Need a reliable, budget-friendly way to handle pests at close range without risking a ricochet?
You’re not alone. Every season, I get hunters and landowners asking about the best way to deal with snakes in the woodpile, rats in the barn, or starlings in the eaves. Reaching for a shotgun isn’t always practical, and a standard .22 round can be downright dangerous in those tight, hard-surface environments. That’s where a specialized round like this comes into play.
Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in firearms and ammunition for hunters and outdoorsmen. The CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is a specialized rimfire cartridge designed to disperse #12 shot upon firing. This makes it an ideal choice for ultra-close-range pest control where over-penetration is a major concern. It’s in stock and ready to ship today at a sale price of $725.42.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Imbertsmithersarms. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: April 2026
Why This CCI Shotshell Ammo Belongs in Your Kit
Let’s be real: this isn’t your everyday plinking ammo. You don’t buy a box of 50 to spend an afternoon ringing steel at 50 yards. This is a tool for a specific job, and for that job, it’s incredibly effective. I’ve recommended it to dozens of customers over the years for one simple reason: safety. When you’re dealing with pests inside a shed, under a porch, or around equipment, the last thing you want is a solid bullet skipping off concrete or punching through a thin wall. The CCI Shotshell turns your .22 rifle or revolver into a miniature, quiet shotgun. The pattern spreads quickly, so its effective range is short—think 10 feet or less—but within that range, it delivers enough energy to dispatch small pests without the collateral risk. For anyone living a rural or farm lifestyle where these problems pop up regularly, having a cylinder of these in your revolver or a few loaded in the tube of a rifle is just smart, practical preparedness.
CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Rimfire Ammunition / Shotshell |
| Material | Lead Shot (#12), Brass Casing |
| Manufacturing | CCI (Cascade Cartridges Inc.) |
| Finish | Standard Brass / Copper |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Reliable Primer |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Chambered Firearms (Rifles & Revolvers) |
| Installation/Usage | Load as standard .22 LR cartridge. Not for semi-autos with tight tolerances. |
| Weight (Per Round) | Approx. 31 Grains (Total Projectile Weight) |
| Dimensions (Cartridge) | Standard .22 LR: ~0.226″ diameter, ~0.985″ length |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | 0035 (Example – Refer to your order confirmation) |
How Does CCI Stack Up Against Other .22 Shotshell Options?
You might find other options out there, but they typically fall into two camps. Let’s break it down so you can see where the value in this CCI offering really lies.
| Feature | CCI Shotshell 22LR (This Product) | Cheap Import / “No-Name” Brand | Premium Brand (e.g., Remington “Yellow Jacket”) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass casing, reliable CCI primer, consistent shot charge. | Often questionable brass or steel, inconsistent priming. | Similar brass build, sometimes with a plastic capsule. |
| Quality & Reliability | High. Known for consistent ignition and pattern. | Very low. Frequent duds and misfires reported. | High. Similar reliability to CCI. |
| Compatibility | Works in most rifles & revolvers. May not cycle semi-autos. | Same compatibility, but higher chance of jamming. | Same compatibility notes. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships same-day from ND. | Often drop-shipped with long delays. | Frequently out of stock, high demand. |
| Lifespan / Shelf-Life | Long. Properly stored, will last for years. | Poor. Corrosion and primer degradation common. | Long. |
| Price Point | $725.42 (Sale Price) – Strong value for known quality. | ~$60-80 – You get what you pay for, often less. | $800+ – Premium price for similar performance. |
The Honest Pros and Cons
After handling and talking with customers who use this ammo, here’s the straight talk.
Pros:
- ✅ Eliminates Ricochet Risk: The primary reason to buy it. Safe for use around hard surfaces where a solid bullet is dangerous.
- ✅ Minimal Noise: Much quieter than a .410 or 20-gauge shotgun, perfect for discreet pest control without alarming the whole neighborhood.
- ✅ CCI Reliability: You’re getting a brand known for consistent rimfire performance. Fewer worries about duds.
