The 22 Creedmoor is a high-performance cartridge formed by necking down the 6.5 Creedmoor case to accept .224-inch bullets. Originally developed as a wildcat by Horizon Firearms in 2013, it gained widespread popularity for its ability to drive heavy, high-ballistic-coefficient bullets at velocities exceeding 3200 fps. Hornady standardized the cartridge in 2024, introducing factory ammunition and solidifying its place as a premier choice for long-range varmint hunting, predator control, and precision shooting. This article focuses specifically on ballistics, examining both external trajectory and wind performance as well as wound ballistics across popular loads. The goal is to deliver reloaders and hunters a precise, data-driven understanding of real-world potential. For full cartridge specifications and history, visit our complete guide at 22 Creedmoor – The Complete Guide.
Core External Ballistics
The 22 Creedmoor accommodates bullet weights from 55 to 95 grains, though 75-90 grain projectiles dominate for optimal long-range results. All practical loads remain supersonic beyond 1000 yards with proper selection. Heavier bullets with high ballistic coefficients dramatically outperform traditional .22 centerfires like the 22-250 Remington or 223 Remington at extended distances, delivering flatter trajectories and superior wind resistance similar to the parent 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics.
Bullet Drop to 1000 Yards
| Range (yards) | 70gr Nosler AccuBond 3400 fps • G1 BC .370 | 80gr Hornady ELD-X 3285 fps • G1 BC .485 | 85gr Nosler RDF 3175 fps • G1 BC .498 | 90gr Sierra MatchKing 3210 fps • G1 BC .563 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| 200 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 300 | -7.2 | -5.3 | -5.7 | -5.5 |
| 400 | -20.5 | -15.4 | -16.6 | -16.0 |
| 500 | -40.5 | -31.1 | -33.6 | -32.0 |
| 600 | -68.0 | -52.0 | -55.5 | -52.5 |
| 700 | -104.0 | -80.0 | -84.5 | -79.0 |
| 800 | -149.0 | -115.0 | -120.5 | -112.0 |
| 900 | -204.0 | -158.0 | -164.0 | -152.0 |
| 1000 | -270.0 | -208.0 | -215.0 | -200.0 |
All figures in inches, 200-yard zero, 24-inch barrel, sea-level conditions.
The data reveals why the 22 Creedmoor has rapidly displaced cartridges like the 22-250 Remington ballistics for serious long-range work. The 80-90 grain loads stay within 35 inches of drop at 500 yards and under 220 inches at 1000 yards – exceptional for a .22 centerfire. Practical hunting or defensive ranges easily extend to 600 yards with any load and beyond 800 yards when using 85-90 grain match-grade bullets. The heavier projectiles begin showing clear advantages past 500 yards, where superior ballistic coefficients slow velocity decay and reduce vertical spread. Reloaders seeking maximum point-blank range on predators should favor the 80gr ELD-X or heavier match bullets.
Wind Drift (10 mph Crosswind)
| Range (yards) | 70gr AccuBond | 80gr ELD-X | 85gr RDF | 90gr SMK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| 200 | 4.2 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.0 |
| 300 | 9.8 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 6.9 |
| 400 | 17.5 | 14.0 | 13.5 | 12.4 |
| 500 | 27.5 | 22.0 | 21.2 | 19.4 |
| 600 | 40.0 | 32.0 | 30.8 | 28.0 |
| 700 | 54.5 | 43.5 | 41.8 | 38.0 |
| 800 | 71.0 | 56.5 | 54.2 | 49.2 |
| 900 | 89.5 | 71.2 | 68.2 | 61.8 |
| 1000 | 110.0 | 87.5 | 83.8 | 76.0 |
All figures in inches, full-value 10 mph crosswind.
Wind drift performance is where the 22 Creedmoor truly shines, drifting only marginally more than its 6.5 Creedmoor parent despite launching a much lighter bullet. The 90gr Sierra MatchKing load drifts roughly 62-65 inches at 1000 yards in a 10 mph wind – essentially identical to premium 6.5 Creedmoor loads and far superior to traditional varmint rounds. Practical accuracy remains excellent to 700 yards even in moderate wind; beyond that distance, skilled wind reading becomes critical. The heavier bullets clearly resist drift better, making them mandatory for open-country predator hunting where wind is inevitable.
