22 ARC Load Data

Reliable .22 ARC load data can be found directly through official propellant and bullet manufacturers, primarily Hornady, Hodgdon Powder Company, and Vihtavuori. Standard published data provides precise reloading specifications, including starting powder charges, maximum powder charges, muzzle velocities, testing pressure limits, and overall cartridge lengths. Official documentation covers popular .22-caliber projectile weights ranging from 50-grain varmint options up to heavy 88-grain match bullets. Variations in published figures occur because each laboratory utilizes specific test barrel lengths, twist rates, primer brands, brass lot capacities, and ambient testing environments. Utilizing exact, pressure-tested component combinations is necessary to maintain safe operation within SAAMI pressure limits.

22 ARC Load Data

Bullet	Bullet Weight	Powder	Published Starting Load	Published Maximum Load	Published Velocity	Barrel Length	Source
Sierra HP	53 gr	Benchmark	26.5 gr (3,180 fps)	28.5 gr	3,390 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Sierra HP	53 gr	CFE 223	28.5 gr (3,250 fps)	30.8 gr	3,510 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Sierra HP	53 gr	H335	26.0 gr (3,150 fps)	28.2 gr	3,380 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD-VT	62 gr	CFE 223	27.5 gr (3,100 fps)	29.8 gr	3,320 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD-VT	62 gr	LEVEREVOLUTION	27.0 gr (3,080 fps)	29.5 gr	3,310 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD-VT	62 gr	Varget	25.0 gr (2,920 fps)	27.2 gr	3,150 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	LEVEREVOLUTION	25.5 gr (2,810 fps)	28.0 gr	3,040 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	CFE 223	26.0 gr (2,830 fps)	28.4 gr	3,050 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	StaBALL Match	25.8 gr (2,750 fps)	28.2 gr	2,980 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	Varget	23.5 gr (2,680 fps)	25.8 gr	2,890 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	88 gr	LEVEREVOLUTION	23.0 gr (2,520 fps)	25.4 gr	2,730 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	88 gr	CFE 223	23.5 gr (2,540 fps)	25.8 gr	2,740 fps	24″	Hodgdon
Hornady ELD Match	88 gr	StaBALL Match	23.2 gr (2,480 fps)	25.6 gr	2,690 fps	24″	Hodgdon

Understanding The .22 ARC Load Data

Interpreting a .22 ARC load data chart correctly is vital for safety and precision during .22 ARC load development. Each column in published reloading tables provides specific operational boundaries established in laboratory testing.

• Starting Load: The initial powder charge recommended by the publisher, typically calculated as a 10% reduction from the maximum tested charge. Reloaders should always begin .22 ARC reloading at the starting charge to safely evaluate pressure signs in their specific firearm.
• Maximum Published Load: The highest tested .22 ARC powder charge that remained within SAAMI pressure boundaries under laboratory conditions. Exceeding maximum load limits drastically increases the risk of dangerous pressure spikes.
• Velocity: The speed of the bullet recorded at or near the muzzle, measured in feet per second (fps). Published velocities are generated using specific test barrel lengths and chamber tolerances.
• Pressure: The peak internal chamber pressure generated during firing, measured in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) via piezoelectric strain gauges. The official SAAMI maximum average pressure (MAP) for the .22 ARC in AR-15 platforms is set at 52,000 PSI.
• Barrel Length: The total length of the test fixture or rifle barrel used to gather the data. Barrel length dictates propulsive energy efficiency and terminal muzzle velocity.
• Bullet Weight & Profile: The mass of the projectile in grains (gr) and its specific physical shape. Profile design determines bearing surface length, seating depth requirements, and internal case capacity.
• Powder: The specific propellant type and brand tested. Propellants possess unique burn rates suited for specific cartridge volumes and expansion ratios.
• Component-Specific Differences: Minor changes in brass wall thickness, primer brisance, test chamber dimensions, or ambient room temperatures cause variations in published outputs across different data providers.

.22 ARC Bullet Weight Load Data

Published .22 ARC load data covers a range of projectile weights engineered to maximize performance in standard 1:7″ twist barrels.

50–55 Grain Bullet Class

• Available Published Data: Sourced through Hodgdon and Hornady for projectiles like the 53-grain Sierra HP and 55-grain Hornady V-MAX.
• Typical Designs: Flat-base or boat-tail hollow point and polymer-tipped varmint bullets.
• Velocity Range: Published maximum velocities range from 3,380 fps to over 3,500 fps out of a 24-inch test barrel.
• Ballistics & Application: Lower ballistic coefficients optimized for extreme velocity, flat trajectories, and rapid fragmentation on light varmints at short-to-medium ranges.

