CCI Clean 22 Review: Stop Scrubbing, Start Shooting More?

We all love a high-volume .22LR range day, but hate the tedious cleaning that follows. CCI’s Clean-22 promises a polymer-coated solution to fouling, but does it actually keep your guns running longer and cleaner without sacrificing the accuracy and reliability you demand?

The .22LR Shooter’s Dilemma: Fouling vs. Fun

The .22 Long Rifle cartridge is a cornerstone of shooting, but it carries an inherent technical problem: fouling. Standard lead round nose bullets, even those with a wax lubricant, deposit lead and carbon residue inside the firearm’s barrel, action, and especially within suppressors. This accumulation is not a minor inconvenience; it directly degrades firearm performance over a shooting session. As fouling builds, accuracy can diminish, reliability may suffer due to sluggish action components, and the cleaning process becomes a time-consuming and messy chore.

The Nature of Lead and Carbon Buildup

Traditional .22LR ammunition leaves behind two primary types of fouling. The first is lead shearing from the soft bullet as it engages the barrel’s rifling, and the second is carbon and lubricant residue from the combustion of the powder and primer.

This combination creates a gritty, stubborn paste that is difficult to remove. In semi-automatic firearms, this residue can impede the movement of the bolt, leading to failures to feed or eject. For suppressor owners, the problem is magnified significantly.

• Barrel Fouling: Lead deposits fill the grooves of the rifling, which can negatively impact the bullet’s spin and stabilization, leading to a measurable decrease in accuracy.
• Action Fouling: Carbon and unburnt powder can gum up the moving parts of a semi-automatic action, causing sluggish operation and increasing the frequency of malfunctions.
• Suppressor Fouling: Suppressors act as a trap for debris. Lead and carbon buildup on baffles reduces internal volume, decreasing sound suppression effectiveness and adding considerable weight.

Impact on Firearm Performance and Maintenance

The practical outcome of this fouling is a direct trade-off between shooting time and maintenance time. A high-volume shooting session with a suppressed .22LR pistol can require a complete disassembly and aggressive cleaning of the suppressor after just a few hundred rounds. This maintenance burden detracts from the enjoyment of shooting and adds to the long-term wear on components. The solvents and tools required for heavy lead removal can be harsh, and the process itself is tedious.

The Suppressor Complication

Suppressors are particularly vulnerable to .22LR fouling. The baffles are designed to trap gas and debris, and the soft lead particles rapidly accumulate on every internal surface.

Cleaning a heavily leaded suppressor is one of the most disliked chores in firearm maintenance. It often involves ultrasonic cleaners, chemical “dips,” or manual scraping of each individual baffle, a process that can take hours to complete properly. This reality often discourages suppressor use, negating the primary benefit of owning one.

What is CCI Clean-22? The Technology Behind the Claim

CCI Clean-22 ammunition directly addresses the fouling problem with its proprietary polymer bullet coating. This is not a simple paint or wash but a functional layer designed to encapsulate the lead projectile completely, preventing direct contact between the lead and the firearm’s bore. The goal of this technology is twofold: to drastically reduce lead buildup in the barrel and to minimize the amount of vaporized lead and carbon residue that accumulates in actions and suppressors. The coating itself is a translucent polymer that adds lubricity while being consumed during firing, leaving significantly less residue than traditional wax.

The Polymer Coating Explained

The key innovation is the specific formulation of the polymer coating. It is applied evenly over the lead bullet, creating a smooth, durable surface. This coating serves multiple functions during the firing sequence.

First, it acts as a barrier, preventing the rifling from scraping and depositing lead into the barrel. Second, the polymer has lubricating properties that reduce friction as the bullet travels down the bore. This can contribute to more consistent velocities and less heat generation.

