22 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

The 22 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart is a comprehensive reference guide that details the velocity, kinetic energy, trajectory curve, and wind drift of the highly advanced 22 Creedmoor cartridge over various distances. By studying this specific chart, you can visualize exactly how your heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient .22 caliber bullet will behave from the precise moment it leaves your barrel until it strikes a target thousands of yards downrange. This critical data allows you to accurately predict bullet drop, compensate for wind deflection, and verify that your projectile retains enough energy for ethical predator hunting or extreme long-range precision.

Shooters, hunters, reloaders, and precision rifle competitors use a 22 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart to unlock the absolute true potential of this modern high-velocity cartridge. Originally developed as a wildcat cartridge by necking down the 6.5 Creedmoor case to accept a .224 caliber bullet, the 22 Creedmoor has rapidly transitioned into a standardized commercial powerhouse. It was specifically engineered to solve the historical limitations of classic varmint cartridges like the 22-250 Remington by utilizing modern short-action case geometry paired with fast-twist barrels explicitly designed to shoot extremely long, aerodynamic bullets. By analyzing the numbers, a dedicated predator hunter can confidently take a challenging shot on a coyote at six hundred yards, knowing exactly how their polymer-tipped bullet will perform. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to analyze ballistics data, choose the absolute best bullet weight for your specific needs, determine the ideal zero distance, and see exactly how this modern laser-beam cartridge dominates the precision shooting world.

22 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart

Below is a detailed ballistics table featuring popular factory-loaded ammunition and premium custom loads available for this modern cartridge today. The data represents a standard twenty-four-inch test barrel and assumes a one hundred yard zero. Atmospheric conditions are based on standard sea-level metrics.

Bullet Weight	Bullet Type	Manufacturer	Muzzle Velocity	Velocity At 100 Yards	Velocity At 200 Yards	Velocity At 300 Yards	Velocity At 400 Yards	Velocity At 500 Yards	Muzzle Energy	Energy At 100 Yards	Energy At 200 Yards	Energy At 300 Yards	Energy At 400 Yards	Energy At 500 Yards	Trajectory At 100 Yards	Trajectory At 200 Yards	Trajectory At 300 Yards	Trajectory At 400 Yards	Trajectory At 500 Yards	Ballistic Coefficient	Sectional Density
69 Grain	Sierra TMK	Copper Creek	3450 fps	3155 fps	2880 fps	2620 fps	2375 fps	2145 fps	1823 ft lbs	1525 ft lbs	1271 ft lbs	1052 ft lbs	864 ft lbs	705 ft lbs	0 inches	1.6 inches drop	6.8 inches drop	16.5 inches drop	31.8 inches drop	0.375	0.196
75 Grain	ELD Match	Hornady	3350 fps	3110 fps	2885 fps	2670 fps	2465 fps	2270 fps	1868 ft lbs	1610 ft lbs	1386 ft lbs	1187 ft lbs	1012 ft lbs	858 ft lbs	0 inches	1.7 inches drop	7.0 inches drop	17.0 inches drop	32.5 inches drop	0.467	0.214
77 Grain	LRX	Barnes	3300 fps	3055 fps	2825 fps	2605 fps	2395 fps	2195 fps	1862 ft lbs	1596 ft lbs	1364 ft lbs	1160 ft lbs	981 ft lbs	824 ft lbs	0 inches	1.8 inches drop	7.4 inches drop	17.8 inches drop	34.0 inches drop	0.420	0.219
80 Grain	ELD X	Hornady	3250 fps	3025 fps	2810 fps	2605 fps	2410 fps	2225 fps	1876 ft lbs	1625 ft lbs	1403 ft lbs	1205 ft lbs	1032 ft lbs	880 ft lbs	0 inches	1.8 inches drop	7.5 inches drop	18.0 inches drop	34.2 inches drop	0.464	0.228
80 Grain	ELD Match	Hornady	3300 fps	3080 fps	2870 fps	2670 fps	2480 fps	2295 fps	1934 ft lbs	1685 ft lbs	1463 ft lbs	1266 ft lbs	1092 ft lbs	936 ft lbs	0 inches	1.7 inches drop	7.2 inches drop	17.2 inches drop	32.8 inches drop	0.485	0.228
85 Grain	MatchKing	Copper Creek	3200 fps	2990 fps	2790 fps	2600 fps	2415 fps	2240 fps	1932 ft lbs	1687 ft lbs	1469 ft lbs	1275 ft lbs	1101 ft lbs	947 ft lbs	0 inches	1.9 inches drop	7.8 inches drop	18.5 inches drop	35.0 inches drop	0.495	0.242
88 Grain	ELD Match	Hornady	3150 fps	2965 fps	2785 fps	2615 fps	2450 fps	2290 fps	1939 ft lbs	1718 ft lbs	1515 ft lbs	1336 ft lbs	1173 ft lbs	1025 ft lbs	0 inches	2.0 inches drop	8.0 inches drop	18.8 inches drop	35.2 inches drop	0.545	0.251
90 Grain	A-Tip Match	Hornady	3100 fps	2925 fps	2760 fps	2600 fps	2445 fps	2295 fps	1920 ft lbs	1710 ft lbs	1522 ft lbs	1350 ft lbs	1194 ft lbs	1052 ft lbs	0 inches	2.0 inches drop	8.2 inches drop	19.2 inches drop	35.8 inches drop	0.585	0.256
95 Grain	MatchKing	Sierra	3000 fps	2840 fps	2685 fps	2535 fps	2390 fps	2250 fps	1898 ft lbs	1701 ft lbs	1520 ft lbs	1355 ft lbs	1205 ft lbs	1068 ft lbs	0 inches	2.2 inches drop	8.8 inches drop	20.8 inches drop	38.5 inches drop	0.600	0.270

