Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear for responsible owners. The CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is a specialized rimfire cartridge designed for pest control at close range. Its unique capsule design keeps the shot contained until it leaves the barrel, making it a reliable choice for dealing with snakes, rats, and other small varmints around the property. This ammunition is in stock and ready to ship for $810.00.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Frt 15. 12+ years building and modifying Glock platforms, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: March 2026
Who This Ammo Is For (And Who It Isn’t)
I spend a lot of time at the range with families, and I see folks trying to use the wrong tool for the job all the time. This CCI Shotshell isn’t your everyday plinking ammo. Think of it like having a specialized wrench in your toolbox—you don’t need it often, but when you do, nothing else will work.
Buy it if: You’re a landowner, farmer, or homesteader dealing with snakes in the garden, rats in the barn, or starlings in the eaves. You want a humane, effective solution for close-range pest control that won’t over-penetrate and risk damaging property or hurting other animals. You understand its limitations and have a proper .22 rifle with a smooth bore or a dedicated shotshell barrel.
Skip it if: You’re looking for standard target practice or small game hunting ammo for squirrels or rabbits at distance. You plan to use it in a standard rifled .22 LR barrel expecting tight patterns—it won’t work well. You need to engage targets beyond 10-15 feet. For those needs, check out our selection of standard .22 LR rounds.
What Makes This CCI Shotshell Work
- The Capsule System: This is the core of the design. Instead of loose shot in a plastic hull like a miniature shotgun shell, CCI uses a clear plastic capsule that sits atop the powder charge. This capsule travels down the barrel intact, preventing lead shot from fouling the rifling. It only opens up after exiting the muzzle, releasing the shot pattern. It’s a clever bit of engineering that makes these usable in more firearms.
- 31 Grains of #12 Shot: The payload is fine #12 lead shot. This size offers a dense pattern, which is critical for hitting small, fast-moving pests like snakes. You’re trading single-projectile penetration for a spread of multiple pellets, increasing your hit probability at very close range.
- Rimfire Reliability from CCI: CCI has a reputation for consistent rimfire ammunition. The priming is reliable, which is important because a misfire when you’re dealing with a rattler isn’t an option. I’ve run hundreds of rounds of various CCI products through all kinds of .22s, and their quality control is solid.
- Minimal Barrel Fouling: Because the shot is contained until it leaves the barrel, you avoid the major issue of lead and plastic fouling the rifling of a standard .22. Cleanup is much easier compared to older-style .22 shotshells.
How It Stacks Up: CCI vs. The Competition
| Feature | CCI Shotshell 22LR (Reviewed) | Cheap Import .22 Shotshells | Remington .22 LR “Rat Shot” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass case, sealed plastic capsule, #12 lead shot. | Often thin brass or steel case, questionable sealant. | Similar capsule design, also #12 shot. |
| Quality & Consistency | High. Known for reliable priming and consistent powder charges. | Low. Frequent misfires, erratic patterns, and duds. | High. Comparable to CCI in reliability. |
| Compatibility | Works in rifles, handguns, smoothbores. Best in dedicated guns. | May not cycle semi-autos, higher risk of jamming. | Identical compatibility to CCI. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships same-day from Houston, TX. | Often drop-shipped with long delays, unknown origin. | Frequently out of stock, long backorders. |
| Lifespan / Shelf-Life | Long. Properly stored, it will last for decades. | Poor. Corrosion and degraded powder are common. | Long. Similar to CCI. |
| Price Point | $810.00. A premium for a specialized, reliable product. | $60-$80. You get what you pay for—often frustration. | ~$250+. When available, similar price tier to CCI. |
The takeaway? The cheap stuff is a gamble you don’t want to take for a defensive (against pests) round. CCI and Remington are the two trusted names here. We carry CCI because we’ve found their supply chain and consistency to be slightly better, and it’s what I keep on my own ranch.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Rimfire Ammunition / Shotshell |
| Material (Case) | Brass |
| Material (Projectile) | #12 Lead Shot (31 Grains total) |
| Manufacturing | CCI (USA) |
| Finish | Standard Brass |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, High Reliability |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Chambers (Rifles & Handguns) |
| Installation/Usage | Chamber and fire. Best in smoothbore or dedicated barrel. |
| Weight (per round) | Approx. 40 grains |
| Dimensions (Cartridge) | Standard .22 LR Dimensions |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | CCI-0038 (Varies by retailer) |
The Honest Breakdown: Pros & Cons
✅ The Good:
- Effective at its Job: For snakes, rats, and mice inside 10-15 feet, it’s highly effective and more humane than traps.
