Reliable 22 ARC reloading data is provided directly by its creator, Hornady, alongside major publishers like Hodgdon, Sierra Bullets, and Handloader Magazine.Published data normally includes the specific 0.224-inch bullet design, powder type, starting and maximum charge weights, expected muzzle velocity, and cartridge overall length. Common 22 ARC bullet weights covered by published load data range from lightweight 53-grain varmint projectiles to heavy 88-grain and 90-grain match bullets. Results will naturally vary between sources due to differences in bullet profile, exact powder lot, test barrel length, brass case volume, and the critical separation of gas gun versus bolt-action pressure limits.
22 ARC Reloading Data
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Pressure (Max) | Primer & Case | Cartridge Overall Length (COL) | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| Hornady V-MAX | 53 grain | Hodgdon H4895 | 27.9 gr | 30.9 gr | 3,650 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.085″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD-VT | 62 grain | Vihtavuori N530 | 27.1 gr | 29.2 gr | 3,450 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD-VT | 62 grain | Alliant Power Pro Varmint | Not Listed | 32.7 gr | 3,549 fps | Not Listed | Fed 205M / Lapua | 2.255″ | 24.00″ / Universal | Handloader |
| Hornady ELD Match | 75 grain | Hodgdon CFE 223 | 29.4 gr | 31.5 gr | 3,100 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD Match | 75 grain | Hodgdon CFE 223 | Not Listed | 29.8 gr | Not Listed | 52,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | AR-15 / Gas Gun | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD Match | 80 grain | Hodgdon Varget | 25.6 gr | 28.5 gr | 3,000 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD Match | 80 grain | Hodgdon CFE 223 | 26.5 gr | 30.9 gr | 3,100 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD Match | 88 grain | Hodgdon Varget | 24.7 gr | 27.0 gr | 2,800 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD Match | 88 grain | Alliant RL-15 | 25.2 gr | 28.4 gr | 2,900 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady A-Tip Match | 90 grain | Hodgdon Varget | 24.7 gr | 27.0 gr | 2,800 fps | 62,000 PSI | Fed 205 / Hornady | 2.250″ | 24.00″ / Bolt Action | Hornady |
Understanding The 22 ARC Reloading Data
To safely develop a 22 ARC load recipe, reloaders must fully grasp the variables documented in published load data charts:
- Starting load: The minimum safe powder charge. Reloaders must always begin load development here to establish a baseline before incrementally working up.
- Maximum published load: The absolute powder limit tested by a ballistic laboratory. Exceeding this figure risks severe overpressure, especially in semi-automatic rifles.
- Velocity: The bullet speed in feet per second (fps) measured at the muzzle during laboratory testing.
- Pressure: The 22 ARC operates under two strict, entirely separate pressure categories. Gas gun (AR-15) data is capped at 52,000 PSI.Bolt-action data is pushed much higher, between 60,000 and 62,000 PSI.
- Bullet weight:The mass of the 0.224-inch projectile in grains.
- Powder: The specific propellant type and burn rate. The 22 ARC relies on medium-burning rifle powders.
- Barrel length:The test barrel length, typically 24 inches for bolt-action data or 18 to 20 inches for AR-15 gas gun data.
- Firearm used for testing:Universal receiver test barrels, production AR-15s, or bolt-action rifles.
- Test conditions:Altitude, humidity, and temperature variables during laboratory pressure testing.
- Cartridge overall length (COL): The total length of the loaded round. Standard AR-15 magazines strictly restrict the 22 ARC COL to a maximum of 2.260 inches.
Different published sources may produce varying results because they utilize different barrel lengths, brass with different internal case volumes (like Hornady brass versus resized Lapua 6.5 Grendel cases), and slightly different test chamber tolerances.
22 ARC Bullet Weight Reloading Data
The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) features a fast 1:7 twist rate, enabling reloaders to utilize a massive spectrum of 0.224-inch bullet weights beyond traditional .223 Remington limits.
- 53 grain to 55 grain: Plentiful data exists for these lightweight varmint bullets (such as the Hornady V-MAX). They are designed for explosive terminal performance and can be driven extremely fast, routinely exceeding 3,600 fps from bolt-action platforms.
- 62 grain: A unique weight heavily popularized by the Hornady ELD-VT (Extremely Low Drag Varmint Target). This bullet offers the high ballistic coefficient (BC) of a match bullet with the rapid fragmentation of a predator bullet, capable of reaching velocities near 3,500 fps.
- 68 grain to 75 grain: Excellent mid-weight choices for target shooting and medium game. Extensive data exists for the 75-grain ELD Match and 75-grain BTHP, which strike an ideal balance of speed (around 3,100 fps) and wind resistance.
- 80 grain to 88 grain:The primary weights that give the 22 ARC its long-range reputation.The 80-grain ELD-X is highly popular for hunting, while the 88-grain ELD Match boasts a staggering G1 BC of .545, allowing it to remain supersonic past 1,000 yards.
