The 22 ARC, also known as the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge, was introduced in 2024 by Hornady to provide long-range precision in AR-15 platforms. Developed by necking down the 6mm ARC case to 0.224 inches, it offers superior velocity and energy compared to the 223 Remington while maintaining compatibility with short-action rifles. This caliber excels in varmint hunting, predator control, and competitive shooting, with bullet weights typically ranging from 55 to 95 grains and muzzle velocities up to 3400 feet per second. This article focuses specifically on ballistics, providing a detailed examination of external factors like trajectory, wind resistance, and energy retention, as well as wound ballistics to highlight terminal effects on game. The goal is to equip hunters and reloaders with a clear ballistic understanding to optimize loads for ethical and effective use. For more on its history and specs, check our 22 ARC complete guide.
Core External Ballistics
The 22 ARC employs bullet weights from 62 to 90 grains, with muzzle velocities typically between 3000 and 3300 feet per second depending on the load. Lighter bullets like 62-grain options offer flatter trajectories for quick target acquisition at medium ranges, while heavier 80- and 90-grain bullets provide better energy retention and wind resistance for extended distances. This caliber remains supersonic well beyond 1000 yards in most configurations, ensuring stable flight and predictable performance. Data drawn from manufacturers like Hornady and Sierra shows consistent results across loads, with high ballistic coefficients aiding long-range precision. For deeper comparisons, see our 22 ARC ballistics and 22 ARC vs 224 Valkyrie vs 22 Nosler.
Bullet Drop to 1000 Yards
| Range (Yards) | 75gr (inches) | 80gr (inches) | 88gr (inches) | 90gr (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 200 | -3.6 | -2.8 | -2.4 | -2.2 |
| 300 | -12.4 | -10.0 | -8.6 | -8.1 |
| 400 | -26.7 | -21.6 | -18.9 | -17.8 |
| 500 | -47.5 | -38.5 | -34.1 | -32.1 |
| 600 | -75.8 | -61.6 | -54.6 | -51.4 |
| 700 | -112.6 | -91.4 | -80.6 | -75.9 |
| 800 | -157.4 | -127.8 | -112.8 | -106.2 |
| 900 | -212.2 | -172.2 | -151.8 | -142.9 |
| 1000 | -278.0 | -225.4 | -198.8 | -187.0 |
These numbers reveal the 22 ARC‘s impressive trajectory for varmint and precision shooting. With a 100-yard zero, lighter 75-grain loads show slightly more drop at mid-ranges due to lower ballistic coefficients, making them ideal for 200-400 yard shots on predators where quick adjustments matter. However, heavier 88- and 90-grain bullets maintain better stability beyond 500 yards, with drops around -198 to -187 inches at 1000 yards, allowing ethical long-range engagement when dialed correctly. Ballistic limitations emerge around 700-800 yards, where environmental factors like air density amplify variances, demanding precise range finding. For hunting, realistic ranges top at 400-500 yards for most setups to ensure humane kills, while defensive applications favor flatter-shooting loads inside 300 yards. Compare this to other calibers in our 22 Creedmoor ballistics and 224 Valkyrie ballistics.
Wind Drift (10 mph Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 75gr (inches) | 80gr (inches) | 88gr (inches) | 90gr (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| 200 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| 300 | 8.8 | 7.6 | 6.8 | 6.6 |
| 400 | 15.8 | 13.5 | 12.0 | 11.6 |
| 500 | 24.8 | 21.0 | 18.6 | 18.0 |
| 600 | 36.0 | 30.5 | 27.0 | 26.0 |
| 700 | 49.5 | 41.5 | 36.5 | 35.2 |
| 800 | 65.0 | 54.5 | 48.0 | 46.2 |
| 900 | 82.5 | 69.0 | 60.5 | 58.2 |
| 1000 | 102.0 | 85.0 | 75.0 | 72.0 |
Heavier bullets like the 88- and 90-grain options resist wind better, showing 25-30 inches less drift at 1000 yards compared to lighter 75-grain loads, thanks to higher ballistic coefficients. This makes them preferable for open-country hunting where crosswinds exceed 5 mph. Practical accuracy diminishes beyond 600 yards without skilled wind reading, as drifts over 27 inches can miss vital zones on game. For supersonic shooting, expect reliable holds inside 500 yards; beyond that, environmental tools become essential. Realistic expectations include adjusting for full-value winds to maintain ethical shots. Explore wind strategies in our how to choose the right caliber for hunting and long-range hunting calibers guide.