- Safe for Property: Minimal risk of over-penetration. The tiny shot loses energy quickly and won’t ricochet like a solid bullet.
- Barrel-Friendly: The capsule design protects your barrel’s rifling from lead fouling.
- Reliable Ignition: CCI’s rimfire priming is among the best in the business. You can count on it going bang when you need it to.
- Versatile Platform: Can be used in any .22 LR firearm in a pinch, though it performs best in the right tool.
❌ The Limitations:
- Very Short Range: This is not a hunting round for edible game. The pattern spreads quickly and loses all meaningful energy beyond 15-20 feet. If you need reach, look at our centerfire varmint cartridges.
- Poor Performance in Rifled Barrels: If you fire this from a standard rifled .22 barrel, the spin will throw the pattern into a wide, doughnut-shaped ring, greatly reducing effectiveness. It works, but it’s not ideal.
- Specialized Use Case: It sits in your ammo can until a specific problem arises. You won’t be burning through boxes of this on a fun range day.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the effective range of CCI .22 shotshells?
For reliable pest control on small targets like snakes, keep it inside 10 feet. For larger pests like rats or starlings, you can stretch it to about 15 feet. Beyond that, the pattern becomes too wide and the pellets lose too much energy to be consistently effective.
Will this cycle in my semi-automatic .22 rifle or pistol?
It might, but don’t count on it. The lower power of the shotshell load often doesn’t generate enough pressure to reliably cycle the action of a semi-auto. It’s most reliable in single-shot, bolt-action, or revolver platforms. Treat it as a single-shot round in a semi-auto.
Can I use this in my smoothbore .410/.22 combination gun?
Absolutely. That’s one of the best platforms for it. The smooth bore will give you a much tighter, more consistent pattern than a rifled barrel. These combo guns are classic farm tools for this exact reason.
Is this ammunition safe to shoot indoors (e.g., in a barn)?
It is safer than a standard .22 LR bullet indoors due to minimal ricochet risk, but you must always follow the rules of firearm safety. Be aware of your target, backstop, and what is beyond. The shot can still penetrate thin materials like drywall at close range. Always prioritize a safe backstop.
How does the pattern look from a handgun vs. a rifle?
From a rifle-length barrel (especially a smoothbore), you’ll get a denser, more usable pattern. From a handgun with a 4-6 inch barrel, the pattern will spread very quickly, often becoming too wide for precision pest control beyond just a few feet. A rifle platform is preferred.
Where can I buy .22 shotshell ammo online?
You’re in the right place. Frt 15 (frt-15.com) carries this CCI Shotshell ammo and ships directly from our warehouse in Houston, TX. We get it to you fast without the hassle of big-box store limits or uncertain online marketplaces.
How should I store this ammo long-term?
Like all ammo: in a cool, dry place. A military surplus ammo can with a good seal is perfect. The plastic capsules are durable, but avoid extreme heat (like a car trunk in summer) which could potentially warp them over time.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Houston, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
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If the CCI Shotshell is the right tool for your needs, you can add it to your cart now. It’s a specialized solution, but when you need it, having a box on the shelf brings real peace of mind.
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About this review: This assessment is based on my professional experience as an armorer and extensive hands-on testing with this product and similar ammunition in real-world scenarios. My goal is to give you the clear, practical information you need to make a smart purchase, just like I would for a customer at my bench or a friend at the range.
Last updated: March 2026
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This CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is ideal for shooters looking to buy guns online with confidence. Built with precision engineering and tested performance, it’s a top-tier choice whether you're looking for home defense, sport shooting, or a trusted everyday carry.
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