- 90 grain:Heavy, ultra-high-BC match bullets like the 90-grain A-Tip are supported by Hornady’s bolt-action data. Due to their massive length, careful attention to powder compression and seating depth is mandatory.
Do not assume every bullet weight has identical pressure curves. Extremely long bullets like the 88-grain ELD Match seat deeply into the 22 ARC’s short case, reducing powder capacity and altering the pressure curve compared to a shorter bullet of similar weight.
22 ARC Powder Reloading Data
The 22 ARC features a short, fat powder column and excels with temperature-stable, medium-burn-rate extruded and spherical rifle powders.
| Powder | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source |
| Hodgdon H4895 | Hornady V-MAX | 53 grain | 27.9 gr | 30.9 gr | 3,650 fps | Hornady (Bolt Gun) |
| Hodgdon CFE 223 | Hornady ELD Match | 75 grain | 29.4 gr | 31.5 gr | 3,100 fps | Hornady (Bolt Gun) |
| Hodgdon CFE 223 | Hornady ELD Match | 75 grain | Not Listed | 29.8 gr | Not Listed | Hornady (Gas Gun) |
| Hodgdon Varget | Hornady ELD Match | 88 grain | 24.7 gr | 27.0 gr | 2,800 fps | Hornady (Bolt Gun) |
| Alliant RL-15 | Hornady A-Tip | 90 grain | 25.2 gr | 28.4 gr | 2,900 fps | Hornady (Bolt Gun) |
Never assume that a powder charge published for one 75-grain bullet can automatically be used for a different 75-grain bullet. Variations in jacket material, ogive length, and bearing surface dramatically affect internal case friction and pressure.
22 ARC Bullet And Powder Combinations
The exact component combinations dictate both the safety and accuracy of 22 ARC load development.
- Case capacity and seating depth:The 22 ARC is based on the 6.5 Grendel case.Pushing a heavy 88-grain bullet just 0.030 inches deeper than the published 2.250″ COL significantly compresses the powder charge, spiking pressure.
- Primer and Brass:The cartridge requires Small Rifle primers (such as the Federal 205).Some reloaders convert 6.5 Grendel brass to form 22 ARC cases, which can result in thicker neck walls and slightly less internal volume than factory Hornady 22 ARC brass, mandating a reduction in maximum powder charges.
- Bullet construction: Monolithic copper bullets or bullets with long bearing surfaces create more bore friction than standard lead-core target bullets, generating higher pressures faster.
- Crimp: While a very light taper crimp is sometimes utilized to prevent bullet setback during semi-automatic AR-15 feeding, over-crimping match bullets will deform the jacket and ruin long-range precision.
- Firearm action type: Handloaders must never use 62,000 PSI bolt-action combinations in an AR-15. The AR-15 bolt lugs cannot withstand the prolonged bolt thrust, leading to cracked extractors and sheared lugs.
22 ARC Velocity From Published Data
Published 22 ARC velocity figures depend heavily on whether the ballistic laboratory used an AR-15 gas gun barrel or a long bolt-action test barrel.
| Bullet | Bullet Weight | Powder | Published Load | Muzzle Velocity | Barrel Length | Firearm | Source |
| Hornady V-MAX | 53 grain | H4895 | 30.9 gr (Max) | 3,650 fps | 24.00″ | Bolt Action | Hornady |
| Hornady ELD-VT | 62 grain | Power Pro Varmint | 32.7 gr (Max) | 3,549 fps | 24.00″ | Universal Receiver | Handloader |
| Hornady ELD Match | 88 grain | Varget | 27.0 gr (Max) | 2,800 fps | 24.00″ | Bolt Action | Hornady |
It is crucial to distinguish between manufacturer-published velocity (captured in environmentally controlled laboratories with maximum allowed barrel lengths), independent chronograph testing (real-world range data factoring in gas-system bleed-off), and ballistic calculator estimates (mathematical predictions). Do not present a calculated prediction as a measured muzzle velocity.
22 ARC Reloading Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length heavily dictates 22 ARC velocity. Because the cartridge boasts a relatively large powder capacity for the .224 bore, it benefits greatly from longer barrels.
Hornady’s bolt-action data utilizes 24-inch test barrels to achieve maximum ballistic potential, pushing the 88-grain ELD Match to 2,800 fps using Hodgdon Varget. When firing that same ammunition from an 18-inch AR-15 barrel, shooters will experience a noticeable velocity drop (roughly 20-30 fps per inch of barrel lost). Reloaders must clearly identify the test firearm and barrel length when establishing velocity expectations; a 24-inch bolt gun’s velocity cannot be universally expected from an 18-inch AR platform.
22 ARC Energy And Ballistics
The 22 ARC was engineered to rival the 22-250 Remington while fitting inside an AR-15. Using verified manufacturer data for the 62-grain ELD-VT (Factory load equivalent from a 24-inch barrel):
- Muzzle velocity:3,490 fps
- Muzzle energy:1,686 ft-lbs
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient:.395
With heavy 88-grain match bullets possessing a staggering G1 BC of .545, the 22 ARC sheds velocity incredibly slowly, outperforming traditional 5.56 NATO rounds in retained energy and wind deflection at 500 and 1,000 yards.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
When researching a 22 ARC load data chart, handloaders will encounter three types of data:
- Manufacturer-published reloading data:Officially pressure-tested in a laboratory using piezo-electric sensors to guarantee loads stay safely under the 52,000 PSI (Gas) or 62,000 PSI (Bolt) SAAMI thresholds.
