CCI Stinger 22 LR 32 Grain HVHP

Not all semi-automatic 22 LR firearms are affected, but the extended Stinger case is a known compatibility consideration. The case is approximately 0.1" longer than standard 22 LR, which can create feeding or extraction issues in firearms with tight chambers or specific magazine geometries. Most modern semi-automatic rifles function without problems, but some older tube-fed autoloaders and a handful of pistols have reported elevated malfunction rates. The safest approach is to test a single box through your specific firearm before relying on Stinger ammunition for hunting or pest control. Bolt-action, lever-action, and single-shot platforms are almost universally compatible.

These two loads represent different engineering philosophies for 22 LR varmint performance. The Stinger prioritizes maximum velocity with a lighter 32 gr bullet at 1,640 fps, while the Velocitor uses a heavier 40 gr Speer Gold Dot hollow point at 1,435 fps. The Velocitor’s heavier bullet and higher BC retain energy better at distance and the Gold Dot bullet has a well-documented expansion profile. The Stinger’s advantage is raw speed and a flatter trajectory inside 50 yards. For most varmint hunting inside 75 yards, either load is effective; beyond that range, the Velocitor’s better ballistic coefficient gives it a meaningful edge in retained energy.

The 32 gr hollow point at hyper velocity does produce more tissue disruption than standard velocity 22 LR loads, which is intentional for varmint applications. For squirrel or rabbit hunting where meat preservation matters, this trade-off is worth considering. Head shots minimize meat damage regardless of load, and many hunters use the Stinger specifically for its reliable expansion and quick kills. Hunters primarily concerned with meat quality for table use may prefer a standard velocity 40 gr round nose load, which produces less hydrostatic disruption. For pest control or non-table-fare small game, the Stinger’s terminal performance is a clear advantage.

The lighter 32 gr bullet is central to achieving the Stinger’s hyper velocity performance. A lighter projectile requires less energy to accelerate to a given velocity, allowing the same powder charge to push it significantly faster than heavier bullets. The trade-off is a lower ballistic coefficient, meaning the bullet decelerates more rapidly after leaving the muzzle. CCI designed the Stinger specifically for short-range varmint and pest applications where the high impact velocity — not long-range ballistic performance — is the primary terminal effect mechanism. The 32 gr weight also contributes to reliable hollow point expansion at the velocities this load generates, even after modest velocity loss at typical hunting distances.

It can be used in compatible pistols, but the velocity reduction from a shorter pistol barrel is significant and should factor into expectations. A pistol barrel of 4–6 inches will typically yield 200–350 fps less than the 24" test barrel velocity of 1,640 fps, bringing muzzle velocity closer to 1,300–1,440 fps depending on the specific firearm. At those velocities, the hollow point may still expand reliably on small targets at close range, but the hyper velocity advantage over standard high-velocity loads is substantially reduced. Pistol shooters should verify both mechanical compatibility with the Stinger’s extended case and confirm that the load cycles reliably before field use.