Editor’s Note: Today’s feature first appeared in our companion service, The Shooting Wire.
A short while ago, I received samples of the CCI Clean-22 22 LR product line, specifically “Clean-22 Pink.” This features a coated 40 grain bullet at an advertised muzzle velocity of 1,235 feet-per-second. The color represents breast cancer awareness, followed by allocating a portion of the proceeds from every box sold going to the effort to find a cure. The sample rounds were in a 400-round bulk bottle.
According to factory literature, “CCI (originally) launched three Clean-22 22 LR options: Sub-Sonic, High Velocity and High Velocity Pink. All loads feature a 40-grain round nose lead bullet colored in a way to signify their differences. Red represented High Velocity which boasted a muzzle velocity of 1,235 feet-per-second (fps). Blue for Sub-Sonic featuring a muzzle velocity of 1,070 fps. Both options were sold in 100-count, clear-sided, durable boxes that CCI is known for. Clean-22 Pink also delivers a muzzle velocity of 1,235 yet is colored in a way to communicate that it helps fight breast cancer.”
The only load I’ve tried is the HV-Pink version.
CCI images.
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Since the line was rolled out in 2019, CCI has upped the ante. “CCI increased the total number of cataloged products in its Clean-22 lineup to five by introducing Suppressor 22 LR and Maxi-Mag Segmented Hollow Point (SHP) 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR).” The Maxi-Mag version is no doubt intended more for rifle or longer barrel revolvers and not the recently covered S&W M351PD snub.
The Clean-22 Suppressor 22 LR should be of interest to those who’ve endured months of waiting for their tax stamp. The polymer bullet coating is designed to reduce lead fouling inside a suppressor “by up to 60 percent.” This should make for easier maintenance of the NFA item. The CCI engineers sought not just accuracy with the 45 grain 1,000 fps load, but worked to ensure reliable cycling through suppressed firearms. I doubt that was easily achieved. The coating of the Suppressor load is black in color and the round is available in 200-count cartons.
We received a release earlier this year of a special, limited run of Clean-22 ammo, “Clean-22 Steel Challenge. As the name implies, it is Official ammunition of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Steel Challenge. This ammunition shows CCI’s support of the USPSA and its mission of promoting more participation in steel shooting competition. The high-velocity load also features a red, 40-grain round nose lead bullet leaving the muzzle at 1,235 fps in a 100-count box.”
How is the polymer coating better than the traditional wax that’s been used for decades? CCI Product Line Manager Dan Compton explained: “22 LR ammunition is usually waxed after the round is loaded. That means that the heel of the bullet inside the case does not get the protective wax coating. However, the Clean-22 polymer coating is put on before the bullet is loaded. Because it is totally encapsulating the bullet, it does a better job protecting the barrel because the whole bullet is encapsulated in polymer coating, even the heel.”
So the primary benefit, as the name implies, is cleanliness. They keep the bore cleaner, the feeding components and feed ramp cleaner – and the shooter’s fingers cleaner. Of course, any time you handle firearms and ammunition, let alone shoot, make sure you wash your hands.
So what have I discovered?
I’ve used the Clean-22 product in several different handguns – though use in a rifle isn’t a problem. I simply haven’t had a 22 rifle out since the product arrived in Q4, 2019.
The gun that wasn’t supposed to work according to some in social media – the GLOCK 44 – ate the CCI product like candy. In a feature about the GLOCK rimfire, I noted that the “Clean-22” put five rounds into 3 ¾” including a flyer I felt – the best four of the group was inside an inch – and the group was all in the shaded portion (the bullseye) of the target. No adjustment (of the adjustable rear sight) needed.” This was at 25 yards.
An incredibly small 22 auto, the Ruger Lite Rack LCP II, likewise shot the polymer coated product very well – as it did CCI Mini-Mag and other loads. When a 22 gets that small, reliability can be hit or miss. It wasn’t and Clean-22 chugged through the tiny Ruger like nobody’s business.
When the CCI load functioned well through the S&W M&P22 Compact, it was really no surprise; I’ve yet to find anything that gun wouldn’t shoot. It confirmed my suspicion that the Clean-22 was suitable for any 22 auto. That said, my first Clean-22 experience was with my S&W Model 617. It’d been Performance Center-converted to a convertible 22LR/22 Mag, and was later fitted with the Apex Tactical Mass Driver hammer. I ran around fifty rounds of CCI “Clean-22” through the gun on fifty yard steel targets. Once I knew where to hold, the Model 617 just couldn’t seem to miss.
I seem to write a lot about 22s. I started my shooting ‘career’ with 22s over fifty years ago. At this point in life, I like to reconnect with the fun of shooting.
CCI Clean-22 is very helpful in accomplishing that.
- - Rich Grassi