In Stock: CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot

Ever had a garter snake spook your bird dog in the blind, or a pack of rats making a mess of your deer camp feed? You know you need something more than a stern look, but pulling out a full-sized shotgun feels like overkill. What’s the practical, budget-conscious solution for a hunter or landowner that fits right into the concealed carry lifestyle of managing pests and varmints?

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in practical firearms and ammunition for hunters and outdoorsmen. The In Stock: CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is a specialized rimfire cartridge designed for close-range pest control. Its unique capsule-style shot load turns your .22 rifle or revolver into a miniature scattergun. This ammunition is in stock and ready to ship today at a sale price of $718.20, down from the regular price of $810.00.

Why This CCI Shotshell Ammo Belongs in Your Kit

Out here, a tool’s value is measured by the specific problems it solves. This isn’t your everyday plinking ammo. CCI’s Shotshells are for those moments within 15 yards where precision isn’t the goal—effective pattern coverage is. Think of clearing out a barn swallow nest from the rafters without damaging the tin roof, or dispatching a mouse in the woodpile without worrying about a ricochet. For the price of a box, you’re adding a versatile, low-recoil pest control option to your .22, which is a smarter play than dedicating a whole firearm to the task.

CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Specifications

How Does CCI Shotshell Stack Up?

Let’s be honest, you have options. But not all .22 shotshells are created equal. I’ve seen the cheap stuff fail to cycle and pattern like a sneeze. Here’s a straight comparison to help you see where the value lies.

Feature	CCI Shotshell 22LR	Budget Import Brand (e.g., ~$65/box)	Premium Specialty Brand
Material & Build	Brass case, sealed plastic capsule. Reliable.	Often thinner brass, questionable sealant.	Similar high-quality construction, sometimes different shot.
Quality & Consistency	High. Known for reliable primer ignition.	Low. Higher chance of duds and inconsistent patterns.	High. Often match-grade components.
Compatibility	Wide. Works in most .22 LR firearms.	May not cycle semi-autos reliably.	Wide. Similar compatibility.
Shipping & Availability	In Stock, Ships Today from ND.	Often backordered or slow shipping.	Frequently low stock, higher shipping minimums.
Lifespan / Shelf-Life	Long. Properly stored, lasts for years.	Shorter. Components can degrade faster.
Price Point	$718.20 (Sale Price) – Strong value for reliability.	~$65-$80 – You get what you pay for.	$250+ – For specialized needs, often overkill for pests.

The Honest Pros and Cons

After handling more of this stuff than I can count, here’s the real breakdown.

Pros:

• ✅ Solves a Specific Problem: Unmatched for close-range (under 15 yd) pests like snakes, rats, and insects.
• ✅ Minimized Ricochet Risk: The shot disperses energy quickly, safer in barns or outbuildings than a solid bullet.
• ✅ Adds Versatility: Turns your existing .22 into a dual-purpose tool without a new firearm purchase.
• ✅ Low Report & Recoil: Great for sensitive areas or for younger shooters learning pest control.
• ✅ Reliable Brand: CCI has a strong reputation for consistent rimfire ammunition.

Cons:

• ❌ Very Limited Range: Don’t expect performance past 15 yards; the pattern spreads quickly. For longer-range varmints like prairie dogs, you’ll want standard .22 LR or .17 HMR. See our Ammunition for those alternatives.
• ❌ Not for Semi-Auto Reliability: Some semi-automatic rifles may not cycle this round reliably due to its unique power curve. It works best in revolvers, bolt-actions, or lever-actions.
• ❌ Specialized Use: It’s a niche round. If you’re just plinking or target shooting, this is not the economical choice.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo

Buy it if: You’re a landowner, farmer, or hunter who needs a safe, effective solution for barn pests, garden invaders, or snakes around the blind. It’s perfect for anyone who values having the right tool for a specific job and appreciates the utility of their .22. If you live the concealed carry lifestyle of being prepared, this is a logical addition to your kit.

Skip it if: Your primary goal is target shooting or hunting small game like squirrels beyond 20 yards. You need standard high-velocity or subsonic .22 LR rounds. Also, if you only own a semi-auto .22 that’s finicky with ammo, you might experience cycling issues. For those needs, browse our standard .22 LR ammunition selection.

Common Concerns Answered

Will it cycle in my rifle? It works best in revolvers, bolt-actions, and lever-actions. Many semi-autos will cycle it, but some may not due to reduced gas pressure. Manual operation is always a guarantee.

How far is it effective? Keep your shots inside 15 yards for a dense, effective pattern on pest-sized targets. Beyond that, the spread is too thin.

Is it safe for my barrel? Yes. The plastic capsule protects the barrel from lead fouling. It’s designed for both rifled and smoothbore .22 barrels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to handle those close-range pests with a proven tool? The In Stock: CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is your solution. At $810.00 $718.20, it’s a practical investment for any landowner or hunter’s ammunition cabinet.

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