60–62 Grain Bullet Class

• Available Published Data: Published comprehensively by Hodgdon for modern high-efficiency projectiles such as the 62-grain Hornady ELD-VT.
• Typical Designs: Advanced stream-lined polymer tip options featuring long boat tails and optimized bearing surfaces.
• Velocity Range: Maximum charges yield published speeds between 3,150 fps and 3,320 fps in 24-inch barrels using spherical propellants like CFE 223 and LEVEREVOLUTION.
• Ballistics & Application: Features exceptional ballistic coefficients for its weight class, balancing high muzzle velocity with long-range wind resistance for predators and competition target shooting.

68–77 Grain Bullet Class

• Available Published Data: Extensively tested across manufacturers including Hornady, Hodgdon, and Vihtavuori using heavy projectiles like the 75-grain Hornady ELD Match and 77-grain OTM match bullets.
• Typical Designs: Heavy target boat-tail hollow point (BTHP) and low-drag tipped match projectiles.
• Velocity Range: Published maximum velocities span from 2,890 fps to 3,050 fps in 24-inch barrel configurations.
• Ballistics & Application: High G1 and G7 ballistic coefficients designed for wind deflection resistance and trajectory stability out to 800 yards in standard AR-15 magazine-length constraints (2.260″ C.O.L.).

80–88 Grain Bullet Class

• Available Published Data: Sourced from Hornady and Hodgdon focusing on heavy, ultra-long-range match bullets like the 88-grain Hornady ELD Match.
• Typical Designs: Extreme low-drag match bullets requiring fast barrel twist rates (1:7″ or faster) to stabilize.
• Velocity Range: Published maximum charges produce velocities ranging from 2,690 fps to 2,740 fps from a 24-inch test barrel.
• Ballistics & Application: Maximizes momentum retention and minimizes wind drift for long-range precision competition shooting beyond 1,000 yards.

.22 ARC Powder Load Data

The internal volume and expansion ratio of the .22 ARC require medium-burn-rate propellants. Spherical and extruded propellants with burn rates adjacent to CFE 223, LEVEREVOLUTION, and Varget show strong performance in published testing.

Powder	Bullet	Bullet Weight	Published Load Range	Published Velocity	Source	Test Barrel
Benchmark	Sierra HP	53 gr	26.5 gr – 28.5 gr	3,180 – 3,390 fps	Hodgdon	24″
CFE 223	Sierra HP	53 gr	28.5 gr – 30.8 gr	3,250 – 3,510 fps	Hodgdon	24″
H335	Sierra HP	53 gr	26.0 gr – 28.2 gr	3,150 – 3,380 fps	Hodgdon	24″
CFE 223	Hornady ELD-VT	62 gr	27.5 gr – 29.8 gr	3,100 – 3,320 fps	Hodgdon	24″
LEVEREVOLUTION	Hornady ELD-VT	62 gr	27.0 gr – 29.5 gr	3,080 – 3,310 fps	Hodgdon	24″
Varget	Hornady ELD-VT	62 gr	25.0 gr – 27.2 gr	2,920 – 3,150 fps	Hodgdon	24″
LEVEREVOLUTION	Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	25.5 gr – 28.0 gr	2,810 – 3,040 fps	Hodgdon	24″
CFE 223	Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	26.0 gr – 28.4 gr	2,830 – 3,050 fps	Hodgdon	24″
StaBALL Match	Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	25.8 gr – 28.2 gr	2,750 – 2,980 fps	Hodgdon	24″
Varget	Hornady ELD Match	75 gr	23.5 gr – 25.8 gr	2,680 – 2,890 fps	Hodgdon	24″
LEVEREVOLUTION	Hornady ELD Match	88 gr	23.0 gr – 25.4 gr	2,520 – 2,730 fps	Hodgdon	24″
CFE 223	Hornady ELD Match	88 gr	23.5 gr – 25.8 gr	2,540 – 2,740 fps	Hodgdon	24″
StaBALL Match	Hornady ELD Match	88 gr	23.2 gr – 25.6 gr	2,480 – 2,690 fps	Hodgdon	24″

Note: Powder charges published for a specific bullet weight and design cannot automatically be transferred to another bullet profile, even of equal weight.

.22 ARC Bullet And Powder Combinations

Every element in a .22 ARC load recipe contributes directly to combustion dynamics, pressure spikes, and muzzle velocity. Substituting individual components changes the internal ballistics of the cartridge.

