.22 LR drop and wind charts: 50 and 100 yard zero, 25 to 200 yards (cited data)
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Where these numbers come from
We haven't published our own chronograph or drop data yet. Every number below comes from a cited third-party table that uses maker muzzle velocities and a ballistic calculator, with standard atmosphere (59 °F, sea level), 1.5 in sight height and no wind unless stated [1] [2] [3]. Your barrel length, altitude, temperature and ammo lot will change the results. A 16 in barrel typically runs slower than the 22–24 in test barrels makers use [1].
Drop with a 50 yard zero (inches)
| Load (muzzle fps) | 75 yd | 100 yd | 125 yd | 150 yd | 200 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCI Stinger 32 gr (1,640) | -1.4 | -3.8 | -7.6 | -12.8 | -28.2 |
| CCI Mini-Mag HP 36 gr (1,260) | -2.0 | -5.3 | -10.3 | -17.1 | -36.8 |
| Winchester Super-X HV 40 gr (1,255) | -2.0 | -5.3 | -10.2 | -17.0 | -36.4 |
| Federal Champion Target 40 gr (1,200) | -2.2 | -5.8 | -11.1 | -18.4 | -39.2 |
| Eley Match 40 gr (1,085) | -2.6 | -6.6 | -12.7 | -20.8 | -43.8 |
| CCI Standard Velocity 40 gr (1,070) | -2.6 | -6.8 | -13.0 | -21.3 | -45.1 |
| CCI Subsonic HP 40 gr (1,050) | -2.7 | -7.0 | -13.4 | -22.0 | -46.4 |
| CCI Quiet-22 40 gr (710) | -5.6 | -14.8 | -28.6 | -47.5 | -102.0 |
Source: GunVera; maker muzzle velocities, drop calculated with JBM using G1 BCs of 0.095–0.132 by bullet [1]. Confidence: medium (calculated, not measured).
Drop and wind for a 40 gr high-velocity load (50 yd zero)
| Range | Drop (in) | Come-up (mil) | Come-up (MOA) | Wind, 10 mph full value (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 yd | +0.1 | — | — | 0.5 |
| 50 yd | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.6 |
| 75 yd | -1.9 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 3.4 |
| 100 yd | -5.9 | 1.6 | 5.6 | 5.7 |
| 125 yd | -12.0 | 2.7 | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| 150 yd | -20.6 | 3.8 | 13.1 | 12.1 |
| 175 yd | -31.7 | 5.0 | 17.3 | 16.0 |
| 200 yd | -45.5 | 6.3 | 21.7 | 20.3 |
Source: AmmoSight; 40 gr, G1 0.125, 1,235 fps, standard conditions [2]. Ballistic Buddy's 40 gr table is within a few tenths (−5.8 in at 100 yd, −44.8 in at 200 yd) [3].
Same load with a 100 yard zero
| Range (yd) | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 | 150 | 175 | 200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path (in) | +1.5 | +2.9 | +2.4 | 0.0 | -4.6 | -11.6 | -21.1 | -33.2 |
Source: Ballistic Buddy, 100 yd zero table [3].
A 100 yd zero puts a high-velocity round almost 3 in high at 50 yd, which is a lot on a squirrel's head. That's why most .22 LR shooters use a 50 yd zero and hold or dial past it. More in how to zero a .22.
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.
Wind: the bigger problem
At 100 yd, the drift from a 10 mph full-value wind (about 5.7 in for a 40 gr high-velocity load) is about the same as the drop [2]. Rules of thumb that follow from the geometry:
- A 5 mph wind gives roughly half the drift of 10 mph. A wind at 45 degrees counts for roughly 70% of full value; a wind at 30 degrees, about half.
- Drift grows faster than distance because the bullet slows: about 1.6 in at 50 yd but 20 in at 200 yd in the table above.
- Past about 125 yd, most misses come from wind calls. Learn to read flags and mirage: wind reading guide.
The transonic problem
High-velocity .22 LR (1,200–1,300 fps) starts supersonic and drops below the speed of sound (about 1,125 fps at sea level) within the first 25–50 yd [2] [1]. Calculators get less reliable through and past that zone, which is one reason precision shooters use standard-velocity ammo that starts subsonic. Expect real dope to differ from any table, especially past 100 yd.
How to build your own dope card
- Zero at 50 yd with the ammo lot you'll use; see ammo lot testing.
- Measure muzzle velocity with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro, 10+ shots.
- Enter velocity, sight height and a starting BC in a ballistic app, then shoot 75, 100, 125 and 150 yd and adjust the app to match your impacts.
- Print a card and tape it to the stock; log temperature with a Kestrel 2500NV.
- Re-check in different seasons; temperature can move velocity (see cold-weather rimfire).
Scope setup for long .22 work
With about 6.3 mil (21–22 MOA) of come-up at 200 yd [2], a canted base helps: MDT T1x 20–50 MOA base, MDT CZ 457 20–50 MOA base. An FFP mil scope makes holds simpler; see MOA vs MRAD. Good-value options: Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 FFP, Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 FFP.
Which load for which job?
- Flattest path for pests to ~100 yd: CCI Mini-Mag or Stinger-class hyper-velocity.
- Precision and suppressed shooting: CCI Standard Velocity, SK Rifle Match, Lapua Center-X.
- Backyard-quiet, short range only: CCI Quiet-22; note its 14.8 in drop at 100 yd [1].
Altitude and temperature adjustments
Thinner air at altitude means less drag, so bullets drop less and drift less than these sea-level tables show. Warm air does the same. In practice, true your app at your home range and re-check when you travel to a much higher or lower venue. Log density altitude with a weather meter so you can explain shifts later.
FAQ
How much does a .22 LR drop at 100 yards?
With a 50 yd zero and 1.5 in sight height, published tables show about 5.3–5.9 in for 36–40 gr high-velocity loads and about 6.8 in for CCI Standard Velocity.
How far does wind push a .22 LR?
For a 40 gr high-velocity load in a 10 mph full-value crosswind, about 5.7 in at 100 yd and about 20 in at 200 yd in one published table.
Should I zero my .22 at 50 or 100 yards?
Most shooters use 50 yd. A 100 yd zero puts high-velocity rounds nearly 3 in high at 50 yd.
Are these charts exact for my rifle?
No. They assume standard conditions and test-barrel velocities. Confirm on paper.
Sources
- GunVera .22 LR ballistics chart (maker velocities, JBM-calculated drop)
- AmmoSight .22 LR trajectory table (G1 0.125, 1,235 fps)
- Ballistic Buddy .22 LR drop table (50 and 100 yd zero)
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]