{"id":129000,"date":"2026-08-02T19:45:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T00:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=129000"},"modified":"2026-08-02T19:45:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T00:45:20","slug":"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\/","title":{"rendered":"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">13<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 22 Creedmoor launches heavy .224 bullets fast, shoots brutally flat, bucks wind, and delivers almost no recoil. This former wildcat has become a serious option for predators, PRS competition, long-range steel, and even deer-sized game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-how-the-22-creedmoor-escaped-wildcat-status\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">How the 22 Creedmoor Escaped Wildcat Status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-development-from-necked-down-brass-to-saami\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor Development: From Necked-Down Brass to SAAMI<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-brass-dies-and-factory-ammunition\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor Brass, Dies, and Factory Ammunition<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-cartridge-specifications\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor Cartridge Specifications<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-ballistics-flat-fast-and-wind-defying\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor Ballistics: Flat, Fast, and Wind Defying<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-almost-no-recoil-makes-the-22-cm-addictive\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">Almost No Recoil Makes the 22 CM Addictive<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-one-22-creedmoor-rifle-built-for-three-jobs\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">One 22 Creedmoor Rifle Built for Three Jobs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-prs-performance-at-1-000-yards\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor PRS Performance at 1,000 Yards<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-vs-308-a-brutal-long-range-comparison\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"3\">22 Creedmoor vs 308: A Brutal Long-Range Comparison<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-can-the-22-creedmoor-cleanly-take-deer\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">Can the 22 Creedmoor Cleanly Take Deer?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-ballistics-compared-at-1-000-yards\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor Ballistics Compared at 1,000 Yards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-energy-numbers-never-tell-the-whole-story\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">Why Energy Numbers Never Tell the Whole Story<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-22-creedmoor-barrel-life-is-the-lingering-question\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">22 Creedmoor Barrel Life Is the Lingering Question<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pros-and-cons-of-the-22-creedmoor\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">Pros and Cons of the 22 Creedmoor<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-verdict-was-the-22-creedmoor-build-worth-it\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">The Verdict: Was the 22 Creedmoor Build Worth It?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-related-reads-from-gunsamerica-digest\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" data-level=\"2\">Related Reads From GunsAmerica Digest<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-the-22-creedmoor-escaped-wildcat-status\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the 22 Creedmoor Escaped Wildcat Status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As soon as any new cartridge hits the mainstream market, handloaders start tinkering with it and making wildcat variations. The now super popular Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor case is no exception to that rule. The first of those wildcats to make it to the big league was the 6mm CM, but there is another one that quickly gained widespread popularity: the 22 Creedmoor, aka <em>22 Creed<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"612\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/short-barrel-22-Creedmoor-rifle.jpeg\" alt=\"Short-barreled 22 Creedmoor precision rifle built for long-range shooting and hunting\" class=\"wp-image-205242\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/short-barrel-22-Creedmoor-rifle.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/short-barrel-22-Creedmoor-rifle-400x239.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/short-barrel-22-Creedmoor-rifle-150x90.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/short-barrel-22-Creedmoor-rifle-768x459.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 22 CM began as a wildcat cartridge, but the increasingly popular caliber quickly gained a following thanks to its outstanding performance and now has factory support.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>Revisiting the 22 CM: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">No longer a wildcat!<\/span> This article originally ran during the summer of 2020, before SAAMI recognized the 22 Creed. If you have had any opinion-making experiences since then, especially now that it is SAAMI recognized and far more common, let us know in the comments below!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have rifles chambered in both 6.5 and 6mm Creedmoor, or CM, but the 22 CM captured my attention. I first heard of it from a friend who said the 22 CM came in the top 3 in a first-round hit capability study he had read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well, I am always a bit skeptical of studies and statistics since they can easily be swayed depending on what is included or excluded in the study, or how the study process is conducted. However, after running basic ballistic numbers on the 22 Creed, my interest was piqued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"785\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Creedmoor_65-CM_6mm-CM_22-CM.jpeg\" alt=\"6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, and 22 Creedmoor cartridges compared side by side\" class=\"wp-image-205244\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Creedmoor_65-CM_6mm-CM_22-CM.