• Bullet Design and Bearing Surface: Bullets with longer bearing surfaces generate increased friction against the barrel rifling, elevating chamber pressure faster than bullets with short bearing surfaces.
• Seating Depth and Case Capacity: Long, modern low-drag projectiles seated deeply to fit AR-15 magazine lengths (2.260″ Maximum C.O.L.) reduce usable internal powder space. A reduction in combustion volume increases initial peak pressures.
• Brass Construction: Differences in case wall thickness among brass brands alter internal water capacity (measured in grains of H2O). Thicker brass walls reduce internal capacity and raise internal pressure when using identical propellant charges.
• Primer Selection: Standard Small Rifle Primers and Small Rifle Magnum Primers exhibit different ignition intensity levels. Magnum primers increase initial pressure rise rates.
• Powder Density and Burn Rate: Fast-burning propellants reach peak pressure rapidly and suit light projectiles, whereas slower-burning propellants utilize the full expansion ratio needed for heavy 75-to-88-grain match bullets.
• Barrel Mechanical Specs: Groove diameter variations, chamber neck dimensions, throat length (freebore), and barrel twist rates directly alter resistance during bullet engraving.

Because of these interdependent variables, published load data is component-specific and should never be transferred between non-identical components without referencing verified data.

.22 ARC Velocity From Published Data

Evaluating manufacturer-published .22 ARC velocity against field expectations requires understanding how laboratory metrics are gathered.

Bullet Weight	Bullet	Powder	Published Max Charge	Muzzle Velocity	Barrel Length	Source
53 gr	Sierra HP	CFE 223	30.8 gr	3,510 fps	24″	Hodgdon
53 gr	Sierra HP	Benchmark	28.5 gr	3,390 fps	24″	Hodgdon
62 gr	Hornady ELD-VT	CFE 223	29.8 gr	3,320 fps	24″	Hodgdon
62 gr	Hornady ELD-VT	LEVEREVOLUTION	29.5 gr	3,310 fps	24″	Hodgdon
75 gr	Hornady ELD Match	CFE 223	28.4 gr	3,050 fps	24″	Hodgdon
75 gr	Hornady ELD Match	LEVEREVOLUTION	28.0 gr	3,040 fps	24″	Hodgdon
88 gr	Hornady ELD Match	CFE 223	25.8 gr	2,740 fps	24″	Hodgdon
88 gr	Hornady ELD Match	LEVEREVOLUTION	25.4 gr	2,730 fps	24″	Hodgdon

Official manufacturer figures represent empirical measurements gathered via piezoelectric transducers and laboratory optical or radar velocity systems attached to standardized test barrels. Conversely, independent chronograph testing in field rifles reflects operational variations, including individual chamber tolerances, shorter barrel lengths, and atmospheric shifts. Ballistic calculator outputs are theoretical predictions based on mathematical drag models and should never be confused with physical, measured velocity data.

.22 ARC Load Data By Barrel Length

Muzzle velocity produced by .22 ARC reload data changes proportionally with barrel length. Standard laboratory testing utilizes 24-inch test barrels to measure the full ballistic potential of propellants.

When firing .22 ARC cartridges in shorter barrels common to AR-15 platforms, velocity decreases due to reduced gas expansion time:

• 24-Inch Test Barrels: Base standard for most published .22 ARC load data Hodgdon and .22 ARC load data Hornady tables. Yields complete powder burn and maximum published velocity.
• 22-Inch Barrels: Expect a velocity loss of approximately 30 to 50 fps compared to 24-inch laboratory figures.
• 20-Inch Barrels: Typically exhibit a velocity loss of 80 to 120 fps below published 24-inch test barrel metrics.
• 18-Inch Barrels: Show an average velocity reduction of 140 to 180 fps compared to 24-inch published load tables.

Velocity metrics from a specific barrel length do not translate directly to shorter or longer barrels. Powder charge adjustments should never be made above published maximums to compensate for velocity lost in shorter barrels.

Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing

Understanding the hierarchy of reloading data sources protects both the reloader and the equipment.

Manufacturer-Published Load Data

• Equipment: Conducted using SAAMI-standard universal receiver test fixtures equipped with piezoelectric pressure sensors.
• Reliability: Highest authority. Precisely documents peak chamber pressure (PSI) against standardized safety caps.
• Variables: Strict atmospheric control, exact component control, and precise chamber dimensions.

Independent Chronograph Testing

• Equipment: Field-grade optical chronographs, Doppler radars (Garmin, LabRadar), and commercial firearms.
• Reliability: Useful secondary verification for real-world velocity in production rifles.
• Limitations: Field chronographing measures velocity, not chamber pressure. Safe velocity readings do not guarantee safe pressure levels.

Ballistic Calculators & User Reports

• Equipment: Software algorithms or unverified individual shooter reports posted online.
• Reliability: Low authority for safety purposes. User-submitted reports lack verified pressure measurement tools and contain undocumented rifle-specific anomalies.