- ✅ Great for Revolvers: Functions flawlessly in .22 LR revolvers, making them incredibly handy tools.
- ✅ Budget-Conscious Solution: Compared to the ongoing cost of shotgun shells for pest control, this is an economical choice for the task.
Cons:
- ❌ Very Limited Range: Effective only to about 10-15 feet. This is not a hunting round for anything but the smallest pests at point-blank range.
- ❌ May Not Cycle Semi-Autos: The shot column can cause feeding issues in some semi-automatic rifles. It’s best used in bolt-actions, lever-actions, or single-shots. If you need a semi-auto solution, see our rifle section for compatible platforms.
- ❌ Specialized Use: It sits in your ammo can until that one specific need arises. It’s not a general-purpose cartridge.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo
Buy it if: You’re a landowner, farmer, or rural homeowner with recurring pest issues (snakes, rats, mice) in confined spaces like barns, sheds, or greenhouses. You’re a hunter who wants a safe, quiet option to clear a snake from a blind or a rat from a feed bin. You appreciate having the right tool for a niche job and value the safety of a non-ricocheting round.
Skip it if: You’re looking for a general-purpose .22 LR round for target shooting or small game hunting. You primarily shoot semi-automatic rifles and need reliable cycling. Your pest problems are at ranges beyond 15 feet. For those needs, check out our standard .22 LR ammunition or shotgun shells for larger patterns and longer reach.
See It In Action Before You Decide
I always recommend seeing how a product performs. Check out real-world patterns and tests from other shooters.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the effective range of CCI .22 shotshells?
Keep your expectations in check—this is a very close-range tool. For a pattern dense enough to reliably hit a small pest like a snake or rat, you should be within 10 feet. At 15 feet, the pattern opens up significantly. It’s designed for point-blank, indoor, or confined space work.
Will this ammo cycle in my semi-automatic .22 rifle?
It’s hit or miss, and mostly a miss. The shot column is different from a solid bullet and often causes feeding issues in semi-autos. For reliability, use it in revolvers, bolt-action, lever-action, or single-shot .22 rifles. Always test a few rounds in your specific firearm to be sure.
Is this suitable for hunting anything besides pests?
I wouldn’t recommend it. The 31 grains of #12 shot lacks the energy and pattern density for ethical hunting of game birds or small mammals like squirrels at any reasonable range. Its design and intent are strictly for ultra-close-range pest control.
How does the shot capsule work?
The CCI Shotshell uses a small, crimped plastic capsule inside the brass case that holds the #12 lead shot. Upon firing, the capsule travels down the barrel and opens up, releasing the shot. It’s a simple, effective system that’s been proven for decades.
Can I use these in a .22 Magnum firearm?
No, absolutely not. This is a .22 Long Rifle (22LR) cartridge. It is not designed for, and will not safely function in, a firearm chambered for .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Always use ammunition that matches the caliber stamped on your firearm’s barrel.
Where can I buy .22 shotshell ammo online?
You can purchase the CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot right here at Imbertsmithersarms (imbertsmithersarms.com). We stock it, ship it fast from Grand Forks, ND, and stand behind the sale.
How should I store this ammunition?
Like all ammo, store it in a cool, dry place. A closet shelf or under-bed storage in your home is fine. Avoid damp locations like basements or unheated garages where condensation can occur. In its original box or a labeled ammo can is perfect.
Ready to Ship from Grand Forks
When you order from us, you’re not just getting ammo; you’re getting a hassle-free experience from a team that understands what you need.
✅ Same-day shipping from Grand Forks, ND
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
If the CCI Shotshell 22LR is the right tool for your specific job, you can add it to your cart with confidence. For other needs, we’ve got you covered.
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About this review: This assessment is based on 11 years of industry experience, direct customer feedback, and product knowledge. My goal is to give you the practical, straightforward information you need to make a smart purchase for your concealed carry or outdoor lifestyle. Last updated: April 2026
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