What’s the Best Budget-Friendly, High-Velocity .22LR Ammo for Plinking and Small Game?
Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in affordable, reliable ammunition for hunters and shooters. The Aguila Super Extra High Velocity 22LR Ammo 38 Grain Plated Hollow Point delivers consistent, clean-burning performance without breaking the bank. This Mexican-made ammo offers a great balance of speed and terminal performance. It’s in stock and ready to ship today for just $86.32, a solid discount from the regular $100.00 price.
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 Aguila Super Extra .22LR Ammo is a Smart Buy
Let’s be real—when you’re stocking up for a long day at the range, a squirrel hunt, or just keeping your rimfire skills sharp, you need ammo that goes bang every time without costing as much as your centerfire rounds. I’ve seen a lot of .22LR come through our warehouse over the years. The Aguila Super Extra line consistently stands out for folks who want more than just the absolute cheapest bulk pack, but aren’t looking for match-grade target ammo. The 38-grain plated hollow point design gives you that extra bit of expansion on impact compared to solid points, which matters for small game. The high velocity rating means you get a flatter trajectory, which is a real help when you’re trying to connect on a target at 50+ yards. For the price we’re offering, it’s hard to find a better value for a general-purpose, high-velocity hollow point load.
Aguila Super Extra High Velocity 22LR Ammo 38 Grain Plated Hollow Point – Best Price Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Rimfire Rifle/Pistol Ammunition |
| Material | Copper-plated lead projectile, brass case |
| Manufacturing | Aguila (Industrias Tecnos, Mexico) |
| Finish | Standard brass case, copper-plated projectile |
| Hardness/Quality | Plated projectile for reduced barrel leading, non-corrosive priming |
| Compatibility | All .22 Long Rifle chambered firearms (rifles, pistols, revolvers) |
| Installation/Usage | Standard rimfire loading into firearm magazine or cylinder |
| Weight (Projectile) | 38 Grains |
| Dimensions (Cartridge) | .22 Long Rifle standard dimensions |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Condition | New, factory fresh |
| SKU | AGUILA-SE-HV-38PHP (Check product page for exact SKU) |
How Does This Aguila Ammo Stack Up Against Other .22LR Options?
| Feature | Aguila Super Extra HV 38gr PHP (This Product) | Budget Bulk Pack (e.g., Generic 36gr LRN) | Premium Target/Grade (e.g., CCI Mini-Mag 36gr CPHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Copper-plated hollow point, brass case, non-corrosive | Plain lead round nose, sometimes mixed brass/steel case | Copper-plated hollow point, high-quality brass, clean-burning powder |
| Quality & Consistency | Very good for the price. Consistent velocity, reliable ignition. | Variable. Can be dirty, prone to more duds, velocity swings. | Excellent. Known for extreme reliability and consistency. |
| Compatibility | Works in virtually all .22LR firearms. Good for semi-autos. | May cause feeding issues in some finicky semi-autos. | Designed for reliable cycling in all actions, especially semi-autos. |
| Shipping & Value | Our price offers a great middle-ground value. Ships same-day. | Cheapest per-round cost, but you may get what you pay for. | Highest per-round cost, premium performance. |
| Lifespan & Purpose | Great for plinking, small game, training. Good barrel life. | Strictly for high-volume plinking where precision isn’t key. | Ideal for serious small game hunting, competition, or where absolute reliability is required. |
| Price Point | $86.32 (Our Sale Price) – Best value for performance. | ~$60-$80 for similar round count – Lowest upfront cost. | ~$120-$250+ for similar round count – Highest cost. |
The Pros and Cons, Straight From the Warehouse
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent Velocity: The “Super Extra High Velocity” label is accurate. You get a snappy report and a flat trajectory.
- ✅ Plated Projectile: The copper plating means less lead fouling in your barrel compared to plain lead, making cleanup easier.
- ✅ Hollow Point Design: Provides better terminal performance on small game and reactive targets than solid round nose.
- ✅ Reliable Ignition: In my experience, Aguila’s priming is consistent. You’ll get far fewer click-no-bang moments than with the cheapest bulk packs.
- ✅ Outstanding Value: At our sale price of $86.32, this ammo hits a sweet spot between cost and dependable performance.