• Encapsulation: The coating completely seals the lead bullet, including the base, to minimize exposure to hot propellant gases.
• Lubricity: The polymer material is designed to be slick, reducing the force required to engrave the rifling and push the bullet through the barrel.
• Residue Reduction: The coating is formulated to burn off cleanly, leaving far less particulate matter compared to the wax lubricants used on traditional .22LR rounds.

How It Differs from Traditional .22LR

The distinction between Clean-22 and other .22LR ammunition is significant. While copper-plated rounds offer some reduction in bore fouling, they often leave the lead base of the bullet exposed. This allows hot gases to vaporize lead from the base, which then deposits in the action and suppressor.

CCI Clean-22’s full encapsulation is the primary differentiator. By coating the entire projectile, it aims to solve both barrel fouling and suppressor fouling simultaneously, a claim that sets it apart from copper-plated alternatives.

Available Variants and Specifications

CCI offers the Clean-22 technology across several product lines to suit different shooting applications. This allows shooters to choose a variant that matches their specific needs, whether for target shooting, competition, or suppressed use.

The availability of both high-velocity and sub-sonic options is critical. The sub-sonic variant is particularly important for shooters using suppressors, as it prevents the “crack” of a supersonic bullet, maximizing sound reduction.

• Clean-22 Sub-Sonic: Features a 40-grain lead bullet with a blue polymer coating, rated at 1070 fps. It is optimized for suppressed firearms.
• Clean-22 High Velocity: Uses a 40-grain lead bullet with a red polymer coating, rated at 1235 fps. This is designed for reliable function in semi-automatics and general plinking.
• Clean-22 Suppressor: A specific 45-grain offering designed to be heavy for its caliber, providing better stability and energy from shorter barrels often found on suppressed pistols.

The Test: Putting the Polymer Coating to the Proof

To objectively evaluate the claims made by CCI, a structured testing protocol is necessary. The methodology must isolate the variable of ammunition type while keeping the firearms, shooting conditions, and evaluation criteria consistent.

The primary goal is to generate measurable data on fouling reduction, reliability, and accuracy. This requires shooting a significant volume of ammunition through multiple firearm platforms and conducting a detailed visual and functional analysis afterward. A control group using traditional ammunition is essential for a valid comparison.

Test Firearms and Equipment

The selection of firearms is critical to test the ammunition across a range of common applications. A diverse set of platforms will reveal how the ammunition performs under different operating conditions.

A bolt-action rifle provides the best platform for pure accuracy testing, while semi-automatic platforms are essential for evaluating reliability and action fouling. The inclusion of a suppressor is mandatory to test the core claim of reduced fouling in these devices.

• Bolt-Action Rifle: A CZ 457 was selected for its known accuracy potential, serving as the baseline for precision testing at 50 yards.
• Semi-Automatic Rifle: A Ruger 10/22, the ubiquitous standard for .22LR semi-autos, was used to assess reliability and action fouling over a high round count.
• Semi-Automatic Pistol: A Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite, a popular choice for suppressed shooting and competition, was used to evaluate performance in a handgun platform.
• Suppressor: A SilencerCo Sparrow 22 was used on both the rifle and pistol to measure baffle fouling.

Testing Protocol and Round Count

A consistent and repeatable process ensures that the results are directly comparable. Each firearm was thoroughly cleaned to a baseline state before testing began. A total of 500 rounds of CCI Clean-22 Sub-Sonic were fired through each firearm.

The same test was then repeated with 500 rounds of CCI Standard Velocity lead round nose ammunition to serve as a control. This high round count is crucial for making fouling significant enough to measure and photograph effectively.

1. Baseline Cleaning: Each firearm and the suppressor were completely disassembled and cleaned of all carbon and lead residue.
2. Accuracy Test: The first 50 rounds through the bolt-action rifle were used for accuracy testing, firing five 5-shot groups at 50 yards from a bench rest.
3. Reliability and Fouling Test: The remaining 450 rounds were fired through the semi-automatic platforms in a continuous session to induce fouling and test for malfunctions.
4. Post-Test Disassembly: After 500 rounds, each firearm and the suppressor were carefully disassembled without any pre-cleaning.
5. Documentation: High-resolution photographs were taken of the barrel, action, and suppressor baffles to document the level and nature of the fouling.

