The 22 ARC cartridge has quickly earned a reputation for delivering 224 Valkyrie-level performance in a compact AR-15 platform, but finding the right powder can make or break your loads. After testing five popular powders with 70gr and 75gr bullets across multiple temperature ranges, we’ve compiled real-world data to help you make an informed choice. Whether you’re pushing for maximum velocity or seeking temperature-stable accuracy, this comparison covers what matters most for practical field use.
We focused on powders readily available to North American handloaders, testing each across identical conditions with the same barrel, brass, and bullets. The results show clear differences in velocity potential, accuracy, temperature sensitivity, and barrel fouling that directly impact your shooting experience. Here’s what we found with Varget, H4895, CFE 223, IMR 4064, and RL-15.
What Makes a Powder Ideal for 22 ARC
The 22 ARC operates at higher pressures than its parent case (6mm ARC) due to the smaller bore diameter, which means powder selection becomes critical for both safety and performance. You need a burn rate that fills the case efficiently without excessive pressure spikes, typically in the medium-burn range similar to what works well in 223 Rem and 308 Win. Temperature stability matters significantly if you hunt or compete across varying weather conditions, as some powders show velocity swings exceeding 100 fps between summer and winter loads.
Case capacity in the 22 ARC sits around 34 grains of water, which favors powders with bulk densities that achieve 90-95% case fill at optimal charge weights. Underfilled cases can cause inconsistent ignition and erratic velocities, while overfilled cases create dangerous pressure conditions. Look for powders that meter consistently through your powder measure and produce clean combustion to minimize barrel fouling during extended range sessions.
Our Testing Method: 70gr and 75gr Bullets
We conducted all testing with a 20-inch barrel using Hornady brass, CCI 450 primers, and two bullet weights that represent the sweet spot for 22 ARC performance. The 70gr bullets included Sierra MatchKing and Nosler RDF options, while the 75gr loads used Hornady ELD-M projectiles exclusively. Each powder was tested in 0.3-grain increments starting from published minimums until we reached pressure signs or maximum listed charges.
Temperature testing occurred across three sessions: 35°F, 70°F, and 95°F ambient conditions, with ammunition stored at testing temperature for 24 hours prior to shooting. We fired five-shot groups at 100 yards for accuracy evaluation and recorded velocities with a LabRadar chronograph positioned 15 feet from the muzzle. Pressure signs were monitored through primer appearance, ejector marks, and bolt lift resistance, with any questionable loads immediately discontinued.
Varget vs. H4895: Velocity and Accuracy Data
Varget delivered the most consistent accuracy across both bullet weights, with average five-shot groups measuring 0.68 MOA for 70gr loads and 0.72 MOA for 75gr loads. The optimal charge weight for 70gr bullets sat at 28.5 grains, producing 2,785 fps with an extreme spread of 18 fps. For 75gr projectiles, 27.8 grains yielded 2,690 fps with similar consistency and no pressure indicators even in hot weather.
H4895 ran slightly faster with 70gr bullets, hitting 2,810 fps at 28.8 grains, but showed more temperature sensitivity than Varget. Groups averaged 0.81 MOA with 70gr and 0.76 MOA with 75gr bullets, still excellent for field use. The temperature testing revealed velocity increases of approximately 2.1 fps per degree Fahrenheit, compared to Varget’s 1.4 fps per degree – a meaningful difference if you load in winter and shoot in summer.
| Powder | 70gr Velocity | 75gr Velocity | Avg Group Size | Temp Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varget | 2,785 fps | 2,690 fps | 0.70 MOA | Low (1.4 fps/°F) |
| H4895 | 2,810 fps | 2,715 fps | 0.79 MOA | Moderate (2.1 fps/°F) |
| CFE 223 | 2,830 fps | 2,740 fps | 0.85 MOA | Very Low (0.9 fps/°F) |
| IMR 4064 | 2,765 fps | 2,670 fps | 0.73 MOA | Moderate (2.0 fps/°F) |
| RL-15 | 2,795 fps | 2,705 fps | 0.77 MOA | High (2.8 fps/°F) |
CFE 223, IMR 4064, and RL-15 Performance
CFE 223 surprised us by achieving the highest velocities while maintaining exceptional temperature stability thanks to its copper-fouling-reducing additives. At 29.2 grains with 70gr bullets, we recorded 2,830 fps with minimal velocity variation across temperature extremes. The advertised copper fouling reduction proved legitimate, with noticeably cleaner barrels after 100-round sessions compared to other powders tested.
IMR 4064 and RL-15 both performed well but with distinct characteristics worth noting. IMR 4064 produced the second-best accuracy at 0.73 MOA average but ran slightly slower than competitors, making it ideal for shooters prioritizing precision over maximum velocity. RL-15 delivered good all-around performance but showed the highest temperature sensitivity at 2.8 fps per degree, requiring careful load development if you shoot across varied conditions. Barrel fouling with RL-15 was moderate, requiring cleaning every 80-100 rounds for maintained accuracy.