Pressure-tested manufacturer data remains the primary authoritative guide for safe .22 ARC reloading.

.22 ARC Pressure And Safety

Maintaining safe operations requires adherence to verified pressure boundaries and disciplined reloading methodology.

• SAAMI Pressure Limits: The maximum average pressure limit for the .22 ARC in gas-operated firearms is set at 52,000 PSI. This limit protects the bolt lugs and chamber geometry of AR-15 platforms.
• Work Up Charges Incrementally: Always begin load development at the published starting load. Increase propellant weight gradually in increments of 0.2 to 0.3 grains, inspecting fired brass at each step.
• Recognize Physical Pressure Signs: Discontinue firing immediately if signs of high pressure appear, including flattened or cratered primers, ejector marks embossed on the brass case head, heavy bolt lift (in bolt-action platforms), or blown primers.
• Primer and Brass Substitutions: Switching from standard to magnum primers or changing brass brands alters internal net volume and can increase pressure by several thousand PSI without changing the powder charge.
• Bullet Seating Depth Impact: Seating a projectile closer to the rifling lands reduces jump and initial chamber volume, escalating peak pressures.
• Temperature Effects: Ambient temperatures impact propellant burn rates. A maximum load developed in cold weather may produce dangerous pressures when fired in high summer heat.

Never exceed published maximum load recommendations or attempt to extrapolate unverified data from other cartridges.

Best Sources For .22 ARC Load Data

Reliable sources for .22 ARC load development prioritize pressure testing and component transparency.

• Hornady Manufacturing: As the developer of the .22 ARC cartridge, Hornady provides official pressure-tested data via the Hornady Reloading App and published manual updates. Hornady data features high component transparency for ELD-VT, ELD Match, and V-MAX bullets.
• Hodgdon Powder Company: The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center provides free online access to extensive pressure-tested .22 ARC reload data. Covers Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester propellants across bullet weights with explicit PSI values and trim specifications.
• Vihtavuori Powders: Offers verified laboratory data for European propellants, detailing exact cartridge overall lengths and test barrel dimensions.

Secondary sources, user forums, and social media platforms lack pressure-testing infrastructure and should only be used to cross-reference official manufacturer documentation.

Common .22 ARC Load Data Questions

Where can I find .22 ARC load data?

Official pressure-tested .22 ARC load data is available through the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center, the Hornady Reloading App, and updated manufacturer load manuals.

What powders are used in published .22 ARC data?

Common propellants appearing in published tables include Hodgdon CFE 223, LEVEREVOLUTION, Benchmark, Varget, Winchester StaBALL Match, and H335.

What bullet weights have .22 ARC load data?

Published load data exists for bullet weights ranging from 50 grains up to 88 grains, with comprehensive coverage for 53 gr, 62 gr, 75 gr, and 88 gr projectiles.

What is the best source for .22 ARC reloading data?

The strongest sources are official manufacturer databases from Hornady and Hodgdon due to their direct laboratory pressure testing and precise component documentation.

Why does .22 ARC load data vary between sources?

Data varies because manufacturers utilize different test barrels, component lot batches, primer types, case capacities, and laboratory environmental conditions.

Does barrel length change .22 ARC velocity?

Yes. Muzzle velocity typically decreases by approximately 20 to 30 feet per second per inch of barrel reduction compared to 24-inch laboratory test barrels.

Can I substitute a different bullet using the same published powder charge?

No. Bullets of the same weight often feature different bearing surface lengths, jacket hardness levels, and seating depths, which alters peak chamber pressure.

What is the difference between starting and maximum load data?

The starting load is a safe initial charge (usually reduced by 10%) used to begin load testing. The maximum load is the highest charge tested that remains within SAAMI pressure boundaries.

Where can I find pressure-tested .22 ARC data?

Pressure-tested data is published exclusively by established propellant and projectile manufacturers like Hodgdon, Hornady, and Vihtavuori in their official print and digital catalogs.

Does Hornady publish .22 ARC load data?

Yes, Hornady publishes official pressure-tested .22 ARC load data across their digital applications and print documentation.

Final Verdict

When developing loads for the .22 ARC, handloaders should source data exclusively from pressure-tested manufacturer publications, such as the Hornady Reloading App and the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center. Compare published recipes by evaluating the exact bullet weight, bullet profile, casing brand, primer type, and test barrel length used in the laboratory evaluation. Safe .22 ARC reloading requires following published component recipes precisely, starting at the minimum recommended powder charge, and working up incrementally while observing for physical pressure indicators. Never extrapolate values or combine unverified components.