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Creedmoor_65-CM_6mm-CM_22-CM-391x300.jpeg 391w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Creedmoor_65-CM_6mm-CM_22-CM-150x115.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Creedmoor_65-CM_6mm-CM_22-CM-768x589.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">6.5 CM, 6mm CM, and 22 CM. The little brother may be the best performer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 22 CM has been making waves in predator and varmint hunting circles since before 2014, and its popularity has continued to climb. A rapid increase in interest led to widespread industry support, with brass, dies, and ammunition reaching the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-development-from-necked-down-brass-to-saami\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor Development: From Necked-Down Brass to SAAMI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7947b3c310098ca78d83be4eb754bc45 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The following is from the original report. Remember, this was written when the 22 Creed was still a wildcat cartridge.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/saami.org\/saami-accepts-two-new-cartridges-22arc-22cm\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out what SAAMI has to say about the 22 Creedmoor.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on the 6.5 CM cartridge case, the 22 CM runs in short-action rifles and feeds smoothly from SA magazines produced by many manufacturers. The only thing needed is a fast-twist barrel to stabilize the long, high BC bullets: 1 x 7 &#8211; 7.5 twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I had a rifle built by Meredith Rifles using a Defiance action, Bartlein barrel, Manners stock, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nightforce.com\/\" campaign=\"22 Creedmoor\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Nightforce<\/a>&nbsp;scope. The first rounds I loaded were made by necking down readily available 6mm CM cases before 22 Creedmoor head-stamped brass was available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-brass-dies-and-factory-ammunition\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor Brass, Dies, and Factory Ammunition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process for making that brass was easy enough, but still somewhat time-consuming. The good news is that&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hornady.com\/\" campaign=\"22 Creedmoor\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Hornady<\/a>, Peterson, Gunwerks, Atlas Development Group, or ADG, and Alpha Munitions are all selling factory brass now, so there is no more necking down the 6 CM for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, there were no big-name ammunition companies loading for the 22 CM as of <em>this<\/em> writing, but several smaller companies offered ammunition, so you did not have to reload at all. Cooper Creek, Gunwerks, and Spark Munitions had a variety of offerings depending on what purpose you had for the gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"728\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ammunition-and-reloading.jpeg\" alt=\"22 Creedmoor brass, cartridges, reloading dies, and handloading components\" class=\"wp-image-205247\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ammunition-and-reloading.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ammunition-and-reloading-400x284.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ammunition-and-reloading-150x107.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ammunition-and-reloading-768x546.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Need casings? 22 Creedmoor brass and other supplies have become increasingly available for handloaders. This original photo focused on Hornady, but Derk Peterson&#8217;s eponymous <em>Peterson Cartridge<\/em>, Little Crow Gunworks, and others continue to expand support for the 22 Creedmoor cartridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The available ammunition was priced in line with high-quality hunting and match ammunition. That pushed the 22 CM beyond the realm of a wildcat requiring handloading and brought it closer to being a true factory product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-cartridge-specifications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor Cartridge Specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>Specification<\/th><th>22 Creedmoor<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Bullet diameter<\/td><td>.224<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shoulder angle<\/td><td>30 degrees<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shoulder diameter<\/td><td>.462<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rim diameter<\/td><td>.468<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Case length<\/td><td>1.92 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Primer type<\/td><td>Large and small<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-ballistics-flat-fast-and-wind-defying\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor Ballistics: Flat, Fast, and Wind Defying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The performance of the 22 CM with 75 to 80 grain bullets makes it an outstanding varmint cartridge. I have seen claims of 80 grain Bergers at 3500 fps out of 26\u201d barrels, which would be devastating on any varmint. Loaded ammunition is available with bullets in the 70-75 range leaving 24\u201d barrels at velocities around 3400+ fps. That is a bit more conservative than personal handloading, but it still makes the 22 Creedmoor a very flat-shooting, low-recoiling round capable of delivering impressive results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part of the beauty of the 22 CM is that it shoots standard .224 caliber bullets, which are available almost everywhere for handloaders and cost less than larger caliber bullets. The heavier bullets used in the 22 CM range from 75 to 95 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"804\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-bullets.jpeg\" alt=\"Heavy 22 Creedmoor bullets for hunting, competition, and long-range shooting\" class=\"wp-image-205248\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-bullets.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-bullets-382x300.jpeg 382w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-bullets-150x118.