This specific type of ammunition refers to cartridges manufactured by CCI, chambered for the .22 caliber firearm, and loaded with small lead or steel pellets designed for hunting small game, primarily birds. It typically utilizes a .22 Long Rifle case and features a lighter load compared to standard .22 rounds. An example would be a .22 LR cartridge loaded with #12 shot.
Small-gauge shotshells offer an effective and often less expensive option for controlling pests and hunting small game. Their lower recoil makes them suitable for novice shooters and those sensitive to recoil. Historically, such ammunition has played a significant role in rural pest control and subsistence hunting. The development of specialized shotshells, like those offered by CCI, provides hunters and pest control operators with more consistent performance and greater effectiveness.