Quick Takeaways
- Varget offers the best balance of accuracy and temperature stability
- CFE 223 achieves top velocities with reduced barrel fouling
- H4895 provides excellent performance with slightly less temp stability than Varget
- IMR 4064 delivers superior accuracy at moderate velocities
- RL-15 performs well but requires attention to temperature-related velocity shifts
Common Mistakes When Loading 22 ARC Rounds
Many handloaders apply 223 Rem loading practices directly to 22 ARC, which creates problems due to the different case capacity and pressure characteristics. The 22 ARC operates at higher pressure with less case volume, meaning you cannot simply scale up 223 Rem loads. Always start with published 22 ARC data specifically, not extrapolated figures from similar cartridges.
Here are the most frequent errors we’ve observed:
- Ignoring temperature testing – Loading only at one temperature and assuming performance remains consistent across seasons
- Overfilling cases – Using slow-burning powders that compress excessively, creating dangerous pressure spikes
- Skipping chronograph work – Relying solely on group size without velocity data to identify pressure problems
- Using standard primers – Regular small rifle primers instead of small rifle magnum primers can cause ignition inconsistency with ball powders
- Inadequate seating depth testing – The 22 ARC is sensitive to seating depth; 0.010-inch changes significantly affect pressure and accuracy
- Mixing brass brands – Different manufacturers’ brass shows meaningful capacity variations that alter pressure curves
- Rushing load development – Testing in 0.5-grain increments instead of 0.2-0.3 grains misses optimal nodes
FAQ: Best Powders for 22 ARC
What’s the best all-around powder for 22 ARC?
Varget consistently delivers excellent accuracy with low temperature sensitivity and good barrel life. It meters reasonably well and produces velocities within 25-40 fps of the fastest options while maintaining shot-to-shot consistency across weather conditions.
Can I use the same powders that work in 223 Rem?
Many powders overlap between cartridges, but charge weights differ significantly. Varget, H4895, and CFE 223 all work in both cartridges, but 22 ARC requires different amounts due to its larger case capacity and different pressure curve. Never substitute 223 Rem data for 22 ARC loads.
Which powder gives the highest velocity in 22 ARC?
CFE 223 produced the highest velocities in our testing, reaching 2,830 fps with 70gr bullets and 2,740 fps with 75gr bullets. The velocity advantage comes with excellent temperature stability and reduced copper fouling, making it particularly attractive for high-volume shooting.
How important is temperature stability for hunting loads?
Very important if you load during one season and hunt in another. A powder with 2.5 fps per degree sensitivity shows 150 fps velocity difference between 35°F and 95°F conditions, which translates to significant point-of-impact shifts at longer ranges. Varget and CFE 223 minimize this issue.
Do I need magnum primers for 22 ARC?
It depends on the powder. Ball powders like CFE 223 benefit from magnum primers for consistent ignition, while stick powders like Varget and H4895 work well with standard small rifle primers. We used CCI 450 magnum primers for all testing to eliminate ignition variables, and they performed excellently across all powder types.
Which powder produces the least barrel fouling?
CFE 223 showed noticeably less copper fouling due to its surface coating designed for that purpose. After 100 rounds, barrels cleaned significantly faster than with other powders tested. Varget and H4895 produced moderate fouling, while RL-15 required more frequent cleaning to maintain accuracy.
Quick Checklist: Selecting Your 22 ARC Powder
- Match powder burn rate to bullet weight (faster for lighter, slower for heavier)
- Verify current published load data exists for your specific combination
- Consider your typical shooting temperature range and select accordingly
- Check current market availability before committing to load development
- Ensure powder meters consistently if using progressive or automated equipment
- Account for barrel length differences (shorter barrels favor slightly faster powders)
- Budget for adequate testing ammunition (minimum 50 rounds per powder evaluation)
- Plan barrel cleaning frequency based on powder fouling characteristics
The five powders tested all produced acceptable accuracy and velocity in the 22 ARC, but clear winners emerged for specific applications. Varget stands out for all-around performance with its combination of accuracy, temperature stability, and consistent metering. CFE 223 delivers maximum velocity with reduced fouling for high-volume shooters, while IMR 4064 offers precision-oriented handloaders exceptional accuracy potential. H4895 provides a solid middle ground, and RL-15 works well for shooters in stable temperature environments who want good velocity without CFE 223’s ball powder characteristics.
Your final choice should balance your priorities between maximum velocity, smallest groups, temperature stability, and current market availability. Start with published minimum loads, work up carefully in 0.2-0.3 grain increments, and chronograph every load to identify your rifle’s optimal node. The 22 ARC responds well to careful load development, and any of these five powders will serve you reliably when matched properly to your shooting requirements.
