Remington Kills Off Standard Velocity 40gr Rimfire Load
Remington has discontinued its Standard Velocity Target 40-grain round-nose rimfire cartridge, eliminating a load known for consistent accuracy and clean ballistics. The ammunition maker recently overhauled its rimfire ammo portfolio, cutting production of legacy loads that had served target shooters and small-game hunters for years. The specific discontinuation date was not disclosed, but the round is no longer available through standard retail channels.
Key Details
- The discontinued load: Standard Velocity Target 40-grain round-nose, a .22 LR variant
- Known for consistent velocities and clean case performance in competition and training
- Part of broader rimfire lineup restructuring by Remington in 2026
- No official replacement announced in the same velocity/weight category
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
Rimfire shooters—competitive .22 LR competitors, smallbore rifle clubs, and training-focused gun owners—lose a reliable, predictable option. Standard Velocity loads excel in consistency, especially important for .22 rifles where velocity variation matters for precision. The 40-grain round-nose was a workhorse for shooters who valued accuracy over velocity. Target shooters and 4-H/youth programs relying on this specific load now face switching to Federal, CCI, or other manufacturers, which means different ballistics, different cleaning properties, and potentially higher costs. Inventory hunters may find remaining stock at premium prices.
DownRange Analysis
Rimfire ammunition consolidation accelerated post-pandemic as manufacturers prioritized centerfire production. Remington's decision reflects market economics: lower-margin specialty loads yield to high-volume ammunition. But it signals a contraction in target-grade rimfire options. Shooters can source alternatives—CCI Standard Velocity, Federal Champion, Aguila—but losing Remington's formula removes a known quantity from the market. For competitive shooters, this means testing new loads. For firearms companies, it's a reminder that ammunition reliability shapes platform loyalty. Stock up on alternatives or accept the transition costs.
