22 ARC AND BULK 22 ARC AMMO

About 22 ARC Ammo

The .22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC) is a modern precision rifle cartridge developed by Hornady Manufacturing and officially introduced in 2023.

Designed to meet the growing demand for a flat-shooting, highly accurate small-caliber round, the 22 ARC delivers outstanding long-range performance while maintaining compatibility with the popular AR-15 platform.

Hornady engineered the 22 ARC with competitive shooters, hunters, and precision marksmen in mind.

Its case design optimizes powder capacity and ballistic efficiency, making it ideal for high ballistic coefficient (BC) projectiles that excel in wind resistance and retain velocity over extended distances.

The 22 ARC quickly gained attention in the shooting sports community for its exceptional accuracy, low recoil, and versatile applications—from PRS-style competitions to predator control and varmint hunting.

By combining modern cartridge design with advanced projectile technology, it has emerged as a serious contender in the precision rifle market, appealing to shooters seeking a balance of speed, precision, and efficiency.

Since its release, the 22 ARC has had a noticeable impact on both the competitive and hunting segments of the firearms world.

Long-range shooters benefit from its ability to stay supersonic at extended distances, while hunters appreciate its terminal performance on medium and small game.

The cartridge’s efficiency also makes it attractive for reloaders who value consistent velocities and repeatable precision.

Its rise in popularity has spurred rifle manufacturers to produce dedicated 22 ARC barrels and complete uppers, further cementing its place in the expanding landscape of high-performance AR-15 and bolt-action cartridges.

Common .22 ARC Ammunition Types

Below are the most common 22 ARC ammo types available today, each engineered for a specific performance niche.

Match-Grade Open Tip Match (OTM)

Purpose: Precision target shooting and long-range competition.
Features: High ballistic coefficient bullets with streamlined profiles for reduced wind drift and consistent flight paths.
Benefit: Exceptional accuracy and repeatable performance for competitive shooters.

Polymer-Tipped Varmint Loads

Purpose: Predator and varmint control.
Features: Lightweight, high-velocity projectiles with polymer tips that enhance aerodynamics and promote rapid expansion upon impact.
Benefit: Flat trajectories and explosive terminal performance for small target animals.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

Purpose: High-volume training, practice, and recreational shooting.
Features: Copper-jacketed bullets that resist deformation and reduce barrel fouling.
Benefit: Economical and consistent for range sessions without sacrificing reliability.

Soft Point (SP) Hunting Loads

Purpose: Medium game hunting such as coyotes and smaller deer species.
Features: Exposed lead tip promotes controlled expansion for deeper penetration and effective energy transfer.
Benefit: Balanced performance between expansion and penetration for ethical hunting.

Boat-Tail Hollow Point (BTHP)

Purpose: Long-range tactical and competition applications.
Features: Tapered boat-tail base for improved ballistic efficiency, combined with a hollow point for precision flight characteristics.
Benefit: Superior stability and accuracy at extended distances.

Popular Uses for 22 ARC Ammo

The .22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (.22 ARC) has quickly gained a loyal following in the shooting community due to its flat trajectory, versatility, and modern ballistic design.

Below are the most common applications where shooters choose 22 ARC ammunition for top-tier performance.

Precision Rifle Competition

The high ballistic efficiency of .22 ARC makes it a go-to choice for long-range target matches and PRS-style competitions.
Shooters benefit from minimal wind drift and consistent accuracy at extended distances.

Varmint and Predator Hunting

Popular for coyote, fox, and prairie dog hunting, the 22 ARC delivers flat-shooting performance with explosive terminal effects.
Polymer-tipped and high-velocity loads excel in quick, ethical dispatch of small to medium predators.

Small to Medium Game Hunting

With properly selected hunting bullets, 22 ARC can ethically take small deer species and hogs within appropriate ranges.
Controlled-expansion soft point and bonded designs maximize penetration and stopping power.

Tactical and Law Enforcement Training

Its low recoil and high precision make the .22 ARC a great training option for law enforcement marksmen.
Offers realistic ballistic performance with less shooter fatigue during extended sessions.

Recreational Long-Range Shooting

Perfect for those who enjoy stretching shots beyond 500 yards with a flat, predictable trajectory.
The cartridge’s modern bullet profiles make it ideal for steel target shooting at extended ranges.

22 ARC Ammunition Features

High Ballistic Coefficient (BC)

Designed with sleek, aerodynamic projectiles that maintain velocity over long distances.
Minimizes wind drift and delivers a flatter trajectory for improved long-range accuracy.

Low Recoil for Faster Follow-Up Shots

The efficient case design and lighter bullet weights reduce felt recoil.
Ideal for competitive shooting, varmint hunting, and extended range sessions without shooter fatigue.