Understanding The Chart

A ballistics chart can look overwhelming at first glance due to the sheer volume of data presented. Breaking down each individual column reveals key information about how a specific load performs in the field.

Muzzle Velocity

Muzzle velocity is the speed at which the bullet exits the barrel of the firearm, measured in feet per second. Because the 22 Creedmoor uses the high-capacity 6.5 Creedmoor case to push a relatively tiny .224 caliber bullet, the resulting velocities are blistering. Lightweight 69-grain bullets can easily exceed 3,400 feet per second, while heavy 90-grain match bullets still launch at a remarkably fast 3,100 feet per second. This massive speed forms the foundation of its laser-flat trajectory.

Retained Velocity

Retained velocity refers to the speed of the bullet at specific distances downrange, such as one hundred or five hundred yards. Air resistance constantly slows the bullet down as it travels through the atmosphere. Thanks to the highly aerodynamic, low-drag bullets utilized in this cartridge, it retains its speed much better than older traditional varmint calibers. Heavy bullets like the 90-grain A-Tip remain supersonic well past 1,200 yards.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the amount of destructive physical force the bullet carries, measured in foot-pounds. It is calculated utilizing the weight of the bullet and its velocity at any given distance. The 22 Creedmoor generates roughly 1,900 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. Because the heavy bullets retain their velocity so efficiently, they also retain lethal kinetic energy far beyond standard hunting distances, often maintaining over 1,000 foot-pounds of energy past 500 yards.

Trajectory

Trajectory indicates the actual physical path the bullet takes as it flies through the air, factoring in the constant downward pull of gravity. The trajectory chart displays the bullet drop in inches at various yardages relative to a 100-yard zero. Because this cartridge fires extremely sleek bullets at blistering speeds, its trajectory is exceptionally flat, completely dominating the precision rifle landscape and practically eliminating the need for steep holdovers inside 300 yards.

Ballistic Coefficient

The Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is a numerical value representing how efficiently a bullet cuts through the air. A higher number means the bullet is more aerodynamic. High BC bullets resist wind drift much better than bullets with a lower rating. The 22 Creedmoor was specifically designed around long, heavy-for-caliber bullets (80 to 95 grains) that possess some of the highest aerodynamic ratings available today in the .224 diameter.

Sectional Density

Sectional density is the ratio of a bullet’s weight compared directly to its diameter. This metric is a strong indicator of how deeply a bullet will penetrate into a target. Because the 22 Creedmoor fires heavy projectiles in a slender .224-inch diameter, the bullets possess excellent sectional density, allowing them to penetrate deeply through thick muscle and bone on medium-sized game animals like deer and pronghorn.

Common 22 Creedmoor Bullet Weights

Older .22 caliber centerfire cartridges utilized slow barrel twist rates that prevented them from firing heavy aerodynamic bullets. The 22 Creedmoor fixes that historic flaw by standardizing incredibly fast-twist barrels, allowing it to stabilize exceptionally long projectiles.

69 to 75 Grain

Bullet weights in the 69 to 75-grain range offer blisteringly fast muzzle velocities, often exceeding 3,350 feet per second. These weights are primarily used for dedicated varmint hunting where laser-flat trajectories are highly preferred over extreme deep penetration. They provide devastating terminal performance on coyotes and prairie dogs but shed velocity slightly faster than the heavier aerodynamic options.

