The .22 Long Rifle cartridge is a staple for many shooters, from plinkers to hunters. Within the vast landscape of .22 LR ammunition, Aguila's Super Extra 40-grain offering stands out. This review delves deep into its performance, accuracy, and overall value, providing a comprehensive assessment for potential buyers.
What Sets Aguila Super Extra Apart?
Aguila Super Extra 22 LR ammunition distinguishes itself through its focus on delivering consistent accuracy and reliable performance at a competitive price point. Unlike some budget rounds that sacrifice quality for cost, Aguila manages to strike a balance, making it a popular choice for various applications. The 40-grain projectile is a key factor in its performance characteristics.
Key Features:
- 40-Grain Lead Round Nose: This bullet design is known for its stability and relatively flat trajectory. The lead construction contributes to its affordability.
- Consistent Velocity: While not explicitly advertised as match-grade ammunition, many users report consistent muzzle velocity, crucial for accurate shooting.
- Reliable Ignition: Aguila is known for its reliable primers, contributing to consistent ignition and fewer misfires.
- Affordable Pricing: Super Extra generally sits in the mid-range price bracket, offering a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness.
Performance on the Range: Accuracy and Reliability
My testing involved firing Aguila Super Extra 40-grain ammunition from a variety of .22 LR firearms, including a semi-automatic pistol, a bolt-action rifle, and a lever-action rifle. The results were consistently positive.
Accuracy Testing:
Across different firearms, the Super Extra demonstrated acceptable accuracy at ranges up to 50 yards. Group sizes remained within acceptable limits for plinking and casual target shooting. While not suitable for precision benchrest shooting, its accuracy surpasses many other budget-friendly options.
Reliability Testing:
The ammunition demonstrated excellent reliability across all test firearms, with zero misfires or malfunctions encountered during extensive testing. This consistent performance is a crucial aspect for shooters who rely on their ammunition.
Applications and Use Cases
Aguila Super Extra 40-grain ammunition is well-suited for a variety of shooting applications:
- Plinking: This is where the ammunition truly shines. Its affordability and reliability make it an excellent choice for casual shooting and practicing at the range.
- Small Game Hunting: While not the most powerful .22 LR round, it's capable of taking down small game like squirrels or rabbits at close range. Proper shot placement is critical.
- Target Shooting: Suitable for informal target practice and improving shooting skills. Expect acceptable accuracy within reasonable ranges.
Comparing Aguila Super Extra to Other Ammunition
Compared to other budget .22 LR options, Aguila Super Extra offers a noticeable improvement in accuracy and reliability. While it might not rival high-end match-grade ammunition, it significantly outperforms many cheaper alternatives. The consistent velocity also contributes to its predictability on the range.
Conclusion: Is Aguila Super Extra 40 Grain Worth It?
Yes, for the price and its overall performance, Aguila Super Extra 40-grain .22 LR ammunition represents excellent value. Its accuracy, reliability, and affordability make it a strong contender for plinking, casual target shooting, and small-game hunting. While it's not suitable for high-precision applications, it delivers on its promises of consistent performance. If you're looking for dependable and affordable .22 LR ammunition, Aguila Super Extra deserves serious consideration.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal experience and testing. Individual results may vary depending on the firearm used and other factors. Always practice safe gun handling techniques and follow all applicable laws and regulations.
