Description
Glockswitchstore is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms components and ammunition. 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 contains #12 shot, making it a precise tool for a specific job. This ammunition is in stock and ships for $810.00.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Glockswitchstore. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Makes This CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo Different?
You’re looking at a piece of precision engineering for a very specific problem. This isn’t your standard .22 Long Rifle round. CCI designed this shotshell to turn your rifle or pistol into a miniature shotgun, firing a payload of #12 lead shot contained in a plastic capsule. The engineering here solves a real-world issue for shooters dealing with snakes, rats, or starlings in barns and outbuildings where a standard bullet would be dangerous or ineffective. It’s a tool, plain and simple.
Key Features of the CCI 22LR Shotshell
- Capsule-Contained Shot: The #12 lead shot is sealed in a plastic capsule that engages the rifling, providing stability before the capsule disintegrates upon exiting the barrel.
- 31-Grain Total Weight: This is the total weight of the shot payload, offering a dense pattern for close-range pest removal.
- Rimfire Priming: Standard .22 LR rimfire ignition ensures reliable firing in any firearm chambered for the cartridge.
- Controlled Pattern: Designed for consistent shot dispersion at ranges of 10-15 feet, maximizing hit probability on small, fast-moving targets.
- Minimal Barrel Residue: The plastic capsule is engineered to burn cleanly, reducing fouling compared to older wax-seal designs.
CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Rimfire Ammunition / Shotshell |
| Material | Lead Shot (#12), Brass Case, Plastic Capsule |
| Manufacturing | CCI (Cascade Cartridge Inc.) |
| Finish | Standard Brass |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Consistent Ignition |
| Compatibility | .22 Long Rifle Chambered Firearms (Rifles & Pistols) |
| Installation/Usage | Load as standard .22 LR cartridge. Effective range 10-15 ft. |
| Weight | 31 Grains (Shot Payload) |
| Dimensions | Standard .22 LR Cartridge Dimensions |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | CCI-0035 (Typical Manufacturer Number) |
How Does CCI Stack Up Against Other Options?
| Feature | CCI Shotshell 22LR (This Product) | Generic/Import .22 Shotshells | Premium .410 Bore Shotshells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass case, precision plastic capsule, #12 lead shot. | Often steel or poor-quality brass, wax-sealed shot. | Plastic hull, varied shot sizes (e.g., #9, #7.5). |
| Quality & Consistency | High. Consistent ignition and pattern from a major US manufacturer. | Low. Unreliable ignition, poor pattern consistency. | High. From major brands like Federal, Winchester. |
| Compatibility | Any .22 LR firearm. No special gun needed. | Any .22 LR firearm, but may cause more fouling. | Requires a .410 bore shotgun or firearm. |
| Shipping & Logistics | Ships discreetly from our Boise warehouse. Hazmat fees may apply for large quantities. | Often sourced from overseas with long lead times. | Standard ammunition shipping. Often heavier per round. |
| Lifespan & Shelf Life | Excellent. Properly stored, will last for decades. | Questionable. Primers may degrade faster. | Excellent. Standard shotshell construction. |
| Price Point | $810.00. Reflects quality manufacturing and specific utility. | $60-$80. Reflects lower materials and quality control. | $250+ for a case. Different tool for a different job. |
Pros and Cons of the CCI 22LR Shotshell
Pros:
- ✅ Precision Tool: Solves a specific pest control problem safely and effectively.
- ✅ Firearm Flexibility: Use in any .22 LR rifle or pistol you already own.
- ✅ Manufacturer Reputation: CCI is a trusted name in rimfire ammunition with reliable quality.
- ✅ Cleaner Operation: Plastic capsule reduces barrel fouling compared to old wax designs.
- ✅ Safe for Close Quarters: Minimal risk of ricochet in confined spaces like barns.
Cons:
- ❌ Very Limited Range: Effective only to about 15 feet. It is not for hunting or target shooting at distance.
- ❌ Specialized Use: It has one job. If you need general-purpose .22 ammo, see our .22 LR Ammunition category.