- Independent chronograph testing:Velocities recorded by handloaders or magazines (like Handloader) using commercial chronographs. This verifies bullet speed but cannot verify internal chamber pressure.
- User-submitted load reports: Internet forum recipes that often ignore the critical gas vs. bolt gun pressure distinction.
Independently measured results frequently differ from published data because consumer rifles feature varying gas port sizes, chamber tolerances, and barrel lengths. Priority must always remain with official, pressure-tested manufacturer data.
22 ARC Pressure And Safety
The most crucial safety aspect of 22 ARC reloading is strictly observing the two distinct pressure limits published by Hornady.
The AR-15 platform’s bolt thrust limits mandate that 22 ARC gas gun data is capped at 52,000 PSI. Attempting to load higher than this will cause premature bolt lug shearing, cracked extractors, and catastrophic failure. Conversely, modern bolt-action rifles (like a Remington 700 action) possess stronger locking lugs that can safely handle the cartridge between 60,000 and 62,000 PSI.
For example, Hornady lists a maximum AR-15 gas gun load of 29.8 grains of CFE 223 for their 75-grain bullet, but safely pushes that same bullet to 31.5 grains in their bolt-action data. Reloaders must never use bolt-action recipes in an AR-15. Furthermore, component substitutions are dangerous; thick-walled converted brass or temperature-sensitive powders can create hazardous pressure spikes on hot days.
Best Sources For 22 ARC Reloading Data
The strongest and most authoritative sources for safe 22 ARC load development include:
- Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading / Official PDFs:Hornady is the original developer of the cartridge and provides the definitive baseline data, explicitly separated into Gas Gun and Bolt Gun categories.
- Hodgdon Reloading Data Center:Provides free, pressure-tested online data utilizing Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders.
- Sierra Bullets:Offers dedicated 22 ARC load data PDFs highlighting both gas gun and bolt gun applications for their MatchKing projectiles.
- Handloader Magazine: Features robust, independently chronographed load data with detailed notes on accuracy nodes and extreme spreads.
These publishers offer laboratory pressure verification, component specificity, and complete transparency regarding the firearms used for testing.
Common 22 ARC Reloading Data Questions
Where can I find 22 ARC reloading data?
Authoritative data is published directly by Hornady via their official load data PDFs and mobile app, the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center, and major bullet manufacturers like Sierra.
What powders are used in published 22 ARC data?
Common powders include Hodgdon Varget, CFE 223, H4895, LEVERevolution, Vihtavuori N530/N540, Accurate 2230, and Alliant Power Pro Varmint.
What bullet weights have 22 ARC reloading data?
Published data covers lightweight 53-grain varmint projectiles up to heavy 90-grain ultra-high-BC match bullets, with 62-grain, 75-grain, and 80-grain bullets being incredibly popular.
What is the best source for 22 ARC reloading data?
Hornady is the original developer of the 22 ARC and provides the most comprehensive data, critically separated into safe limits for both AR-15s and bolt-action rifles.
Why does 22 ARC reloading data vary between sources?
Variations occur due to the strict separation of 52,000 PSI gas gun data and 62,000 PSI bolt gun data, alongside differences in barrel lengths (18-inch vs 24-inch) and internal case volumes.
Does barrel length affect 22 ARC velocity?
Yes. A 24-inch bolt-action barrel will consistently yield significantly higher velocities than an 18-inch AR-15 barrel using the same powder charge.
Can the same powder charge be used with a different bullet?
No. Different bullet profiles, materials, and bearing surfaces alter case capacity and internal friction, dramatically shifting chamber pressures.
What is the difference between starting and maximum published load data?
The starting load is the safe baseline for working up a new recipe. The maximum load is the highest pressure limit established safely by a ballistic laboratory.
Where can I find pressure-tested 22 ARC data?
Pressure-tested data is available directly from major bullet and powder manufacturers, including Hornady, Hodgdon, and Sierra.
Does Hodgdon publish 22 ARC reloading data?
Yes. Hodgdon provides extensive data for CFE 223, Varget, H4895, and their IMR line of powders on their official online Data Center.
Does Hornady publish 22 ARC reloading data?
Yes. Hornady created the 22 ARC and publishes the most comprehensive load recipes available, distinctly separated by firearm action type.
Does Nosler publish 22 ARC reloading data?
Nosler publishes generic .224 caliber bullet data, but dedicated 22 ARC AR-15 load data is most comprehensively sourced from Hornady and Hodgdon.
Does Alexander Arms publish 22 ARC data?
No. Alexander Arms developed the 6.5 Grendel and .50 Beowulf. The 22 ARC was developed by Hornady, which serves as the primary source for its data.