Published: December 2025 | Last updated: April 2026
The 22 Nosler was introduced by Nosler in 2017, designed from the ground up for AR-15 platform performance with heavy high-BC .224-inch bullets. Nosler’s solution was to maximize powder capacity by increasing the case diameter beyond the standard 223 Remington while using a rebated rim that maintains full compatibility with standard AR-15 bolts and magazines. Only the barrel needs to change. The result is a case that holds approximately 30% more powder than the 223 Remington, producing velocities significantly higher than the 5.56 NATO or standard commercial 223 Remington loads when driving the 77-90 grain bullets that define modern .22-caliber long-range capability.
At its 2017 introduction, the 22 Nosler was ahead of its time. The 224 Valkyrie appeared the same year with a different approach – a shortened rebated-rim 6.8 SPC case – and the two competed for the same market segment. By 2024 the 22 ARC arrived with Hornady’s backing. The 22 Nosler‘s market position in 2026 is challenging: it produces higher velocity than the Valkyrie with light bullets, but the Valkyrie has broader factory ammunition support from multiple manufacturers, and the ARC offers comparable heavy-bullet performance with Hornady’s factory backing. For handloaders with existing 22 Nosler barrels, this remains a capable platform. For new buyers in 2026, the choice requires considering factory ammunition availability alongside raw ballistic performance.
For reloading data, see the 22 Nosler complete guide. For comparisons, see 22 ARC vs 224 Valkyrie vs 22 Nosler.
Core Ballistic Parameters
| Load | MV | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 gr Nosler Varmageddon | 3,400 FPS | 0.145 | 1,591 ft-lbs |
| 77 gr Nosler Custom Comp | 3,250 FPS | 0.170 | 1,807 ft-lbs |
| 85 gr Berger LRHT | 3,150 FPS | 0.250 | 1,872 ft-lbs |
| 90 gr Sierra TMK | 3,100 FPS | 0.282 | 1,920 ft-lbs |
All data below uses a 200-yard zero, 1.5-inch sight height, 59°F, sea level, 24-inch barrel. All velocity figures reflect 24-inch barrels. From a 16-inch AR-15 barrel, subtract approximately 75-100 FPS, shifting the supersonic ceiling approximately 50-75 yards closer.
Bullet Drop (200-Yard Zero)
| Range (yards) | 62 gr Varmageddon | 77 gr Custom Comp | 85 gr Berger | 90 gr TMK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 | -1.5 |
| 100 | +1.6 | +1.3 | +1.1 | +1.0 |
| 200 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 300 | -6.5 | -5.8 | -5.0 | -4.8 |
| 400 | -18.5 | -16.5 | -14.2 | -13.5 |
| 500 | -36.0 | -32.0 | -27.5 | -26.0 |
| 600 | -61.0 | -54.0 | -46.5 | -44.0 |
| 700 | -94.0 | -83.0 | -71.0 | -67.0 |
| 800 | -135.0 | -119.0 | -101.0 | -96.0 |
| 900 | -186.0 | -164.0 | -138.0 | -131.0 |
| 1,000 | -248.0 | -218.0 | -183.0 | -173.0 |
Drop in inches. Positive values = above line of sight.
The trajectory data illustrates the 22 Nosler’s central ballistic characteristic: the BC crossover. The 62-grain Varmageddon starts at 3,400 FPS – 300 FPS faster than the 90-grain TMK – yet by 600 yards the TMK has pulled ahead in trajectory, dropping 17 fewer inches. By 1,000 yards the TMK drops 75 fewer inches despite starting slower. The G7 BC of 0.282 versus 0.145 produces this complete trajectory reversal by 400-450 yards.
This crossover defines the practical load selection for the 22 Nosler. Inside 400 yards, the 62-grain Varmageddon provides a genuine trajectory advantage for hunters using holdover reticles at unknown distances – 3 fewer inches of drop at 300 yards can mean the difference between a center hit and a low miss on a prairie dog. Past 500 yards, any of the lighter loads become a trajectory liability compared to the 85 or 90-grain options.
The 22 Nosler’s drop figures are significantly better than the 223 Remington with equivalent loads. The 223 Remington 77-grain MatchKing at 2,750 FPS drops approximately 52 inches at 500 yards from a 200-yard zero; the 22 Nosler 85-grain Berger drops only 27.5 inches. This 24.5-inch difference at 500 yards represents the practical argument for the 22 Nosler upgrade.