Evaluation Criteria

The success of the ammunition was judged against several key performance indicators. These metrics provide a quantitative and qualitative assessment of whether Clean-22 delivers on its promises.

The most important criterion is the visual evidence of fouling, but functional reliability and accuracy are also critical factors. A reduction in fouling is only valuable if the ammunition performs reliably and accurately.

• Visual Fouling: Comparison of residue on suppressor baffles, bolt faces, and inside the action between Clean-22 and the control ammunition.
• Reliability: Tracking the number and type of any malfunctions (failure to feed, failure to eject, light primer strike) over the 500-round test.
• Accuracy: Measuring the average group size in inches for the 5-shot groups fired from the bolt-action rifle.

Analysis: Does Clean-22 Deliver on Its Promises?

After completing the 500-round tests for both CCI Clean-22 and the standard velocity control ammunition, the analysis of the results provides clear, data-driven answers. The primary claim of fouling reduction was evaluated through direct visual comparison of key firearm components.

The evidence indicates a substantial and immediately obvious reduction in fouling with the Clean-22 ammunition. This was most pronounced within the suppressor, a component notoriously difficult to clean after use with traditional .22LR rounds.

Fouling Reduction: A Visual Comparison

The most compelling results came from the visual inspection of the suppressor baffles. After 500 rounds of standard velocity lead ammunition, the baffles were coated in a thick, heavy layer of gray lead and black carbon residue. In contrast, the baffles used with Clean-22 had only a light, dusty layer of gray powder that could be wiped away easily with a dry cloth. This difference is significant for any suppressor owner. The lack of heavy, caked-on lead deposits means that maintenance intervals can be dramatically extended and the cleaning process itself is simplified from a chore of scraping to a simple wipe-down.

• Suppressor Baffles: Drastic reduction in lead buildup; residue was a fine powder rather than a solid deposit.
• Action/Bolt Face: The action of the Ruger 10/22 and Mark IV remained visibly cleaner, with less gritty carbon residue affecting the bolt’s movement.
• Barrel Bore: While harder to photograph, a patch pushed through the bore after using Clean-22 came out with significantly less lead and carbon than the control.

Reliability and Cycling Performance

Throughout the 500-round test in the semi-automatic platforms, the CCI Clean-22 ammunition demonstrated excellent reliability. There were zero ammunition-related malfunctions recorded in either the Ruger 10/22 rifle or the Ruger Mark IV pistol. The control ammunition, CCI Standard Velocity, also performed well but induced two failures to fully eject in the Ruger 10/22 toward the end of the test, likely due to the increased fouling in the action. The cleaner-burning nature of Clean-22 appears to contribute to more consistent and reliable cycling over extended shooting sessions.

Accuracy Assessment

In the accuracy portion of the test using the CZ 457 bolt-action rifle, the CCI Clean-22 Sub-Sonic ammunition produced consistent and respectable groups. The performance was on par with what is expected from quality bulk-pack ammunition.

The average 5-shot group size at 50 yards was slightly larger than the control group using CCI Standard Velocity, which is often regarded as an accurate and consistent round. However, the difference was minimal and would likely not be a deciding factor for most applications outside of dedicated precision competition. For plinking, training, and steel shooting, the accuracy is more than sufficient.

The Verdict: Is CCI Clean-22 Worth the Price for an Experienced Shooter?