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-bullets-768x603.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Popular 22 CM bullets include the 95 grain&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sierrabullets.com\/\" campaign=\"22 Creedmoor\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Sierra<\/a>&nbsp;MatchKing and Hornady 88, 80, and 75 grain bullets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a wide selection of bullets and factory brass available, all that is needed is a set of reloading dies to put everything together. With dies available from major sources such as RCBS, Hornady, Redding, and Whidden, the 22 CM\u2019s future seems to be on the rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cartridge stood out in the first-round hit study because its heavy-for-caliber bullets have relatively high ballistic coefficients. Those bullets can be launched at fast speeds, resulting in fewer wind and elevation corrections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"739\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_22-CM-cartridge.jpeg\" alt=\"Accurate 100-yard 22 Creedmoor group fired with an 88 grain handload in windy conditions\" class=\"wp-image-205249\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_22-CM-cartridge.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_22-CM-cartridge-400x289.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_22-CM-cartridge-150x108.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_22-CM-cartridge-768x554.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A windy-day group at 100 yards was still outstanding with an 88gr handload. The 22 CM was still a relatively new cartridge when this was photographed. There were already some nice 22 Creedmoor rifle options available, including Meredith Precision, Derrick Ratliff&#8217;s <em>Horizon Firearms<\/em>, and others.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-almost-no-recoil-makes-the-22-cm-addictive\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Almost No Recoil Makes the 22 CM Addictive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have to say, the best part about shooting the Meredith 22 CM is that it is just fun to shoot. The gun has <strong>NO<\/strong> recoil and is downright easy to hit targets with thanks to its flat trajectory and outstanding wind-defeating bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lack of recoil resulting from the relatively light bullets makes it possible to watch your own impacts or misses if the terrain allows. This permits fast and accurate second-round corrections, which is a big advantage while hunting or competing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-one-22-creedmoor-rifle-built-for-three-jobs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">One 22 Creedmoor Rifle Built for Three Jobs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I built the 22 CM to be a dual-purpose gun, or actually a 3-purpose gun. The first purpose was predator hunting and the varmints previously mentioned. The second was shooting PRS, or Precision Rifle Series, style matches on occasion. The third was hunting deer-sized game. As with any multi-purpose tool, there tend to be compromises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this project, my sacrifice was in the barrel length. It is a great-quality barrel, but the only profile available at the time was far heavier than I would have liked. To keep the overall weight of the gun down, I had the gunsmith make it a shorter barrel, giving up some velocity to gain mobility afield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-prs-performance-at-1-000-yards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor PRS Performance at 1,000 Yards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PRS matches typically limit bullet speeds to 3200 fps, which coincidentally works well since Copper Creek offers the 22 CM with a 95-grain SMK at 3160 fps based on a 24\u201d barrel. This makes an outstanding round with only 7.1 mils of drop at 1000 yards and 1.7 mils of wind drift for a 10-mph wind at that distance. For PRS, you do not actually need all the speed the 22 CM can offer from longer barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1002\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-performance.jpeg\" alt=\"Sub-MOA 22 Creedmoor handload group fired at 1,000 yards\" class=\"wp-image-205250\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-performance.jpeg 1002w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-performance-294x300.jpeg 294w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-performance-147x150.jpeg 147w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-performance-768x785.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1002px) 100vw, 1002px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sub-MOA group from handloads at 1000 yards demonstrates the capability of the 22 CM.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A quick ballistic comparison with several respected long-range cartridges shines a bright light on the 22 CM\u2019s potential. Using 1000 yards as a distance benchmark, the 6mm CM drops 8.1 mils, and the 6.5 CM with the Hornady 147 ELD-M drops 8.7 mils. Both rounds are considered fantastic for long-range shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compared with the 7.1 mils of the 22 CM, it is easy to see why the 22 Creedmoor has a high hit probability. On unknown-distance targets, that flatter trajectory would result in more hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of these Creedmoor cartridges are truly great long-range rounds when compared with the old military and police standard, the 308.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-vs-308-a-brutal-long-range-comparison\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor vs 308: A Brutal Long-Range Comparison<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The industry-standard 308 load of a 168-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet at 2650 fps is no match for the more modern high BC cartridges. The old standard would have dropped in a rainbow-like curve of 12.6 mils at the 1000-yard mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/factory-22-CM-load.jpeg\" alt=\"Accurate factory-loaded 22 Creedmoor ammunition group fired during testing\" class=\"wp-image-205252\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/factory-22-CM-load.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/factory-22-CM-load-400x278.