SHOT 2026: CCI Uppercut Rimfire Self-Defense Ammo

Okay, so this one isn’t actually new for SHOT Show 2026, but somehow I either completely missed the launch of CCI’s Uppercut ammunition about two whole years ago or I forgot that I knew about it, and since I took a bunch of photos I’m going to show them off here regardless.

Available in .22 LR (always) and .22 WMR (sometimes), the 22 LR Uppercut is designed for short pistol barrels like you’d find in most semi-auto, .22 handguns. Basically in that 2.5- to 4-inch range. The WMR is suggested for a wider range of barrel lengths but still geared toward handguns.

It’s CCI’s first rimfire ammunition that’s made for self-defense.

Projectiles are actual jacketed hollow points designed to expand at the sorts of velocities you’d expect from a short barrel.

That looks pretty gnarly for a rimfire .22 cal.

Typically I’m of the opinion that .22LR isn’t an appropriate choice for self-defense, not so much because of the ballistics but because the small, rimfire caliber isn’t always reliable. Rounds with zero priming compound in the rim are not at all uncommon. Heck, in some bulk box ammunition from multiple brands that I’ve had over the years I’d experienced as high as five-plus-percent dud primer rates and loose bullets that have sometimes fallen out of the cases in the box.

BUT . . .

Not only is CCI among the very best in the industry at loading .22LR, their premium brands like this Uppercut are wonderfully reliable. Precise dimensions, secure projectiles, and I cannot recall ever experiencing a dud primer with them. If you’re going to use .22LR for defensive purposes absolutely stick to a premium load from a quality brand like this one.

.22WMR fires a slightly heavier (40 grains rather than 32) projectile at a higher velocity (1,050 FPS vs. 950 FPS) than does .22LR.