The cumulative data from testing confirms that CCI Clean-22 substantially delivers on its primary promise of fouling reduction. The polymer coating is not a marketing gimmick; it provides a tangible and dramatic decrease in lead and carbon buildup, especially within suppressors. For the experienced shooter, the decision to adopt Clean-22 hinges on a cost-benefit analysis. The ammunition carries a price premium over standard lead and even some copper-plated offerings. The question is whether the time saved on cleaning and the enhanced reliability justify this additional expense.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The primary benefit is time. For a high-volume shooter, especially one who uses a suppressor, the hours saved on meticulous cleaning can be significant. This translates directly into more time spent on the range and less time at the cleaning bench. The reduction in harsh chemical use and mechanical scraping can also extend the life of suppressors and firearm components. When viewed as an investment in reducing maintenance and increasing shooting enjoyment, the higher cost per round becomes more justifiable.

Ideal Use Cases and Applications

While any .22LR shooter can benefit from cleaner operation, certain applications make CCI Clean-22 a particularly compelling choice. Shooters who engage in these activities will see the most immediate and significant return on their investment.

The value proposition is strongest for those who create the most fouling. A casual plinker who shoots 50 rounds once a month may not see the need, but a competitive shooter or dedicated trainer will appreciate the benefits immediately.

• Suppressed Shooting: This is the number one application. The near-elimination of caked-on lead in baffles makes Clean-22 the default choice for serious suppressor users.
• High-Volume Plinking: Shooters who enjoy long sessions with semi-automatic rifles and pistols will experience fewer malfunctions and spend far less time on cleanup.
• Steel Challenge/Action Shooting: In competitions where reliability is paramount, the cleaner-running nature of this ammunition can prevent costly malfunctions that impact scores.
• New Shooter Training: Using cleaner ammunition means firearms used for training can run longer between cleanings, maximizing instructional time.

Final Recommendation

For the experienced shooter, particularly one who owns and frequently uses a .22LR suppressor, CCI Clean-22 is unequivocally worth the price. The dramatic reduction in maintenance time and effort alone justifies the cost premium. The excellent reliability is an added, critical benefit.

While it may not be the top choice for pure, benchrest-style precision shooting where every fraction of an inch matters, its accuracy is more than adequate for the vast majority of .22LR applications. For those who value shooting more and scrubbing less, CCI Clean-22 is a technically superior solution that effectively solves the age-old problem of .22LR fouling.

Frequently Asked Questions about cci clean 22 review

How much cleaner does CCI Clean-22 actually keep a firearm compared to standard lead or copper-washed rounds?

The polymer coating encapsulates the lead bullet, which virtually eliminates lead fouling in the barrel and significantly reduces lead buildup in suppressors. Observation shows a marked reduction in the fine, black powder and lubricant residue within the action after high-volume shooting sessions when compared to traditional waxed lead-nose ammunition.

What is the impact on accuracy? Does the polymer coating affect consistency compared to traditional .22LR ammunition?

Its accuracy is generally on par with other CCI high-velocity offerings, such as the Mini-Mag. In most firearms, it produces consistent groupings suitable for general plinking and small game hunting. As with any ammunition, individual firearm preference is the ultimate determinant of performance, so testing in your specific platforms is recommended to verify results.

How does Clean-22’s reliability compare in semi-automatic platforms, especially those sensitive to ammunition type?

This ammunition is loaded to high-velocity specifications, which promotes reliable cycling in most semi-automatic actions. The polymer coating provides a smooth, non-waxy surface that tends to feed well and avoids the feeding issues sometimes associated with the heavy lubricants found on some traditional bulk pack ammunition.

Is there a noticeable reduction in suppressor fouling when using Clean-22?

Yes, this is one of its most significant advantages. The coating prevents lead from vaporizing and depositing onto suppressor baffles. This dramatically extends the required cleaning interval for .22LR suppressors, which are known to accumulate heavy lead fouling rapidly when used with standard lead ammunition.

Zachary Chen

My career is a blend of mechanical and audio engineering. I meticulously test the cycling rates and reliability of automatic firearms with various ammunition types, including LAX remanufactured loads. In the studio, I apply that same precision to analyzing high-resolution audio remasters of classical recordings, focusing on dynamic range and clarity. It’s all about optimizing signal and performance.