Wind Drift – 10 MPH Full-Value Crosswind
| Range (yards) | 62 gr Varmageddon | 77 gr Custom Comp | 85 gr Berger | 90 gr TMK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| 200 | 3.8 | 3.4 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
| 300 | 8.7 | 7.8 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| 400 | 15.5 | 13.8 | 11.8 | 11.1 |
| 500 | 24.2 | 21.5 | 18.2 | 17.1 |
| 600 | 35.0 | 31.0 | 26.2 | 24.5 |
| 700 | 48.0 | 42.5 | 35.8 | 33.5 |
| 800 | 63.0 | 55.5 | 46.8 | 43.8 |
| 900 | 80.0 | 70.5 | 59.2 | 55.2 |
| 1,000 | 99.0 | 87.0 | 73.0 | 68.0 |
Drift in inches. Half-value crosswind = divide by 2.
The 90-grain TMK drifts 68 inches at 1,000 yards – meaningfully better than the 223 Remington 77-grain SMK at approximately 78 inches, and competitive with the 22 ARC 90-grain at approximately 73 inches. The 22 Nosler’s velocity advantage over the ARC adds approximately 5 fewer inches of drift at 1,000 yards from the TMK – a real difference in competition but modest in hunting contexts.
The 62-grain Varmageddon drifts 99 inches at 1,000 yards – nearly half the diameter of a standard PRS steel target at that distance. This confirms the Varmageddon as a short-range varmint load only; attempting to use it for competition past 600 yards would require wind calls so large that any field error produces a clean miss.
At 400 yards in a 10 MPH crosswind, the 90-grain TMK drifts 11.1 inches. For coyote hunting where the vital zone is approximately 6-8 inches wide, this leaves 2.5-3 inches of margin for wind estimation error. In steady predictable wind, the 22 Nosler handles 400-yard coyote work with acceptable confidence; in variable gusting conditions, reducing to 300 yards is appropriate.
Velocity Retention
| Range (yards) | 62 gr Varmageddon | 77 gr Custom Comp | 85 gr Berger | 90 gr TMK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 3,400 | 3,250 | 3,150 | 3,100 |
| 200 | 2,727 | 2,680 | 2,733 | 2,712 |
| 400 | 2,139 | 2,165 | 2,363 | 2,366 |
| 600 | 1,639 | 1,713 | 2,035 | 2,063 |
| 800 | 1,237 | 1,339 | 1,743 | 1,793 |
| 900 | 1,064 | 1,169 | 1,598 | 1,655 |
| 1,000 | 914 | 1,020 | 1,459 | 1,524 |
| 1,100 | 791 | 893 | 1,327 | 1,397 |
Velocity in FPS. Supersonic threshold approximately 1,340 FPS at sea level.
The velocity crossover between the 62-grain Varmageddon and the 90-grain TMK occurs around 300-325 yards – earlier than in most BC-vs-velocity comparisons because the BC gap (G7: 0.145 vs 0.282) is enormous. By 600 yards the TMK is 424 FPS faster than the Varmageddon despite starting 300 FPS slower.
The 62-grain Varmageddon goes transonic around 840-875 yards. The 77-grain Custom Comp around 900-925 yards. The 85-grain Berger LRHT stays supersonic past 1,075-1,100 yards. The 90-grain TMK maintains supersonic flight past 1,100 yards with meaningful margin – approximately 1,397 FPS at 1,100 yards. From a 16-inch AR-15 barrel subtract 50-75 yards from each of these supersonic ceilings.
For hunting: the 85-grain Berger and 90-grain TMK both stay above 1,800 FPS (reliable expansion threshold) to approximately 775-800 yards. However, neither is a designed hunting bullet – the Berger LRHT is a target bullet and the TMK’s expansion is inconsistent at distance. The ELD-X 80-grain (not shown in this table but appropriate for the 22 Nosler) stays above 1,800 FPS to approximately 750 yards with reliable bonded expansion.
Energy Retention
| Range (yards) | 62 gr Varmageddon | 77 gr Custom Comp | 85 gr Berger | 90 gr TMK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1,591 | 1,807 | 1,872 | 1,920 |
| 200 | 1,023 | 1,228 | 1,410 | 1,469 |
| 300 | 795 | 1,006 | 1,252 | 1,317 |
| 400 | 630 | 801 | 1,052 | 1,118 |
| 500 | 498 | 638 | 876 | 940 |
| 600 | 370 | 502 | 782 | 852 |
| 800 | 210 | 307 | 574 | 644 |
| 1,000 | 115 | 178 | 402 | 464 |
Energy in ft-lbs.
The energy table confirms the 22 Nosler’s hunting applications precisely. All loads drop below 1,000 ft-lbs between 300 and 430 yards. The 85-grain Berger and 90-grain TMK hold above 1,000 ft-lbs to approximately 395-415 yards – the honest coyote body-shot ceiling.
