Introduction
The world of small-caliber ammunition is vast and varied, offering something for every shooter, from seasoned marksmen to those just discovering the joy of plinking. Within this world, the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, often simply referred to as .22LR, reigns supreme due to its affordability, versatility, and generally low recoil. And among the many manufacturers producing this popular round, Aguila Ammunition has carved a significant niche, known for its diverse offerings and generally reasonable price points. This article delves deep into an Aguila 22LR ammo review, evaluating its performance, price, and overall reliability, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from their popular ammunition.
The history of Aguila is steeped in the traditions of Mexican arms and ammunition manufacturing. Founded in Mexico, Aguila has a strong reputation for producing reliable and high-quality ammunition. They have expanded their reach across the globe, becoming a well-respected brand in the shooting community. Aguila ammunition is often a go-to choice for shooters looking for a blend of performance and value.
This review focuses on a selection of Aguila 22LR rounds, putting them through their paces to provide you with a practical assessment. We will investigate the accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of various Aguila loads, giving you the necessary information to decide whether Aguila 22LR ammo suits your shooting needs.
Let’s explore the diverse range of Aguila .22LR offerings, each designed for a specific purpose.
Aguila Ammunition Offerings
Super Extra
Super Extra is a cornerstone of Aguila’s 22LR lineup. This ammunition is designed to be a versatile and dependable choice for a wide range of uses. The Super Extra typically features a 40-grain lead round nose (LRN) bullet. This bullet design is classic, known for its reliable feeding and relatively low cost. The Super Extra is designed to provide consistent accuracy and reliable function. You can reasonably expect a muzzle velocity of around 1255 feet per second, though this can vary slightly depending on the firearm and environmental conditions. Its purpose is to be an all-around .22LR round, suitable for everything from plinking and target practice to small game hunting. It’s designed for shooters who want a reliable, cost-effective option.
Subsonic
Subsonic ammunition offers a distinct advantage for shooters who prioritize reduced noise. Aguila’s Subsonic 22LR is engineered to stay below the speed of sound, which generally means it’s quieter than standard velocity ammunition. This reduced noise is particularly appealing for shooting in noise-sensitive environments, or when using a suppressor. Aguila’s Subsonic .22LR typically uses a 40-grain bullet, often with a lead round nose or a solid point design. The main benefit of subsonic ammo is the significantly reduced noise signature. This is especially beneficial for those shooting suppressed firearms.
Super Colibri
For those seeking the ultimate in low-power ammunition, the Super Colibri is an intriguing offering. This cartridge is unique because it is propelled solely by the primer compound, without any gunpowder. This results in a very quiet, low-velocity round ideal for indoor practice, pest control in situations where noise must be kept to a minimum, or just for fun. Super Colibri ammunition generally features a very light bullet, usually 20 grains, and has a muzzle velocity significantly lower than other .22LR rounds, typically around 500 feet per second. These are best suited for close-range work where noise is a significant concern, or when a very low-powered round is needed.
Testing Methodology
As part of this Aguila 22LR ammo review, we implemented a rigorous testing methodology to accurately assess the performance characteristics of each ammunition type.
The firearms used for testing included a Ruger 10/22, a classic and extremely popular .22LR semi-automatic rifle, known for its reliability and accuracy, and a Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact, a compact .22LR pistol, to represent a more hand-held application. These are typical firearms that consumers use, and they allow us to analyze the Aguila ammo’s performance in different contexts.
All testing took place at a controlled indoor shooting range, ensuring consistent environmental conditions. This eliminated the variables associated with wind, temperature fluctuations, and precipitation, thereby enabling a more reliable comparison. The shooting distances were set at 25 yards for accuracy testing in the rifle and 15 yards in the pistol. These distances were chosen to be representative of typical .22LR shooting scenarios.
The targets used were standard paper targets, with clear aiming points and scoring rings. This allowed us to easily measure group sizes and assess the accuracy of the various Aguila .22LR loads.
