99/500 (MidwayUSA) and Lapua Center-X $187.99/500 (Brownells). Match-grade Lapua and Eley costs considerably more. A 500-round lot test costs less than most scope upgrades and usually improves groups more.
Rifle-specific pages: T1x ammo guide · CZ 457 ammo guide.
Ammo test log template
Copy these columns into a notebook or spreadsheet so your results can be compared across sessions:
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Brand, product, lot number | Lots vary more than brands; a good lot is what you're buying |
| Distance, temperature, wind | .22 LR velocity and drift shift with cold and wind |
| Rounds since cleaning | The first 10–20 after a clean are often off |
| Each 5-shot group size | Report the average and the worst, not just the best |
| Called fliers | Separate shooter error from ammo |
| Velocity SD (if you have a chronograph) | Low spread matters most at 100 yd and beyond |
When to buy a case
If one lot stays clearly best across at least two sessions at 50 yd and confirms at 100 yd, buy as much of that lot as your budget allows. Many dealers will tell you how many cases of a given lot they have, and some offer lot testing before purchase. Store ammo cool and dry, and re-test when you switch to a new lot.
FAQ
What is the most accurate 22 LR ammo?
In the most complete published test we found (Accurate Shooter, 2012), Lapua Midas+ averaged 0.164 in at 50 yd and 0.510 in at 100 yd, followed by Lapua Center-X. Your own rifle and the lot you buy decide the real answer.
What ammo does a Tikka T1x shoot best?
There's no single answer, because each barrel is different. T1x owners commonly report good results with SK Standard Plus, Norma TAC-22 and Lapua Center-X. Test five 5-shot groups per load at 50 yd.
What ammo does a CZ 457 shoot best?
It varies by barrel. Owners of MTR match chambers often report better results with SK and Lapua match grades. Test CCI SV and SK Standard Plus first, then Center-X.
How many groups do I need to test ammo?
At least five 5-shot groups per load at 50 yd, after fouling the bore. Then move the best two or three loads to 100 yd.
Sources
- Rimfire Central 'Best ammo for a stock T1x MTR'
- r/22lr 'Tikka T1x ammo test'
- Accurate Shooter 55-load test (2012)
- Rimfire Central owner ammo test
- Accurate Shooter forum
- CCI (Standard Velocity 1,070 fps)
Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.
Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]