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/factory-22-CM-load-150x104.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/factory-22-CM-load-768x533.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The factory-loaded 22 Creedmoor ammunition is accurate enough for any practical purpose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-can-the-22-creedmoor-cleanly-take-deer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can the 22 Creedmoor Cleanly Take Deer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the third purpose, hunting deer-sized game, the 22 CM will certainly shoot far enough and flat enough to produce accurate hits. The long, slender bullets have good sectional density, so they will easily get the penetration needed to reach the vitals of thin-skinned medium game. However, the big hunting question is whether the small-diameter bullets have the energy needed to make clean kills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So how much bullet energy is needed for medium-sized game? Well, opinions are mixed, and you know what they say about opinions. Research shows that recommendations range from 800 ft-lbs to 1300 ft-lbs. Some think energy is not the all-important factor and cite archery and sub-sonic hog hunting as examples. I really cannot argue with that either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that the 22 CM seems to have all the energy needed for the task. The old deer-hunting go-to, a 30-30 caliber 150 grn bullet, drops below the 800 ft-lb mark at about 225 yards. The 22 CM drops below that 800 ft-lb threshold at between 600 to 775 yards, depending on the bullet and muzzle velocity of Copper Creek\u2019s different offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaning toward the more conservative number of 1300 ft-lbs, the same 22 CM bullet combinations are good out to 300- 400 yards. In reality, I think that number is way over what is needed with good shot placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-ballistics-compared-at-1-000-yards\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor Ballistics Compared at 1,000 Yards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>Caliber\/ Bullet<\/th><th>Drop @ 1000 (mils)<\/th><th>10 mph Drift @ 1000<\/th><th>Energy @ 500 yds (ft-lbs)<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>22 CM 75 ELD<\/td><td>6.2<\/td><td>2.0<\/td><td>975<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>22CM 88 ELD<\/td><td>6.2<\/td><td>1.9<\/td><td>1141<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>22 CM 95 SMK<\/td><td>7.1<\/td><td>1.7<\/td><td>1028<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6 CM 108 ELD<\/td><td>8.1<\/td><td>2.2<\/td><td>1082<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6.5 CM 147 ELD<\/td><td>8.7<\/td><td>1.8<\/td><td>1409<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>308 168 SMK<\/td><td>12.6<\/td><td>3.5<\/td><td>410<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-energy-numbers-never-tell-the-whole-story\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Energy Numbers Never Tell the Whole Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I ran the numbers on the 45-70 I carried to Africa last year. The Hornady 250 grn FTX worked well on a large Black Wildebeest at 296 yards. The first shot took it down, and the second ensured it never got back to its feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The energy of the 250-grain 45-caliber bullet at that distance was only 630 ft-lbs. I have used the same round on whitetail deer, and inside 100 yards it takes them off their feet. They never know what hit them. It is definitely more than just the energy numbers that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With all that being said, I do not think the 22 CM will have any problems making clean kills on deer-sized game out to 400-450 yards with solid shot placement. A highly accurate, easy-to-shoot rifle with a flat trajectory will make for confident hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"811\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-accuracy-tested.jpeg\" alt=\"22 Creedmoor rifle engaging shaded steel plates at 535 yards\" class=\"wp-image-205253\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-accuracy-tested.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-accuracy-tested-379x300.jpeg 379w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-accuracy-tested-150x119.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-accuracy-tested-768x608.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 535-yard plates in the shadows are no challenge for the 22 CM.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-22-creedmoor-barrel-life-is-the-lingering-question\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">22 Creedmoor Barrel Life Is the Lingering Question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only real issue that remains with the 22 CM rifle is just how long the barrel is going to last. I am running the heavier bullets, typically 88 or 95 grains. These bullets have higher energy levels, perform better in the wind, and should provide longer barrel life than the faster, lighter bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compounding the problem, though, is the fact that it is so fun to shoot. Its 22 caliber bullets also make it much cheaper to shoot than my larger calibers. I think the barrel will give me good life based on round count, but maybe not based on time because I really enjoy shooting it and letting others try it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-pros-and-cons-of-the-22-creedmoor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of the 22 Creedmoor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pros:<\/strong> Flat trajectory, outstanding wind performance, almost no recoil, standard .224 bullets, strong long-range hit potential, easy impact spotting, and support for predator hunting, PRS competition, and deer-sized game.