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.22 ARC Ammo Overview
Introduced by Remington in 2021, .22 ARC is a rimfire cartridge designed for semi-automatic rifles. It offers improved velocity and terminal performance over .22 LR. Popular among varmint hunters and small-game shooters, .22 ARC fills a niche for precision rimfire applications.
Why .22 ARC Ammo Is a Top Choice
- Higher velocity than traditional rimfire rounds
- Effective small-game and varmint performance
- Designed for semi-auto rifle feeding reliability
- Reduced fouling compared to .22 LR
- Growing aftermarket load variety
Key Variants
.22 ARC Subsonic
Best for suppressed shooting and lower noise applications in rimfire rifles.
.22 ARC Velocity
Optimized for maximum velocity and flat trajectory in varmint hunting.
.22 ARC Standard
Balanced load suitable for general shooting and target practice.
Competitor Comparison
| Feature | .22 ARC Ammo | .22 LR | .17 HMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Velocity (fps) | 2,600 | 1,200 | 2,550 |
| Energy (ft-lb) | 130+ | 100 | 130 |
| Typical Use | Semi-auto rifles, varmint | Plinkers, small-game | Varmint hunting |
| Rifle Compatibility | New .22 ARC rifles | Wide availability | Specialized rifles |
| Recoil | Low | Very low | Very low |
| Notable Pro | High energy rimfire option | Very common, affordable | Flat trajectory |
| Notable Con | Limited rifle options | Lower power | More expensive ammo |
Best Use Cases
- Varmint and small-game hunting
- Range practice
- Self-defense in compatible rifles
- Precision rimfire shooting
FAQs about .22 ARC Ammo
Can I use .22 ARC in a standard .22 LR rifle?
No. .22 ARC requires rifles specifically chambered for it due to different case dimensions and pressure specs.
What is the main advantage of .22 ARC ammo?
It offers higher velocity and energy than .22 LR, improving performance in semi-auto rifles for hunting and defense.
How does .22 ARC ammo perform on small game?
Its energy and accuracy make it highly effective for humane, precise shots on varmint and small-game targets.
