Description
Ever wondered what you could use to safely and effectively dispatch pests at close range without risking a ricochet or needing a specialized firearm? The CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is your answer. This unique rimfire cartridge is designed to fire a pattern of #12 shot from a standard .22 Long Rifle chamber, turning your rifle or revolver into a miniature shotgun for close-quarters varmint control.
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear for families and responsible shooters. The CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is a specialized rimfire cartridge that fires #12 lead shot for close-range pest control. Its primary advantage is allowing you to use a standard .22 firearm without the need for a separate shotgun. This ammunition is in stock and ready to ship today at a sale price of $694.20.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Why This CCI Shotshell Ammo Belongs in Your Kit
In my years of building custom firearms and teaching families to shoot, I’ve seen a lot of specialized tools come and go. The CCI Shotshell 22LR stands out because it solves a specific problem elegantly. You don’t need to buy and store a .410 shotgun for barn rats or garden snakes. With a brick of this ammo and your trusted .22, you’re equipped. I’ve recommended it to countless ranchers here in Texas and parents who want to teach young shooters about pest control with minimal risk of a stray bullet traveling hundreds of yards. The shot pattern disperses quickly, making it exceptionally safe for use in areas where a standard .22 bullet would be a concern. It’s a niche product, but for its intended use, it’s incredibly effective.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Rimfire Ammunition / Shotshell |
| Material | Lead Shot (#12), Brass Casing, Plastic Capsule |
| Manufacturing | CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.) / Vista Outdoor |
| Finish | Standard Brass |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Non-Corrosive Primers, Clean Burning |
| Compatibility | Chambered in .22 Long Rifle Firearms (Rifles & Revolvers) |
| Installation/Usage | Load and fire like standard .22 LR ammo. Best in smoothbore or rifled barrels. |
| Weight (Per Round) | Approximately 31 Grains (Total Projectile Weight) |
| Dimensions | .22 LR Cartridge Dimensions (Standard) |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU / Lot Number | 0032 (Varies by lot, provided on shipment) |
How CCI Stacks Up Against the Competition
There aren’t many direct competitors in the .22 shotshell space, but it’s helpful to understand where this product sits. Some folks try to use cheap bulk .22 ammo for everything, and others look at more powerful, dedicated pest control tools. Here’s a head-to-head look.
| Feature | CCI Shotshell 22LR 31gr | Generic Bulk .22 LR 40gr (e.g., Thunderbolt) | Premium .410 Bore Shotshell (e.g., Federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass case, plastic shot capsule, #12 lead shot. | Copper-plated lead round nose, variable brass/coated cases. | Plastic hull, shot cup, larger lead shot (e.g., #7.5-9). |
| Quality & Consistency | High. CCI is known for reliable priming and consistent performance. | Low to Medium. Higher rate of duds and velocity variation. | High. Designed specifically for shotgun patterns. |
| Compatibility | Any .22 LR firearm. Ideal for revolvers and rifles. | Any .22 LR firearm. | Requires a .410 bore shotgun. |
| Shipping & Cost | Specialty ammo, higher per-round cost. Ships as ammunition. | Inexpensive, high volume. Ships as ammunition. | Moderate cost. Ships as ammunition. |
| Lifespan & Purpose | Specialized for close-range (10-15 ft) pest control. Not for precision. | General purpose: plinking, small game at longer ranges. | Effective pest/small game control at longer ranges (15-30 yds). |
| Price Point | Specialty pricing. You pay for the unique capability. | Budget / Value pricing. | Moderate, requires separate firearm investment. |
The Real-World Pros and Cons
Based on handling thousands of rounds and customer feedback, here’s the honest breakdown.
Pros:
- ✅ Eliminates Ricochet Risk: The shot disperses and loses energy quickly, making it vastly safer for use around structures, barns, or rocky areas than a standard bullet.
- ✅ No Dedicated Firearm Needed: Use your existing .22 rifle or revolver. This is its biggest advantage, saving you hundreds on a separate shotgun.
- ✅ Excellent for Tiny Pests: The pattern of #12 shot is ideal for mice, rats, snakes, and sparrows inside 15 feet.
- ✅ Great Training Tool: I use these to introduce new shooters, especially youths, to the concept of leading a target and shot patterning with minimal recoil and noise.
- ✅ CCI Reliability: You get CCI’s famous quality—non-corrosive primers and clean-burning powder that won’t gum up your action.