77 to 80 Grain

The 77 to 80-grain bullet bridges the gap perfectly between blazing speed and solid hunting stability. Premium solid copper options like the Barnes LRX or polymer-tipped expanding bullets like the Hornady ELD-X offer an excellent balance of high velocity and highly reliable weight retention. This weight class provides devastating terminal performance on deer and antelope across wide-open plains.

85 to 88 Grain

The 85 to 88-grain category includes highly advanced match designs like the Hornady ELD Match. These specialized bullets boast massive aerodynamic ratings, allowing them to retain lethal kinetic energy and resist wind drift far beyond traditional hunting distances. They are the ideal choice for shooters who want maximum wind resistance combined with flat trajectories.

90 to 95 Grain

The 90 to 95-grain bullets represent the absolute gold standard for competitive precision rifle shooters utilizing this caliber. Massive projectiles like the Hornady A-Tip or Sierra MatchKing require a very fast-twist barrel to stabilize properly, but they reward the shooter with extreme aerodynamic efficiency. They cut through the wind better than almost any other bullet in this caliber class, making them absolutely perfect for hitting small steel targets consistently at 1,000 yards.

Effective Hunting Range

The 22 Creedmoor’s effective range is one of its most impressive attributes. It was explicitly designed to be an absolute powerhouse for taking game animals at vastly extended distances by utilizing incredibly sleek bullets.

Coyotes and Predators

When hunting coyotes and other predators, the 22 Creedmoor completely dominates the open plains. Because the bullets are highly aerodynamic and travel extremely fast, they slice through the wind effortlessly. You can accurately harvest coyotes out to 800 yards with a highly skilled shooter. The extreme energy transfer ensures instant ethical kills on fast-moving predators, making it widely considered the ultimate dedicated coyote cartridge in existence today.

Whitetail Deer and Antelope

For whitetail deer and pronghorn antelope, this cartridge is highly effective at extended ranges—provided you use the correct ammunition. Hunters absolutely must use premium, controlled-expansion bullets in the 77-grain to 85-grain class (like the Barnes LRX or Hornady ELD-X). Standard match bullets or lightweight varmint bullets will fragment too quickly on the surface of a deer. With proper bullet selection, a skilled marksman can ethically harvest medium game out to 500 yards.

Elk and Black Bear

Hunting elk or black bear with the 22 Creedmoor is highly discouraged and widely considered unethical. While the cartridge generates impressive energy on paper, the slender .224 caliber bullets simply lack the structural mass and heavy kinetic transfer required to reliably break through the massive shoulder bones of an elk or a large bear.

Target and Precision Rifle Shooting

For recreational steel target shooting and precision rifle series (PRS) matches, the 22 Creedmoor is a phenomenal tool. It offers long-range ballistics that rival the 6.5 Creedmoor, but with significantly less felt recoil. It is a fantastic option for ringing steel plates out to 1,200 yards, providing the perfect platform for spotting your own trace and impacts through the optic.

Factors That Affect 22 Creedmoor Ballistics

Ballistics numbers are never completely static. The exact data provided in any 22 Creedmoor velocity chart will change constantly based on environmental conditions and the physical characteristics of your rifle setup.

Barrel Length

Barrel length has a major direct impact on your final muzzle velocity. Because the 22 Creedmoor is highly “overbore” (burning a large amount of powder through a very small hole), it requires a long barrel to achieve maximum efficiency. Factory data is typically generated using a 24-inch barrel. Utilizing a longer 26-inch custom barrel will yield significantly higher velocities, while cutting the barrel down to 18 inches will result in a severe velocity penalty and a massive, loud muzzle flash.

Twist Rate

To properly stabilize the massive, long, aerodynamic bullets (80 to 95 grains) that give this cartridge its legendary performance, rifle barrels absolutely must utilize a very fast twist rate. Most custom builders and manufacturers specifically utilize a 1-in-7 or 1-in-7.5-inch twist barrel. A slower twist rate (like a 1-in-9 or 1-in-12 commonly found on older .22-250 rifles) will cause these heavy bullets to tumble through the air, completely destroying accuracy.

Altitude and Temperature

Shooting at high elevations dramatically improves your ballistic performance. Thin mountain air provides much less atmospheric resistance against the fast-moving bullet, resulting in a flatter trajectory. Conversely, cold, dense winter air creates more drag on the bullet and slows down the powder burn rate, which reduces muzzle velocity and increases overall bullet drop.