Energy Retention
| Range (yards) | 70gr AccuBond Muzzle 1825 ft-lbs | 80gr ELD-X Muzzle 1917 ft-lbs | 85gr RDF Muzzle 2433 ft-lbs | 90gr SMK Muzzle 2060 ft-lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1825 | 1917 | 2433 | 2060 |
| 100 | 1580 | 1680 | 2199 | 1850 |
| 200 | 1355 | 1470 | 1979 | 1670 |
| 300 | 1152 | 1282 | 1773 | 1510 |
| 400 | 968 | 1114 | 1580 | 1365 |
| 500 | 801 | 964 | 1401 | 1235 |
| 600 | 680 | 850 | 1240 | 1120 |
| 700 | 590 | 760 | 1100 | 1020 |
| 800 | 520 | 690 | 980 | 930 |
| 900 | 460 | 630 | 880 | 850 |
| 1000 | 410 | 580 | 800 | 780 |
All figures in ft-lbs.
Energy decay follows expected patterns: heavier, higher-BC bullets retain downrange energy dramatically better. The 85-90 grain loads still carry over 780 ft-lbs at 1000 yards – sufficient for ethical kills on coyote-size animals and approaching small deer capability with expanding bullets. The 80gr ELD-X maintains over 1000 ft-lbs to nearly 400 yards and stays above 580 ft-lbs at 1000 yards, explaining its popularity for long-range predator hunting. Lighter 70 grain loads drop below 1000 ft-lbs by 400 yards and are best limited to 500 yards for ethical terminal performance on larger predators.
Terminal & Wound Ballistics
Bullet construction is the dominant factor in 22 Creedmoor terminal performance due to extreme velocities. High-speed impact drives violent expansion or fragmentation, creating devastating wound channels on thin-skinned game, while monolithic bullets offer deep penetration for tougher animals. The goal of this section is practical guidance: matching specific bullets to game animals at realistic distances using gel testing and field results.
Bullet Performance Profiles
Hornady 75-80gr V-MAX
- Type – Polymer-tipped varmint hollow point
- Behavior – Explosive fragmentation with massive hydraulic disruption in gel and tissue
- Use – Coyotes, foxes, groundhogs, prairie dogs
- Effective Range – 0-450 yards (optimal expansion velocity window)
- Short Summary – The classic choice for dramatic, fur-saving kills on small predators with minimal pelt damage when head shooting is not required.
More details available in our dedicated bullet profile page: Hornady V-MAX Bullet Profile.
Hornady 80gr ELD-X
- Type – Heat Shield tipped, bonded-core hunting bullet
- Behavior – Reliable expansion down to 1600 fps, high weight retention, 18-22 inches penetration in gel
- Use – Coyotes, bobcats, pronghorn, small deer with careful shot placement
- Effective Range – 0-800 yards
- Short Summary – The premier all-range hunting bullet for the .22 Creedmoor, delivering devastating wounds even at extreme distance.
More details available in our dedicated bullet profile page: Hornady ELD-X Bullet Profile.
Hornady 80gr ELD Match
- Type – Heat Shield tipped match bullet with thin jacket
- Behavior – Consistent accuracy, expands violently at high velocity, fragments at close range
- Use – Long-range varmint and predator control
- Effective Range – 0-1000+ yards
- Short Summary – Unmatched precision with surprising terminal effect on light game when expansion occurs.
More details available in our dedicated bullet profile page: Hornady ELD-M Bullet Profile.
Berger 85.5gr Long Range Hybrid Target
- Type – Hybrid ogive hollow point boat tail
- Behavior – Extreme accuracy, rapid upset and fragmentation at impact velocities above 2200 fps
- Use – Extreme-range varmint and predator work
- Effective Range – 0-1000 yards
- Short Summary – Benchrest-level accuracy combined with devastating terminal performance on coyote-size animals.
More details available in our dedicated bullet profile page: Berger Hybrid Target Bullet Profile.
Sierra 90gr Tipped MatchKing
- Type – Acetyl-tipped hollow point match bullet
- Behavior – Highest BC available in .224, limited expansion but extreme accuracy
- Use – Competition and extreme long-range varmint shooting
- Effective Range – 0-1200+ yards
- Short Summary – The ultimate choice when minimizing drop and drift matters more than explosive terminal effect.
More details available in our dedicated bullet profile page: Sierra Tipped MatchKing Bullet Profile.
Practical Summary
For pure varmint and small predator work, the Hornady V-MAX and Berger Hybrid loads deliver explosive results inside 500 yards. Transition to Hornady 80gr ELD-X for larger predators, pronghorn, or occasional small deer – it is the only bullet that reliably expands at 1000-yard impact velocities while retaining enough energy for ethical kills. The 85-90 grain match bullets (Nosler RDF, Sierra TMK, Berger LRHT) are ideal for extreme-range precision on predators when shots may exceed 700 yards. Range discipline remains essential: even with exceptional ballistics, bullet choice ultimately determines terminal results far more than raw velocity. Explore our individual bullet reviews, extended ballistic charts, and related caliber analyses for deeper insights into building the ultimate 22 Creedmoor load.
