Engineered by Hornady as a high-efficiency cartridge for the AR-15, the 22 ARC specifications are defined by a standard .224-inch bullet diameter and a maximum overall length of 2.260 inches. Factory ammunition utilizes exceptionally aerodynamic heavy projectiles weighing between 62 and 88 grains to achieve blistering muzzle velocities from 2,820 fps to 3,300 fps. This translates to substantial muzzle energy exceeding 1,500 ft-lbs, all contained within a safe maximum pressure of 52,000 PSI. Designed for varmint eradication and precision target shooting, the cartridge delivers outstanding wind deflection resistance and provides shooters with the flat-shooting characteristics of larger magnums without the associated recoil.
22 ARC Specs
| Specification | 22 ARC |
| Cartridge Name | 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) |
| Bullet Diameter | .224 in (5.69 mm) |
| Bullet Weight | 62 gr to 88 gr |
| Case Length | 1.525 in |
| Overall Length | 2.260 in |
| Base Diameter | .441 in |
| Neck Diameter | .221 in |
| Shoulder Diameter | Approximately .420 in |
| Shoulder Angle | 30 degrees |
| Rim Diameter | .441 in |
| Maximum Pressure | 52,000 PSI (SAAMI) |
| Typical Twist Rate | 1:7 in |
| Typical Barrel Length | 24 in |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,820 fps to 3,300 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | Approximately 1,500+ ft-lbs |
| Parent Case | 6.5 Grendel |
| Platform | AR-15 and Bolt-Action Rifles |
Explaining Specs
22 ARC Bullet Diameter
The 22 ARC bullet diameter is a standard .224 inches. Rather than relying on traditional lightweight bullets that lose energy quickly, this diameter allows the cartridge to leverage ultra-modern, sleek, and highly aerodynamic projectiles. This results in a bullet that cuts through the wind effortlessly and maintains its lethal energy at extended distances.
22 ARC Case Length
The 22 ARC case length sits at a highly efficient 1.525 inches. By using a shorter and fatter powder column derived from the 6.5 Grendel, the cartridge achieves an incredibly consistent powder burn. This efficiency provides magnum-like speeds while burning significantly less powder, which inherently protects the barrel from rapid thermal erosion.
22 ARC Overall Length
The 22 ARC overall length is strictly constrained to 2.260 inches. This specific measurement guarantees flawless and seamless feeding straight from standard AR-15 magazines. It ensures shooters do not need to upgrade to bulky or heavy large-frame platforms to experience true long-range precision.
22 ARC Bullet Weights
The 22 ARC bullet weight class spans a robust 62 grains up to a massive 88 grains. These heavy payloads are the secret to the exceptional performance of the cartridge. The added mass provides exceptional gyroscopic stability and terminal impact force, transforming a standard varmint caliber into a highly capable medium-game contender.
22 ARC Muzzle Velocity
The 22 ARC muzzle velocity is exceptionally fast, ranging from 2,820 fps to 3,300 fps depending on the specific factory load. This blistering speed creates a remarkably flat trajectory, minimizing the need for complex elevation adjustments and holdovers when engaging targets at unknown distances.
22 ARC Muzzle Energy
The 22 ARC consistently produces muzzle energy exceeding 1,500 ft-lbs, ensuring devastating terminal performance. This robust energy transfer makes the cartridge incredibly effective for ethical hunting and highly responsive steel target engagements.
22 ARC Maximum Pressure
The maximum pressure limit is set at a conservative 52,000 PSI. By keeping the pressure threshold lower than older high-strung varmint cartridges, the 22 ARC drastically improves internal barrel longevity and component reliability, ensuring the rifle functions smoothly even during high-volume shooting sessions.
22 ARC Twist Rate
A fast 1:7 inch twist rate is standard for the 22 ARC dimensions. This rapid rifling spin is absolutely essential to stabilize the exceptionally long and aerodynamic match bullets in flight, preventing tumbling and ensuring pinpoint accuracy upon impact.
FAQs
What are the specifications of 22 ARC?
The 22 ARC features a .224-inch bullet diameter, a highly efficient 1.525-inch case length, and a 2.260-inch overall length, pushing heavy bullets at speeds up to 3,300 fps.
What is the bullet diameter of 22 ARC?
The bullet diameter is a standard .224 inches, allowing for a vast selection of modern and aerodynamic projectiles.
What is the case length of 22 ARC?
The case length measures exactly 1.525 inches to promote highly efficient powder ignition.
What is the overall length of 22 ARC?
The overall length is capped at 2.260 inches to ensure flawless compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines.
What bullet weights are available for 22 ARC?
Shooters can utilize heavy payloads ranging from 62 grains up to 88 grains.
What is the muzzle velocity of 22 ARC?
Depending on the specific factory load, muzzle velocities range from a steady 2,820 fps to an incredibly fast 3,300 fps.
What is the muzzle energy of 22 ARC?
The cartridge consistently produces muzzle energy exceeding 1,500 ft-lbs for excellent terminal performance.
What is the maximum pressure of 22 ARC?
The cartridge operates safely at a SAAMI maximum average pressure of 52,000 PSI.
What twist rate is required for 22 ARC?
A fast 1:7 inch twist rate is absolutely necessary to stabilize the long and heavy bullets in flight.
What is the heaviest 22 ARC bullet?
The 88-grain ELD Match is currently the heaviest standard factory offering available for the cartridge.
Is 22 ARC compatible with an AR-15?
Yes, it is perfectly compatible with the AR-15 platform once equipped with the correct 6.5 Grendel bolt face, a dedicated barrel, and matching magazines.
How does 22 ARC compare with .223 Remington?
The 22 ARC specifications allow it to push much heavier and aerodynamic bullets at highly efficient speeds, resulting in drastically less wind drift and more retained energy than the legacy .223 Remington.