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cons:<\/strong> Barrel life remains a concern, fast-twist barrels are required for the longest bullets, and a multi-purpose rifle build can force compromises in barrel length and overall weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-verdict-was-the-22-creedmoor-build-worth-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Verdict: Was the 22 Creedmoor Build Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, was the 22 CM worth the time and money it took to build? I think so. The 22 Creedmoor is a great-shooting cartridge, and the Meredith rifle shoots amazingly well. The cartridge and rifle perform with my handloads or the available factory ammunition. The fact that several vendors are manufacturing 22 CM brass certainly makes handloading simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_wildcat-cartridge.jpeg\" alt=\"Custom 22 Creedmoor rifle showing its barrel, stock, action, and precision optic\" class=\"wp-image-205255\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_wildcat-cartridge.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_wildcat-cartridge-400x250.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_wildcat-cartridge-150x94.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor_wildcat-cartridge-768x480.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Due to the small bore, a slimmer barrel profile would still provide the rigidity needed for great accuracy while reducing weight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If I were to do it over again, I would build a lighter hunting-weight rifle. In reality, that would mean using a slimmer barrel and dropping down to a Nightforce NX8 2.5- 20x scope. Then the 22 CM would be right at home in the field where it belongs.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"861\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-SAAMI-specs.jpg\" alt=\"Official SAAMI 22 Creedmoor cartridge and chamber specifications\" class=\"wp-image-205258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-SAAMI-specs.jpg 679w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-SAAMI-specs-237x300.jpg 237w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-SAAMI-specs-118x150.jpg 118w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SAAMI cartridge and chamber specifications for the 22 Creedmoor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"673\" height=\"861\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-specs_SAAMI.jpg\" alt=\"SAAMI technical drawing with 22 Creedmoor dimensions, ballistics, and specifications\" class=\"wp-image-205260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-specs_SAAMI.jpg 673w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-specs_SAAMI-234x300.jpg 234w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/22-Creedmoor-ballistics-and-specs_SAAMI-117x150.jpg 117w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 673px) 100vw, 673px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Additional 22 Creedmoor ballistics and technical specifications from the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers\u2019 Institute.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the details, run the numbers yourself, and consider the 22 Creedmoor for your next rifle build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-related-reads-from-gunsamerica-digest\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Reads From GunsAmerica Digest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hornady-unveils-new-22-arc-cartridge-all-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hornady Unveils the 22 ARC: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/deep-six-rugers-precision-rifle-6mm-creedmoor-breaks-1000-yard-barrier\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor Breaks the 1,000-Yard Barrier<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-the-christensen-arms-ridgeline\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\" title=\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christensen Arms Ridgeline: A Precision Long-Range Hunting Rifle<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-\"><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 22 Creedmoor launches heavy .224 bullets fast, shoots brutally flat, bucks wind, and delivers almost no recoil. This former wildcat has become a serious option for predators, PRS competition, long-range steel, and even deer-sized game.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":205248,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"manual","footnotes":""},"categories":[286,855,1076,993,252,113,37],"tags":[299,1819,2511,102,2056,1216,3980,3981,1054,1586,1619],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":["post-129000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ballistics","category-bolt-action","category-jeff-cramblit-2","category-long-range-specialty-publications","category-metallic","category-gear-reloading","category-gun-reviews-rifles","tag-ammo-2","tag-ammo-review","tag-creedmoor","tag-feature-articles","tag-handloading","tag-long-range-shooting","tag-long-range-shooting-3","tag-long-range-shooting-4","tag-prs","tag-varmint-hunting","tag-wildcat"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.1 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>22 Creedmoor Review: Ballistics and Hunting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The 22 Creedmoor shoots flat, bucks wind, and barely recoils. 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See why this former wildcat became a serious long-range hunting round.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/22-Creedmoor-bullets.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/06\\\/22-Creedmoor-bullets.jpeg\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":804,\"caption\":\"The 22 Creedmoor has a wide bullet selection and is affordable to shoot\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/22-creedmoor-review-ballistics-hunting\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"22 Creedmoor: The Wildcat That Went Legit\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\\\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? 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He is passionate about shooting sports and the outdoors. He has followed that passion for over 30 years, hunting and competing in practical pistol, 3gun, precision rifle and sporting clays matches. Jeff is intimately familiar with the shooting industry - competitor, instructor, RO, range master, match director. Among his training credits include NRA Instructor, AR-15 armorer, FBI Rifle Instructor, and Officer Low Light Survival Instructor. As a sponsored shooter, Jeff has represented notable industry names such as: Benelli, 5.11 Tactical, Bushnell, Blackhawk, DoubleStar, and Hornady. He has been featured on several of Outdoor Channel\u2019s Shooting Gallery episodes and on a Downrange TV series. 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