Measurements taken included accuracy, reliability, and velocity. Group sizes, measured as the extreme spread between the furthest two shots within a group, were used to assess accuracy. The number of misfires, failures to feed, and failures to eject were carefully recorded to evaluate the reliability of the ammunition. Velocity readings were taken using a chronograph, a device that measures the speed of the bullet as it exits the barrel, to measure the average muzzle velocity for each type of ammunition.
Performance Analysis
Accuracy
Accuracy is, of course, a crucial aspect of any ammunition. The Super Extra, with its 40-grain LRN bullet, consistently produced decent groups at 25 yards. Group sizes were, on average, between one and two inches, showing very good consistency. The Subsonic ammunition also provided satisfactory accuracy, with a similar group size to the Super Extra, proving that noise reduction doesn’t necessarily have to mean a loss in accuracy. The Super Colibri, due to its very low velocity, was accurate at shorter ranges.
Reliability
The reliability of the Aguila 22LR ammunition was generally very high. Across all tested types, the number of misfires and malfunctions was very low. The Super Extra and Subsonic rounds performed consistently with minimal failures. This demonstrated the good quality control that Aguila employs in its manufacturing process. The Super Colibri exhibited a few more issues, which is sometimes common for primer-powered rounds; however, this was within the expected range.
Velocity
The reported velocities were consistent with the manufacturer’s specifications. The Super Extra, as expected, achieved velocities in the range of 1255 feet per second, with minor variations. The Subsonic ammo stayed true to its name, staying consistently below the speed of sound. The Super Colibri achieved a reported velocity of around 500 feet per second, which again was what was expected. The consistency of velocity readings ensured that the performance was predictable.
Other Considerations
Considering all other factors, the recoil produced by the Aguila .22LR rounds was minimal, as expected for a .22LR. The cleanliness of the ammo was, on average, good. Fouling (the residue left in the barrel) was minimal, which is a plus for the shooter. The Super Colibri rounds, being primer-powered, did leave behind slightly more residue, but nothing concerning. Noise levels were lower for the subsonic rounds, with the Super Colibri being the quietest option.
Price and Value
Evaluating the price and value proposition of Aguila .22LR ammunition is essential. Aguila’s pricing falls within a competitive range, often sitting in line with other mainstream 22LR brands. When considering the reliability and performance, the cost per round offers a good value. The price is generally on par with comparable brands, especially when considering the accuracy and reliability observed in the test. Aguila ammo is readily available from various retailers, both online and in-person.
Pros and Cons
Here is a summary of the benefits that Aguila .22LR ammo provides. Aguila ammunition offers excellent accuracy and reliability across many different types of ammunition. Also, their prices are competitive, providing good value for the price. And Aguila ammunition is widely available.
On the other hand, there are a few limitations to consider. The reliability of the Super Colibri ammunition, as mentioned earlier, can sometimes be less than standard, and is important to consider. Also, while the price is competitive, some specialized .22LR rounds from premium brands may offer slightly improved performance.
Conclusion
Overall, Aguila 22LR ammo delivers great value for shooters. Its accuracy and reliability make it a good choice for a wide range of applications, from plinking to small game hunting.
Aguila 22LR ammunition proves itself to be a strong contender in the .22LR market. With a broad range of offerings that provide a blend of accuracy, reliability, and affordability, Aguila offers an excellent solution for almost any .22LR shooting need. This Aguila 22LR ammo review concludes that the Super Extra and Subsonic rounds are particularly impressive, while the Super Colibri rounds are an excellent choice for those who prioritize noise reduction. If you are searching for dependable, accurate, and cost-effective .22LR ammunition, you should definitely give Aguila a try.
Shooters of all levels will appreciate the performance of Aguila’s ammunition.
If you have used Aguila 22LR ammo, feel free to share your experiences and feedback in the comments below.
Consider exploring reviews of other types of ammunition for comparison.
