CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot – 22lr

Ever Need to Clear Out a Barn or Shed Without Damaging the Structure?

You’re out at the family farm, and the old equipment shed has become a haven for rats and starlings. You need something that can handle the job at close range without punching holes in the tin siding or ricocheting dangerously. 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 rural shooters. The CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is a rimfire cartridge loaded with #12 shot for close-range pest control. It’s engineered to deliver a spread pattern ideal for snakes, rats, and small birds inside structures. This specialized ammunition is available now at $810 for a case, offering a budget-conscious solution for a specific need.

Why This CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo is a Tool, Not a Target Round

Let’s be clear from the start: this isn’t for plinking cans or ringing steel at 50 yards. I’ve handled enough of this ammo over the years to know its place. The CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot fills a very specific niche in the shooter’s toolbox. It’s for the farmer dealing with a snake under the porch, the homesteader clearing out a barn swallow nest in the rafters, or anyone who needs to dispatch small pests at extremely close quarters—think 10 feet or less—where a standard .22LR bullet would be over-penetrative and hazardous. For folks living the rural or concealed carry lifestyle, having the right tool for every job is paramount, and this is that tool for close-in, confined space pest control.

CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot – 22lr Specifications

How Does CCI Shotshell Stack Up Against Other Pest Control Options?

Feature	CCI Shotshell 22LR	Cheap Import .22 Rat Shot	Premium .410 Bore Shotshell
Material & Build	US-made brass, reliable priming	Often steel-case, questionable QC	High-quality brass or plastic hull
Quality & Consistency	Excellent, known brand reputation	Inconsistent powder charges, misfires common	Superior, designed for purpose
Compatibility	Any .22LR rifle or pistol	Any .22LR firearm (with risk)	Requires a .410 shotgun
Shipping & Cost	Standard ammo shipping, ~$810/case	Lower cost, ~$70-100/case	Higher cost, ~$250+/case, often heavier shipping
Lifespan & Purpose	Specialized close-range (<10ft) pest control	Same purpose, but unreliable	More versatile, effective to 15-20 yards
Price Value	Good for reliable, specialized .22LR use	Low upfront, high frustration factor	Higher performance, requires different firearm

The Real-World Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Eliminates Ricochet Risk: In a tin shed or under a vehicle, the shot pattern drastically reduces dangerous bounce-back compared to a solid bullet.
• Minimal Target Damage: Won’t punch through siding or interior walls at intended ranges, protecting your property.
• Extremely Effective on Small Pests: The #12 shot pattern is ideal for snakes, mice, rats, and sparrows at point-blank range.
• Uses Your Existing .22: No need for a separate shotgun; if you have a .22 rifle or revolver, you’re ready to go.
• Proven CCI Reliability: You get consistent ignition and powder burn, which isn’t a guarantee with off-brand “rat shot.”

❌ Cons:

• Very Limited Range: Effective range is measured in feet, not yards. Beyond about 10 feet, the pattern spreads too thin. For anything further, you need a proper .22LR round.
• Not for Practice or Hunting: This is a utility round. It won’t cycle semi-autos reliably and is useless for small game hunting. For practice, stick with standard ammunition.
• Can Foul Barrels: The plastic capsule that holds the shot can leave residue. It’s wise to fire a standard round afterward to help clear it.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo

Buy it if: You’re a farmer, rancher, or rural property owner with a recurring pest problem in confined spaces like barns, greenhouses, or sheds. If you value a safe, low-damage solution for dispatching snakes or rodents at spitting distance, this is your round. It’s also a sensible addition for the prepared homeowner in snake country who keeps a .22 revolver for such tasks.

Skip it if: You’re looking for a general-purpose plinking round or small game ammunition. The range is far too short. If your pest problems are in open areas beyond a few yards, you’d be better served with a .410 shotgun or a standard velocity .22LR round for precision. If you’re on a tight budget and the pests aren’t a critical issue, the cost per specialized round might not justify it.

Got Questions? Let’s Address the Common Concerns

“Will this cycle in my semi-auto .22 rifle?”
Probably not. Most semi-autos rely on the gas pressure or blowback from a standard bullet to cycle the action. The shot capsule creates different pressure curves. It’s best used in single-shot, bolt-action, or revolver platforms. Treat it like a manual-action round.

“How do I clean my barrel after using it?”
A normal cleaning is fine. Some shooters report a little plastic residue from the capsule. Firing one or two standard copper-plated rounds after your shotshell session can help scour the barrel. It’s not corrosive, so don’t overthink it.

“Can I use this for home defense?”
No. Absolutely not. The penetration on a threat, even at close range, would be insufficient and unreliable. This is a pest control tool only. For defensive purposes, you need a cartridge designed for that role.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot – 22lr is the right tool for your specific job, you can add it to your cart with confidence. We get it out the door fast.

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