CCI Mini-Mag .22 LR 40 Gr SHP

The three-segment split is a function of impact velocity and target medium density. At the rated 1,235 fps from a 24″ barrel and within practical hunting distances — roughly inside 75 yards — the segmented hollow point is designed to initiate reliably in soft tissue. Independent terminal ballistics testing in ballistic gelatin has generally confirmed three-fragment separation under those conditions, though results vary with velocity. At lower velocities (longer range or shorter barrels), the bullet may not achieve full segmentation and can behave more like a conventional hollow point. This is not unique to CCI — all expansion-dependent bullet designs are velocity-sensitive.

The standard CCI Mini-Mag 40 gr copper-plated hollow point expands as a single mass on impact, similar to most conventional hollow points. The SHP variant replaces that bullet with the segmenting design, which creates three separate wound channels rather than one expanding cavity. For small game hunting where rapid energy transfer is the goal, the SHP is the more purpose-built option. The standard Mini-Mag HP is a better choice for general-purpose use where terminal performance is secondary to cost and versatility. Both loads use the same case and priming system.

It can be used in a .22 LR pistol, but with an important caveat: muzzle velocity from a handgun barrel — typically 4″ to 6″ — will be substantially lower than the 1,235 fps rating from a 24″ rifle barrel. Velocity losses of 200–350 fps are common when moving from a rifle to a pistol barrel in rimfire calibers. At those reduced velocities, the segmenting mechanism may not function as designed, and the bullet may behave like a standard hollow point or partially expand. For handgun-specific use, CCI’s own Stinger or purpose-designed pistol loads may be more appropriate choices.

The segmented design is actually well-suited to pest control scenarios where over-penetration is a concern, because the three fragments disperse energy quickly and are less likely to exit the target than a solid or non-expanding bullet. However, any live firearm discharge inside a structure carries serious safety and legal considerations regardless of ammunition type. Ricochet risk from hard surfaces (concrete, metal) is a separate hazard that the bullet design does not eliminate. Always verify local regulations and ensure a safe backstop before discharging any firearm, regardless of the load selected.

The 24″ barrel is an industry-standard test length for rimfire ammunition, chosen because it produces consistent, repeatable results for specification purposes. Most .22 LR sporting rifles have barrels in the 16″–22″ range, and each inch of barrel lost typically costs 20–30 fps in a rimfire load. A shooter using an 18″ barrel can reasonably expect velocities in the range of 1,100–1,175 fps from this load — still sufficient for terminal performance at close range, but noticeably below the published spec. Bolt-action rifles with 20″–22″ barrels will come closer to the rated figure. If precise velocity data matters for your application, chronograph testing with your specific firearm is the only reliable method.