The 62-grain Varmageddon drops below 500 ft-lbs at approximately 500 yards, making it a close-range varmint load exclusively. The 77-grain Custom Comp holds above 500 ft-lbs to approximately 575 yards – adequate for coyotes on accurate body shots at that distance, though energy is below the reliable threshold for ethical kills without precise placement.
The 22 Nosler produces meaningfully more energy than the 223 Remington at all distances. The 223 Remington 77-grain MatchKing at 2,750 FPS delivers approximately 1,294 ft-lbs muzzle energy versus the 22 Nosler 77-grain Custom Comp at 1,807 ft-lbs – a 513 ft-lbs muzzle energy advantage that translates into approximately 60-75 yards of additional effective range on coyotes.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Nosler Varmageddon 62 gr
Construction: Polymer-tipped flat-base varmint bullet with thin lead-core jacket optimized for explosive fragmentation at varmint velocities. Nosler’s dedicated varmint line in .224 caliber.
Terminal behavior: At 22 Nosler’s 3,400 FPS, the Varmageddon produces almost instantaneous disintegration on prairie dogs and similar small varmints. The hydraulic shock from complete fragmentation creates immediate incapacitation. At 300 yards where velocity drops to approximately 2,600 FPS, fragmentation is still reliable and effective on coyotes from broadside shots. At 400 yards (approximately 2,139 FPS), the Varmageddon is approaching the lower end of reliable fragmentation for this bullet’s jacket construction.
Hunting application: Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and small varmints inside 400 yards. Coyotes inside 300 yards with broadside body shots where energy exceeds 795 ft-lbs. The Varmageddon’s flat trajectory inside 300 yards – only 6.5 inches low at 300 yards from a 200-yard zero – makes it practical for close-range farm varmint work where holdover simplicity matters. Not appropriate for any game larger than coyotes or for shots where penetration to the vitals from an angle is required.
More details: Nosler Varmageddon bullet profile
Hornady V-MAX 75 gr
Construction: Polymer tip with thin copper jacket and lead core. Designed for explosive varmint fragmentation at high velocity. The standard fragmentation varmint choice for the 22 Nosler for hunters who want consistent V-MAX performance characteristics.
Terminal behavior: Explosive fragmentation at 22 Nosler velocities, similar to the Varmageddon but with marginally better BC from the polymer tip geometry. At 3,200-3,300 FPS, the V-MAX produces the characteristic Hornady explosive fragmentation that makes it the benchmark varmint bullet. At 400 yards where velocity drops to approximately 2,200 FPS, fragmentation is still reliable on coyotes.
Hunting application: Coyotes inside 400 yards, varmints inside 500 yards. The V-MAX’s higher BC than the Varmageddon (G7 approximately 0.180 vs 0.145) produces approximately 3-4 fewer inches of wind drift at 400 yards – meaningful in any crosswind. For hunters who want the most established and widely available varmint bullet for the 22 Nosler, the V-MAX in 75-grain is the standard choice.
More details: Hornady V-MAX bullet profile
Nosler Custom Competition 77 gr
Construction: Open-tip match bullet designed for competition accuracy. Not designed for controlled hunting expansion – the thin uniform jacket produces inconsistent terminal performance compared to designed hunting bullets.
Terminal behavior: Inconsistent terminal expansion at 22 Nosler’s velocities – violent fragmentation at close range through jacket yaw, variable performance at distance. The Custom Comp is used on coyotes by hunters who accept the terminal inconsistency in exchange for its accuracy and availability in Nosler’s factory Trophy Grade ammunition.
Competition application: The standard competition reference load for the 22 Nosler in Nosler’s Trophy Grade ammunition. G7 BC of 0.170 is adequate for competition inside 700 yards but falls behind the 85 and 90-grain options past that distance. For NRL Hunter or PRS stages where target distances are known and wind calls are reliable, the 77-grain Custom Comp at 3,250 FPS provides competitive accuracy.
Berger LRHT 85.5 gr
Construction: Long Range Hybrid Target combining secant and tangent ogive sections for maximum BC with forgiving seating tolerance. G7 BC of 0.250 – the highest practical BC in the 85-grain .224 class.
Terminal behavior: Fragments at 22 Nosler’s high impact velocities from its thin jacket and hollow point. Effective on coyotes and predators inside 700 yards where impact velocity exceeds 1,800 FPS. Past 800 yards where velocity drops toward 1,750-1,650 FPS, fragmentation becomes less reliable but the heavy bullet continues to penetrate adequately.
Competition application: The BC ceiling for 85-grain class .224 bullets in the 22 Nosler for stages past 800 yards. The LRHT stays supersonic past 1,100 yards from a 24-inch barrel, enabling the longest practical 22 Nosler competition stages. For competitors whose barrels prefer Berger’s hybrid ogive profile over Sierra’s MatchKing, the LRHT is the performance-equivalent alternative.
