.22 ARC / .22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (Handloader issue #351) (Handloader TV)

Cartridge History

The .22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) is a modern small-caliber centerfire round developed by Hornady and designed specifically for high ballistic efficiency, flat trajectories, and optimal performance in gas guns and bolt-actions alike. Launched with the goal of pushing the limits of the AR-15 platform, the .22 ARC delivers enhanced terminal ballistics and long-range precision that outpace traditional varmint and competition cartridges like the .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. Rooted in the 6mm ARC family, the .22 ARC is essentially a necked-down version of the 6mm ARC case, optimized for .224-caliber bullets. With a case length of 1.490 inches and designed around a cartridge overall length (COAL) of approximately 2.260 inches, it fits comfortably in standard AR-15 magazines. Its design maximizes powder capacity while retaining the capability to use long, high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets with excellent downrange energy retention. As seen in recent testing in Handloader issue #351, the cartridge displays not only excellent velocity potential but also repeatable precision across a variety of powders and bullet weights. The Handloader evaluation used a custom rifle built on a Pacific Tool & Gauge Drakkar action fitted with a 20-inch Proof Research barrel. Velocities were chronographed with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro and conditions included a moderate temperature of 79°F at 5,000 feet of elevation—ideal for observing external ballistic performance. All loads used resized Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass and Federal 205M match primers, with precision assembly via an Area 419 ZERO press and RCBS MatchMaster powder dispenser. In the testing data, the 53-grain Hornady V-MAX loaded with Hodgdon H-4895 achieved blistering velocities up to 3,654 fps with excellent consistency. Notably, the load with 31.0 grains of H-4895 produced a low standard deviation (SD) of just 3 fps and an extreme spread (ES) of 8 fps, although group size increased slightly to 1.35 inches, suggesting it may be near pressure limits. With heavier bullets like the 62-grain Hornady ELD-VT, velocities remained impressive, climbing to 3,549 fps with Alliant Power Pro Varmint and 3,599 fps with Vihtavuori N540. Group sizes were competitive across the board, with the best groups dipping below 0.5 inches—evidence of the cartridge’s potential as a tack driver in the right hands. Even with 77-grain and 81-grain bullets like the Sierra HPBT and Berger Fullbore Target, the .22 ARC showed strong velocities in the 2,900 to 3,100 fps range, and group sizes as tight as 0.24 inches. The .22 ARC’s versatility was underscored by how well it responded to multiple powders—Hodgdon H-4895, Vihtavuori N540, Alliant RL-15.5, Shooters World Precision Rifle, and Hodgdon CFE 223 all delivered competitive results. Whether pushing light varmint bullets fast or stabilizing heavy-for-caliber projectiles for long-range steel or target shooting, the cartridge excelled. In conclusion, the .22 ARC offers a cutting-edge solution for shooters seeking better performance from their AR-15 platform. Combining impressive speed, precision, and adaptability, it stands as a formidable option for both varmint hunters and competitive shooters alike—proof that modern cartridge design continues to evolve and outperform legacy rounds.