Energy Retention
| Range (Yards) | 75gr (ft-lbs) | 80gr (ft-lbs) | 88gr (ft-lbs) | 90gr (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1760 | 1760 | 1820 | 1800 |
| 100 | 1530 | 1550 | 1620 | 1600 |
| 200 | 1320 | 1360 | 1430 | 1420 |
| 300 | 1130 | 1190 | 1260 | 1250 |
| 400 | 960 | 1030 | 1100 | 1100 |
| 500 | 820 | 900 | 960 | 970 |
| 600 | 710 | 790 | 850 | 860 |
| 700 | 620 | 700 | 760 | 770 |
| 800 | 540 | 620 | 680 | 690 |
| 900 | 470 | 550 | 610 | 620 |
| 1000 | 410 | 490 | 550 | 560 |
Energy decays steadily, with all loads retaining over 800 ft-lbs to 500 yards, sufficient for ethical kills on varmint-sized game. Heavier bullets hold energy better at distance due to mass, but lighter ones deliver higher initial impact. Differences are minimal in supersonic ranges, but below 700 ft-lbs, expansion may falter in non-bonded bullets. Ethical hunting ranges limit to 400-500 yards for reliable terminal effects, preventing wounding. Certain loads maintain expansion thresholds longer, enhancing versatility. For more on retention, review our 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics at 1000 yards comparison and small game caliber guide.
Wound Ballistics (Expanded Practical Section)
Bullet design plays a critical role in the 22 ARC‘s terminal performance, determining expansion, penetration, and tissue disruption. Supersonic loads create significant hydrostatic shock for quick kills, while designs vary in how they handle velocity loss at range. This section aims to provide practical guidance on terminal effects, helping reloaders select bullets for specific game and distances. For gel-testing insights, see our Hornady ELD-X review and Hornady ELD-M breakdown.
Bullet Performance Profiles (5 Most Common Loads)
Hornady ELD-VT
- Type – Polymer-tipped varmint bullet with Heat Shield for consistent flight.
- Behavior – Expands explosively in gel, creating wide wound channels with fragmentation at high velocities.
- Use – Suited for varmints, predators, and small game hunting.
- Effective Range – 50-400 yards.
- Short Summary – Explosive performance ideal for rapid incapacitation on small targets.
More details available in our dedicated Hornady V-MAX bullet profile page.
Hornady ELD Match
- Type – Polymer-tipped match-grade bullet for precision.
- Behavior – Provides controlled expansion in gel, with good penetration and minimal fragmentation.
- Use – Ideal for target shooting and varmint control at distance.
- Effective Range – 100-600 yards.
- Short Summary – Balances accuracy and terminal effects for competitive and hunting use.
More details available in our dedicated Hornady ELD-M bullet profile page.
Hornady ELD-X
- Type – Polymer-tipped bonded bullet for hunting.
- Behavior – Expands reliably in gel, achieving deep penetration with 50-70% retention.
- Use – Perfect for medium game like coyotes and small deer.
- Effective Range – 100-500 yards.
- Short Summary – All-range hunting precision with consistent expansion.
More details available in our dedicated Hornady ELD-X bullet profile page.
Sierra MatchKing
- Type – Hollow-point boat-tail match bullet.
- Behavior – Yaws and fragments in tissue tests, creating moderate wound channels.
- Use – Best for precision target and varmint applications.
- Effective Range – 50-400 yards.
- Short Summary – Competition accuracy with effective terminal performance on small game.
More details available in our dedicated Sierra MatchKing bullet profile page.
Berger Hybrid Target
- Type – Hybrid ogive target bullet for long-range.
- Behavior – Penetrates deeply in gel with limited expansion, suitable for minimal meat damage.
- Use – Suited for long-range target shooting and predator hunting.
- Effective Range – 200-700 yards.
- Short Summary – Extreme accuracy with controlled terminal effects.
More details available in our dedicated Berger Hybrid Target bullet profile page.
Practical Summary
For predators like coyotes, lighter bullets such as the Hornady ELD-VT in 62-grain loads deliver explosive expansion and minimal over-penetration inside 300 yards. On larger varmints and small deer, opt for options like Hornady ELD-X in 80 grains for deeper penetration through hide and bones, ensuring ethical drops. The 22 ARC performs well in supersonic configurations for unsuppressed hunting, though subsonic loads are less common due to its high-velocity design. Range discipline is key – limit shots to 400-500 yards to maintain energy above 800 ft-lbs for reliable expansion. Bullet choice defines terminal results more than velocity alone, so match designs to game size and distance for optimal outcomes. To dive deeper, explore our 22 Nosler ballistics, small game caliber guide, and Berger Elite Hunter review.
Readers are encouraged to explore related articles for deeper analysis, such as our detailed wound-ballistics breakdowns in Hornady ELD-X, gel-testing results via Hornady ELD-M, extended ballistic charts in 22 ARC ballistics, and individual bullet reviews like Sierra MatchKing.
