The 22 Creedmoor is a rimless, bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge featuring a standard maximum bullet diameter of 0.224 inches (5.69 mm).The maximum case length is 1.920 inches (48.77 mm), and the maximum overall cartridge length (COAL) is standardized by SAAMI at 2.700 inches (68.58 mm) to fit standard short-action bolt receivers and AR-10/SR-25 magazines.The case utilizes a rim diameter of 0.473 inches (12.01 mm) and features a base diameter of 0.470 inches (11.94 mm) that tapers to a 30-degree shoulder measuring 0.462 inches (11.73 mm). Factory ammunition is most commonly loaded with heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets ranging from 75 grains to 95 grains.
22 Creedmoor Dimensions
| Dimension | Specification | Source | Notes |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.224 in (5.69 mm) | SAAMI | Standard for .22 caliber centerfire rifle projectiles. |
| Case Length | 1.920 in (48.77 mm) | SAAMI | Maximum case length; trim-to length is typically 1.910 in. |
| Overall Cartridge Length | 2.700 in (68.58 mm) | SAAMI | Maximum overall length for standard short-action magazines. |
| Rim Diameter | 0.473 in (12.01 mm) | SAAMI | Matches the standard Creedmoor/308 Winchester bolt face. |
| Case Diameter (Base) | 0.470 in (11.94 mm) | SAAMI | Measured just above the extractor groove. |
| Shoulder Diameter | 0.462 in (11.73 mm) | SAAMI | Features a steep 30-degree shoulder angle. |
| Neck Diameter | 0.256 in (6.50 mm) | SAAMI | Maximum external diameter at the case mouth. |
| Case Capacity | ~ 52.6 gr H2O | Industry Standard | Inherited directly from its 6.5mm Creedmoor parent case. |
| Maximum Pressure | 62,000 psi | SAAMI | Governed by SAAMI standards for high-performance short-action rifles. |
Understanding The 22 Creedmoor Dimensions
- Bullet Diameter: The measurement across the widest point of the bullet. For the 22 Creedmoor, this is specified as 0.224 inches, sharing the same projectile caliber as the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO.However, the Creedmoor chamber is engineered with a fast twist rate to handle much heavier, longer bullets.
- Case Length:The length of the empty brass cylinder from the base to the case mouth, maxing out at 1.920 inches.This is identical to the 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5mm Creedmoor, as the cartridge is created by simply necking down the parent case.
- Overall Cartridge Length (OAL):The total length of the fully assembled round, restricted to a maximum of 2.700 inches under SAAMI specifications.This length allows heavy, high-BC match bullets to be seated further out of the powder column without exceeding short-action magazine restrictions.
- Rim and Base Diameter:Measuring 0.473 inches at the rim and 0.470 inches at the base, the 22 Creedmoor utilizes the ubiquitous .308 Winchester-sized bolt face, ensuring broad compatibility with standard bolt-action footprints and AR-10 platforms.
- Shoulder Angle:The case features a sharp 30-degree shoulder. This steep angle promotes uniform powder combustion, reduces case stretching during firing, and helps maintain consistent headspacing.
- Maximum Pressure:Standardized by SAAMI at 62,000 psi.This high-pressure threshold, combined with a large powder capacity relative to the small bore diameter, generates extreme muzzle velocities often exceeding 3,200 to 3,500 feet per second.
22 Creedmoor Cartridge Dimensions In Inches And Millimeters
For engineers, reloaders, and precision shooters, below are the primary 22 Creedmoor measurements converted accurately between imperial and metric systems.
| Dimension | Inches (SAAMI Max) | Millimeters (Equivalent) |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.224 in | 5.69 mm |
| Case Length | 1.920 in | 48.77 mm |
| Overall Length | 2.700 in | 68.58 mm |
| Rim Diameter | 0.473 in | 12.01 mm |
| Base Diameter | 0.470 in | 11.94 mm |
| Shoulder Diameter | 0.462 in | 11.73 mm |
| Neck Diameter | 0.256 in | 6.50 mm |
22 Creedmoor vs .22-250 Remington Dimensions
While long popular as a wildcat cartridge before its official SAAMI standardization in 2024, the 22 Creedmoor is frequently compared to the classic .22-250 Remington.
- Overall Length and Magazines:The 22 Creedmoor allows a longer maximum OAL of 2.700 inches compared to the 2.350 inches of the .22-250.This lets the 22 Creedmoor accommodate modern, high-BC long-range bullets without deep seating intrusion.
- Twist Rate Design: Traditional .22-250 rifles were built with slow 1:12 or 1:14 twist rates optimized for light 40 to 55-grain varmint bullets. The 22 Creedmoor is standardized around fast 1:7 or 1:8 twist rates to stabilize heavy 80-grain to 95-grain projectiles for extended-range ballistics.
Why 22 Creedmoor Dimensions Matter
Understanding the specific dimensions of the 22 Creedmoor is critical for practical applications:
- Action and Platform Restrictions:With a 2.700-inch maximum OAL, the 22 Creedmoor requires a true short-action receiver or an AR-10 platform.It will not physically fit in an AR-15 magazine well.
- Barrel Life and Selection:Burning a substantial powder charge through a narrow 0.224-inch bore at 62,000 psi generates intense heat.Barrels shorter than 20 inches experience severe muzzle blast and accelerated throat erosion, making 22 to 26-inch configurations standard.