Cons:
- ❌ Not Match Grade: Don’t expect single-hole groups at 100 yards. It’s accurate enough for most purposes, but not for precision benchrest competition. For that, check out our target ammunition.
- ❌ Can Be Snappy: The high velocity can sometimes translate to a bit more report and felt recoil in lightweight rifles or pistols—it’s still a .22, but you’ll notice the difference from standard velocity.
- ❌ Specific Use Case: If you’re purely shooting paper at 25 yards or running a suppressor, standard velocity ammo might be a better fit. See our full .22LR selection for alternatives.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Aguila .22LR Ammo
Buy it if: You’re a hunter looking for an affordable, effective round for squirrels, rabbits, or other small game. You’re a recreational shooter who wants reliable ammo for plinking and training that’s a step up from the dirt-cheap bulk stuff. You own a semi-auto .22 rifle or pistol and want ammo that cycles reliably without paying premium prices. You’re stocking up for a season of shooting and want a good all-purpose round that won’t let you down.
Skip it if: You require absolute, sub-MOA precision for formal target competition. You primarily shoot with a suppressor and need subsonic ammunition to stay quiet (this high-velocity round will likely crack the sound barrier). You are looking for the absolute lowest cost-per-round and are willing to accept potential reliability trade-offs. For those needs, we have other options in our ammunition category.
Got Questions? Let’s Address Common Concerns
Is this ammo corrosive? No. Aguila uses non-corrosive primers in their modern ammunition, including this Super Extra line. You can clean your firearm with standard procedures.
Will it cycle in my semi-auto? In the vast majority of semi-automatic rifles and pistols, yes. The high velocity provides plenty of energy for reliable cycling. It runs well in popular platforms like the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, and various .22 pistols.
How does it perform on game? The 38-grain plated hollow point at high velocity is a solid performer on small game like squirrels and rabbits. The hollow point promotes better energy transfer than a solid point, making for more ethical harvests.
Is it dirty? It’s cleaner than most budget bulk-pack ammo, but it’s not the cleanest-burning ammo on the market. You’ll still want to clean your firearm after a long session, but it won’t gum things up excessively fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this .22LR ammo good for self-defense?
.22LR is generally not recommended for primary self-defense due to its relatively low stopping power. While reliable and better than nothing, centerfire cartridges are a more suitable choice for the concealed carry lifestyle. This ammo is best suited for training, plinking, and small game hunting.
Can I use this in a .22 Magnum firearm?
No, you cannot. .22 Long Rifle (22LR) and .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) are different cartridges and are not interchangeable. Using .22LR in a .22 Magnum chamber is unsafe and will not function. Always use ammunition that matches the caliber stamped on your firearm.
How many rounds come in a box?
This particular listing is for a 500-round brick. Aguila typically packages their Super Extra High Velocity in 50-round boxes, with 10 boxes per brick. Always double-check the product title and description on our site for the exact round count you are ordering.
Where can I buy Aguila Super Extra .22LR ammo online?
You’re in the right place. You can buy Aguila Super Extra High Velocity 22LR Ammo 38 Grain Plated Hollow Point right here at Imbertsmithersarms (imbertsmithersarms.com). We ship quickly and discreetly from Grand Forks, ND.
Is the brass reloadable?
.22LR brass is generally not reloaded by the average shooter. The cases are rimfire, meaning the primer is contained in the rim, making the reloading process complex, specialized, and often not cost-effective compared to buying new ammunition.
What’s the approximate muzzle velocity?
Aguila rates this Super Extra High Velocity load at approximately 1,280 feet per second (fps) from a rifle barrel. Actual velocity will vary based on your specific firearm’s barrel length.
Do you ship to my state?
We ship ammunition in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. During checkout, our system will validate your shipping address. For specific questions about shipping to your location, please contact our customer service team before ordering.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today from our Grand Forks warehouse.
✅ Same-day shipping on orders placed before 2 PM CT from Grand Forks, ND.
✅ Discreet packaging for your privacy.
✅ 30-day returns on unopened, factory-sealed products.
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options.
Ready to stock up on reliable, high-velocity .22LR? This Aguila Super Extra ammo at $86.32 is a deal that makes sense for your range bag or hunting kit. Add it to your cart now—we’ll get it packed up and on its way.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the product, industry knowledge, and customer feedback compiled by our team at




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