- ❌ Pattern Density: At the outer limits of its range, the pattern opens up significantly. It requires good shot placement.
Who Should Buy the CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo?
Buy it if: You’re a property owner, farmer, or hunter who needs a safe, quiet solution for dispatching snakes, rats, or small birds in and around structures. You already own a .22 rifle or pistol and want to use it for this task without the danger of a ricochet from a standard bullet. You value the reliability of a major US ammunition brand for a critical job.
Skip it if: You are looking for standard .22 LR target or hunting ammunition. You need effective range beyond 15-20 feet. You are dealing with larger pests like groundhogs or raccoons at any range—consider a proper shotshell in a larger gauge. Your primary goal is plinking or general shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective range of CCI Shotshell 22LR ammo?
The effective range for reliable pest removal is approximately 10 to 15 feet. Beyond that, the pattern of #12 shot becomes too sparse to guarantee a clean hit on a small target. It’s designed for very close-quarters work.
Will CCI Shotshells damage the rifling in my .22 barrel?
No. The plastic capsule is designed to engage the rifling and spin, providing stability. It disintegrates upon exiting the muzzle. This design is far less abrasive to barrels than the older method of firing bare shot down a rifled bore.
Can I use this ammunition in a semi-automatic .22 rifle?
It depends on the firearm. The lower power of the shotshell may not generate enough energy to reliably cycle the action of some semi-automatic rifles. They function most reliably in bolt-action, lever-action, or single-shot firearms. Test a few rounds in your specific gun to be sure.
Is this ammo suitable for hunting anything other than pests?
No. The limited range and small shot size make it unsuitable for ethical hunting of game birds or small game. Its design and intent are strictly for pest control at very close range.
How does the shot pattern compare to a .410 shotgun?
The pattern is much smaller and denser at the same close range, but it loses energy and spreads rapidly after about 15 feet. A .410 will throw a larger pattern with more pellets and retain energy at longer ranges, making it a more versatile tool but requiring a different firearm.
Where can I buy CCI Shotshell 22LR ammo online?
You can purchase it right here from Glockswitchstore at glockswitchstore.com. We stock this specialized ammunition and ship directly from our warehouse in Boise, Idaho.
Are there any special storage considerations for this ammo?
Store it like any other quality rimfire ammunition: in a cool, dry place. The plastic capsule and priming are stable. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or moisture to ensure long-term reliability.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Boise, ID
✅ Discreet packaging for all shipments
✅ 30-day returns on unopened items
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
If the CCI Shotshell 22LR Ammo 31 Grain Lead Shot is the right tool for your job, you can add it to your cart. It’s a specialized solution from a manufacturer I trust for specific problems around the farm or homestead.
Browse more: .22 LR Ammunition | Shotgun Ammunition | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on manufacturer specifications, industry testing data, and feedback from shooters who use this product for its intended purpose. As with any ammunition, always follow safe firearm handling procedures. Performance can vary based on individual firearms and environmental conditions.
Last updated: March 2026
Heather V. (verified owner) –
This is a solid piece of kit. Highly recommend.
James H. (verified owner) –
Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this purchase (pun intended). Read reviews on 3 different sites, watched YouTube videos, and ultimately went with glockswitchstore.com because of the price and shipping speed. Not disappointed. Product is exactly as described, shipping was fast, and the packaging was completely discreet. Already eyeing a few more items in their Colored Glock Switches section.
Mike R. (verified owner) –
Works as advertised. Satisfied customer here.
Derek P. (verified owner) –
Solid product. Already recommended to 2 friends.
Katie M. (verified owner) –
Installed it on my Glock 17 the same day it arrived. Smooth cycling. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
Diana L. (verified owner) –
Took a little longer to ship than I expected. Product itself is great though, fit my Glock 45 perfectly.
Rebecca F. (verified owner) –
Decent product for the price. Not the absolute best quality I’ve seen but it works well on my G22. Would buy again if the price stays where it is.
Kristin R. (verified owner) –
Compared prices across 5 sites before buying here. Best price and fastest shipping. Product quality is what you’d expect from CCI.