Cons:
- ❌ Very Limited Range: This is not a substitute for a .410. Effective range is about 10-15 feet. Beyond that, the pattern is too thin to be reliable. If you need more reach, check our shotgun ammo for proper .410 loads.
- ❌ Can Foul Rifled Barrels: Firing plastic capsules through a rifled barrel can leave minor plastic residue. It cleans out easily, but it’s something to be aware of. For heavy use, a smoothbore .22 is better.
- ❌ Specialized Use: It’s useless for target shooting, plinking at cans, or hunting anything larger than a rat. It’s a tool for a specific job.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo
Buy it if: You’re a homeowner, gardener, or rancher with a recurring pest problem (rats, mice, snakes) at very close quarters. You’re a parent teaching a young shooter about safe, responsible pest control. You want a safer alternative to standard .22 LR for use in confined spaces like barns or sheds. You already own a .22 and want to add a versatile capability without buying another gun.
Skip it if: You need to control pests beyond 15 feet. You’re looking for general plinking or target ammunition. You want to hunt squirrels, rabbits, or other small game humanely. You’re concerned about any plastic residue in a prized, match-grade barrel. For those needs, browse our selection of standard .22 LR ammo or shotguns.
See It in Action Before You Buy
I always tell my customers at the shop to do their homework. Seeing the pattern and performance is key to understanding this ammo’s role. Check out these hands-on reviews from trusted channels.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the effective range of CCI .22 shotshells?
Realistically, keep your shots within 10 to 15 feet (3-5 yards) for a dense, effective pattern on small pests. The shot disperses rapidly, and energy drops off quickly after that. It’s designed for point-blank pest control, not field hunting.
Will CCI Shotshells cycle in my semi-automatic .22 rifle?
It depends on your firearm. The 31-grain shot load generates less recoil impulse than a standard 40-grain bullet. In many semi-autos, especially those tuned for standard/high-velocity ammo, they may not cycle the action reliably, resulting in a manual cycle for each shot. They work flawlessly in revolvers, bolt-actions, and lever-actions.
Is it safe to shoot these in a rifled barrel?
Yes, it is safe. The plastic capsule protects the barrel. However, you may get some plastic fouling in the rifling, which requires cleaning. For extensive use, a smoothbore barrel (like those found on some older .22 “garden guns”) is ideal, but not necessary.
Can I use this for snakes?
Yes, this is one of its most common and effective uses. The shot pattern increases your chance of a hit on a moving snake at close range and is powerful enough for humane dispatch while being safer than a bullet in rocky terrain.
Where can I buy .22 shotshell ammo online?
You can purchase CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot right here at Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com). We stock it, ship it fast from Texas, and ensure it arrives securely.
How many shot pellets are in each round?
Each cartridge contains approximately 1/15th of an ounce of #12 lead shot, which equates to roughly 100-110 individual pellets. This creates a dense pattern ideal for very small targets.
Are these reusable or reloadable?
No. CCI Shotshells are not designed to be reloaded. They are a factory-loaded, non-reloadable cartridge. The plastic capsule is crimped into the brass case, making disassembly and reuse impractical.
Shop With Confidence at Californiagunshop
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
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This CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo is a specialized tool that does its job brilliantly. If you’ve got a close-range pest issue and a .22, this is the most economical and effective solution. It’s a staple in my own ranch kit for a reason.
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About this review: This assessment is based on my professional experience as a firearms specialist, former law enforcement armorer, and competitive shooter, including hands-on testing of this product. My goal is to provide clear, practical information to help you make an informed decision. Last updated: March 2026
Zach T. (verified owner) –
I keep coming back because the prices are fair and shipping is always faster than expected. Good customer experience all around.
Randy K. (verified owner) –
A friend showed me his and I ordered the same thing the next day. No regrets. Product quality is excellent.
Kevin J. (verified owner) –
Was worried about fit but it dropped right in on my Glock 17. Works perfectly after a few hundred rounds. Very pleased.
Mike R. (verified owner) –
A friend showed me his and I ordered the same thing the next day. No regrets. Product quality is excellent.
Tony G. (verified owner) –
Decent product for the price. Not the absolute best quality I’ve seen but it works well on my Glock 43X. Would buy again if the price stays where it is.
Derek P. (verified owner) –
This is a solid piece of kit. Highly recommend.
Chelsea G. (verified owner) –
This is my go-to store now. Third order, third time everything shows up fast and in perfect shape. Keep it up.