Best Zero Distance

Selecting the optimal zero distance depends entirely on how you plan to use your rifle in the field.

100 Yard Zero

The 100-yard zero is the absolute gold standard for precision shooters and long-range hunters who utilize modern rifle scopes with exposed tactical turrets. It provides a clean, perfect mathematical baseline, allowing the shooter to easily dial their scope turrets upward for any extended distance engagement without ever needing to hold under the target.

200 Yard Zero

For coyote and deer hunters who prefer a Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR) strategy, a 200-yard zero is highly effective. A fast-moving 80-grain bullet zeroed at 200 yards will typically impact only about 1.5 inches high at 100 yards and drop just over a few inches at 250 yards. This allows a hunter to aim dead-center on the vitals of a coyote out to nearly 300 yards without touching their scope turrets or calculating holdovers.

22 Creedmoor Ballistics Compared To Other Cartridges

Below is a detailed comparison showcasing how the 22 Creedmoor evaluates against established varmint and precision cartridges at 500 yards under standard sea-level conditions.

Cartridge	Muzzle Velocity	Muzzle Energy	Trajectory At 500 Yards	Recoil	Effective Range	Receiver Size
22 Creedmoor (80gr)	3300 fps	1934 ft lbs	32.8 inches drop	Very Light	1000+ Yards	Short Action
22-250 Remington (55gr)	3680 fps	1654 ft lbs	49.5 inches drop	Very Light	600 Yards	Short Action
223 Remington (77gr)	2750 fps	1293 ft lbs	62.0 inches drop	Extremely Light	600 Yards	AR-15 / Mini Action
6mm Creedmoor (108gr)	2960 fps	2100 ft lbs	43.5 inches drop	Light	1000+ Yards	Short Action
6.5 Creedmoor (140gr)	2700 fps	2266 ft lbs	54.0 inches drop	Light-Moderate	1000+ Yards	Short Action

The 22 Creedmoor completely outclasses the legendary 22-250 Remington at long range. While the 22-250 shoots light bullets incredibly fast, its standard slow twist rate prevents it from utilizing heavy, high-BC bullets. As a result, the 22 Creedmoor retains vastly more kinetic energy and shoots significantly flatter past 400 yards. When compared to its parent case, the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .22 variant shoots significantly flatter inside 600 yards and produces noticeably less recoil, though it sacrifices kinetic energy on massive game animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 22 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart?

It is a highly comprehensive reference table tracking the velocity, kinetic energy, trajectory curve, and wind drift of the cartridge over various distances. Shooters rely on this data to calculate exact elevation drops and wind holds for extreme long-range target shooting and predator hunting.

Does the 22 Creedmoor burn out barrels quickly?

Yes. Because it is a highly overbore cartridge pushing a massive amount of hot powder gas through a tiny .224 caliber hole, barrel throat erosion happens quickly. Competitive precision shooters typically replace their 22 Creedmoor barrels after 1,200 to 1,500 rounds to maintain match-winning accuracy. For hunters who shoot infrequently, a barrel will easily last a lifetime.

Is the 22 Creedmoor good for deer hunting?

Yes, provided you use the correct ammunition. While originally designed for target shooting and varmint hunting, loading the 22 Creedmoor with heavy, tough, controlled-expansion bullets (like the 77-grain Barnes LRX or 80-grain Hornady ELD-X) makes it a highly capable, low-recoil option for whitetail deer and antelope.

How much does a 22 Creedmoor drop at 500 yards?

With a standard 100-yard zero, a typical 80-grain high-BC bullet will drop approximately 32 to 34 inches at 500 yards. This is exceptionally flat compared to standard hunting cartridges like the .308 Winchester, which drops over 50 inches at the same distance.

What barrel twist rate do I need for a 22 Creedmoor?

To maximize the performance of this modern cartridge and properly stabilize the heavy 80 to 95-grain bullets, you must utilize a fast barrel twist rate of 1-in-7 inches or 1-in-7.5 inches.

Conclusion

A 22 Creedmoor Ballistics Chart highlights the extreme performance capabilities of this highly modern, laser-flat cartridge. By merging a high-capacity short-action case with fast-twist barrels capable of launching heavy, aerodynamically perfect .224 caliber projectiles, the 22 Creedmoor solves the long-range limitations of classic varmint rounds. Understanding its trajectory curvature, retained velocity, and energy transfer characteristics enables predator hunters and long-range precision shooters to extract maximum accuracy and devastating terminal performance at extreme distances.