Winchester 21 Sharp ($15.99-$24.99 per box of 100)
Due to the nearly 140-year-old design of the 22 rimfire cartridge, ammo makers haven’t achieved optimal results loading the cartridge with lead-free bullets. That’s because 22 LR bullets use a heeled-base design with a diameter of .225 to fit in the case. Winchester’s new 2025 On Target Editors’ Choice Award-winning 21 Sharp is designed for enhanced accuracy and on-target performance with both lead and lead-free projectiles. Although it uses the same case, it employs a ballistically superior bullet with a diameter of .2105. The cartridge is initially offered in four loads:
- Game & Target 25 grain, Copper Matrix (1,750 fps) – Produces sub 1.5 MOA groups at 50 yards, outperforming other lead-free .22 LR offerings.
- Game & Target 37 grain, Black Copper Plated (1,335 fps) – An economical round for plinking applications.
- Game & Target 42 grain, FMJ (1,330 fps) – For high-volume range sessions with less frequent need for cleanings.
- Super X 34 grain, JHP (1,500 fps) – Beats the 22 LR in accuracy, expansion, and impact energy.
See it at your dealer, or for more information, contact Winchester; Web: www.winchester.com—Mike Dickerson