More details: Berger LRHT bullet profile
Sierra Tipped MatchKing 90 gr
Construction: Acetyl polymer tip over a hollow point boat-tail match bullet. Highest G7 BC of the standard 22 Nosler loads (0.282). Stays supersonic past 1,100 yards from a 24-inch barrel.
Terminal behavior: More consistent terminal expansion than the open-tip MatchKing due to the polymer tip initiating more uniform impact behavior. At 22 Nosler’s 3,100 FPS, close-range fragmentation is violent and effective on coyotes. At 700 yards (approximately 1,700 FPS from a 24-inch barrel), terminal performance is variable but generally adequate on predators. The TMK is used by hunters who want maximum competition BC combined with acceptable hunting terminal behavior.
Competition application: Maximum wind resistance and supersonic range from the 22 Nosler platform. At 1,000 yards, 68 inches of drift in a 10 MPH crosswind beats the 224 Valkyrie with the same bullet by approximately 23 inches – reflecting the 22 Nosler’s starting velocity advantage. For NRL Hunter competition where the 22 Nosler’s ballistic advantage over the Valkyrie matters, the 90-grain TMK is the reference load.
More details: Sierra Tipped MatchKing bullet profile
Practical Range Recommendations
Varmints – Varmageddon 62-grain or V-MAX 75-grain to 400 yards in calm conditions. The 22 Nosler produces dramatically more velocity with these light bullets than the 223 Remington, extending reliable varmint fragmentation range by approximately 75-100 yards.
Coyotes – Berger LRHT or TMK inside 375-400 yards with broadside body shots where energy exceeds 1,000 ft-lbs. A 350-yard self-imposed limit in variable wind conditions provides appropriate energy and wind margin. Use an ELD-X 80-grain (purchased separately, not listed in original loads) for the most reliable bonded expansion on body shots.
Competition – 85-grain Berger LRHT or 90-grain TMK for stages past 700 yards; 77-grain Custom Comp for stages inside 600 yards where starting velocity advantage matters more than BC. The 22 Nosler’s velocity advantage over the Valkyrie shows most clearly at distances past 800 yards where the extra 300-400 FPS of starting velocity has maintained a genuine gap in retained velocity and wind resistance.
Deer – not recommended. Energy drops below 1,000 ft-lbs before 350 yards with all loads. The .224-inch bore also limits penetration depth on deer-sized game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 22 Nosler compare to the 224 Valkyrie?
The 22 Nosler produces approximately 200-400 FPS more velocity than the 224 Valkyrie with equivalent bullet weights. At 1,000 yards this translates to approximately 20-25 fewer inches of wind drift with the 90-grain TMK and approximately 25-30 fewer inches of drop. The Valkyrie has broader factory ammunition support from Federal, Hornady, and others. For handloaders, the 22 Nosler is a more capable platform; for factory ammunition users in 2026, the Valkyrie’s selection advantage is meaningful.
Does the 22 Nosler require a special bolt?
No. The rebated rim is the defining AR-15 compatibility feature – standard AR-15 bolts work with 22 Nosler. Only the barrel needs to change. Standard AR-15 magazines feed 22 Nosler reliably, making it a straightforward upper conversion for existing AR-15 owners.
What twist rate is needed for 85-90 grain bullets?
1:8 or faster. Standard 22 Nosler barrels specify 1:8 twist. A 1:7.5 twist provides additional stability margin for the heaviest bullets. 1:9 or slower will not reliably stabilize 85-90 grain .224-inch bullets at the 22 Nosler’s velocities.
Is factory ammunition available?
Nosler produces Trophy Grade 22 Nosler ammunition in 77-grain Custom Comp configuration. Selection is more limited than the 224 Valkyrie. For hunters and competitors who want a broad selection of factory loads, the Valkyrie or 22 ARC currently offer more choices from major manufacturers.
How does the 22 Nosler handle in an SBR or short-barrel build?
From a 16-inch barrel, expect approximately 75-100 FPS less than the 24-inch barrel data in this article. The 90-grain TMK would start at approximately 3,000-3,025 FPS from 16 inches – still meaningfully faster than the 224 Valkyrie from the same barrel length (approximately 2,600-2,650 FPS for the 90-grain TMK). Short-barrel 22 Nosler builds trade some velocity but retain the cartridge’s BC advantage over the Valkyrie.
Editorial note: This article was originally published in December 2025 and revised in April 2026. The revision added velocity retention table with 16-inch barrel note and transonic analysis, added energy table with practical hunting range analysis, expanded all five terminal profiles with specific construction, terminal behavior, and application data, added market context noting the 22 ARC and Valkyrie’s growing factory ammunition advantage, added deer limitation statement, and added FAQ.