Optimized for AR-15 Platform Compatibility

Purpose-built to run flawlessly in AR-15 rifles, offering enhanced range and accuracy over traditional 5.56 NATO loads.
Functions reliably with standard AR-15 magazines and bolts with appropriate conversion.

Excellent Long-Range Performance

Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles.
Maintains lethal energy and precision well past 500 yards, making it versatile for both hunting and target work.

Versatile Bullet Selection

Available in polymer-tipped, hollow point, and full metal jacket designs.
Supports applications ranging from precision competition to predator control.

Superior Terminal Ballistics

Designed for high energy transfer and rapid expansion with hunting loads.
Penetrates consistently with match and FMJ variants for tactical or training purposes.

Modern Powder and Primer Technology

Uses temperature-stable, clean-burning propellants for consistent velocities in varying weather conditions.
Non-corrosive primers ensure long-term reliability and reduced maintenance.

Best-Selling .22 ARC Firearms

The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (.22 ARC) is quickly becoming a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and long-range enthusiasts.

Its outstanding ballistics, low recoil, and compatibility with modern platforms have led to the release of several high-performing rifles.

Below is a list of some of the most popular and best-selling .22 ARC firearms currently on the market.

Savage Arms 110 Elite Precision .22 ARC

Purpose: Long-range precision shooting.
Key Features: Adjustable MDT ACC chassis, AccuTrigger system, and heavy stainless-steel barrel for supreme accuracy.
Why It’s Popular: Exceptional out-of-the-box performance for competitive shooters.

Ruger American Predator .22 ARC

Purpose: Varmint and predator control, target shooting.
Key Features: Threaded barrel, lightweight synthetic stock, and smooth bolt action.
Why It’s Popular: Affordable, accurate, and versatile for multiple hunting applications.

Christensen Arms Mesa FFT .22 ARC

Purpose: Mountain hunting and long-range shooting.
Key Features: Carbon-fiber composite stock, stainless barrel, and lightweight design.
Why It’s Popular: Combines premium craftsmanship with exceptional field accuracy.

Howa Carbon Elevate .22 ARC

Purpose: Backcountry hunting.
Key Features: Carbon-fiber barrel, HACT two-stage trigger, and weather-resistant finish.
Why It’s Popular: Ultra-lightweight build without sacrificing durability or precision.

AR-15 Platform .22 ARC Builds (Various Manufacturers)

Purpose: Tactical training, competition, varmint hunting.
Key Features: Modular customization, semi-auto capability, and compatibility with a wide variety of optics and accessories.
Why It’s Popular: Offers semi-auto performance with long-range capability in a familiar AR platform.

22 ARC Ammo FAQs

Question: What is 22 ARC ammo?
Answer: The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (.22 ARC) is a modern, high-performance rifle cartridge developed for exceptional long-range accuracy, flat trajectories, and low recoil. Designed for both hunting and competitive shooting, 22 ARC ammo delivers outstanding ballistic efficiency in AR-platform rifles and bolt-action builds.

Question: What is .22 ARC ammo used for?
Answer: 22 ARC ammunition is popular for varmint hunting, predator control, long-range target shooting, and PRS-style competitions. Its efficient design and high ballistic coefficient make it effective at extended ranges while maintaining precision and minimal wind drift.

Question: Is 22 ARC good for hunting?
Answer: Yes. 22 ARC ammo is an excellent choice for small to medium game hunting, including coyotes, foxes, prairie dogs, and other varmints. With the right bullet selection, it can also be effective for deer-sized game in certain jurisdictions—always check local hunting regulations before use.

Question: What rifles can shoot .22 ARC ammunition?
Answer: .22 ARC rounds are compatible with rifles chambered specifically for the cartridge, including AR-15 platforms and select bolt-action rifles. Many manufacturers are now offering 22 ARC rifles due to its growing popularity in both the hunting and competitive shooting markets.

Question: What bullet types are available for 22 ARC ammo?
Answer: Common .22 ARC ammunition types include:

Varmint-tipped bullets for rapid expansion.
Match-grade hollow points for competitive accuracy.
Polymer-tipped hunting rounds for better aerodynamics and controlled expansion.

Question: Where can I buy 22 ARC ammo?
Answer: You can find 22 ARC ammo for sale at most major online ammunition retailers, local gun shops, and sporting goods stores. When shopping, compare prices, brands, and grain weights to match your intended use.

Question: How far can 22 ARC ammo shoot accurately?
Answer: With the right rifle and optics, 22 ARC ammunition can maintain effective accuracy out to 1,000 yards, making it a strong choice for long-range enthusiasts and competitive marksmen.

Question: Is 22 ARC the same as 223 or 224 Valkyrie?
Answer: No. While 22 ARC ammo shares similarities in caliber with .223 Remington and .224 Valkyrie, it was engineered for greater ballistic performance, better energy retention, and enhanced accuracy at long ranges.