Hornady 22 ARC: Is This the New AR-15 Long-Range Precision King?

In the world of AR-15 rifles and long-range shooting, the quest for accuracy and precision is never-ending. Shooters are always searching for that perfect balance between velocity, ballistic performance, and terminal effectiveness at extended ranges. Enter Hornady’s 22 ARC—a cartridge poised to revolutionize AR-15 long-range shooting. Designed for the long-range enthusiast, the 22 ARC may just be the new standard for those wanting to push their AR-15 platform to extreme distances with minimal wind drift and bullet drop. But is it really the new gold standard for long-range precision shooting in AR-15s? Let's dive in.

1. What Exactly is the Hornady 22 ARC?

The 22 ARC is a relatively new cartridge developed by Hornady, a company known for its precision ammunition. While the "ARC" stands for "Advanced Rifle Cartridge," it’s not just a fancy marketing name. The 22 ARC builds on the success of Hornady's previous ARC cartridges, namely the 6mm ARC, but with an even more focused intent: long-range precision shooting from an AR-15 platform.

Hornady designed the 22 ARC to deliver high velocity, flat trajectory, and superior ballistics, especially at distances of 1,000 yards and beyond. The cartridge was crafted to balance optimal performance and maintain magazine compatibility with AR-15 rifles, giving shooters an exciting new option for their precision builds without sacrificing reliability or capacity.

2. Why the 22 ARC Outperforms Its Competition

There are plenty of AR-15 compatible cartridges that are capable of long-range shooting, but the 22 ARC may be one of the flattest-shooting rounds available. Here’s a look at how it stacks up against other popular long-range contenders:

• Velocity: The 22 ARC propels a lightweight, high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullet at speeds exceeding 3,000 feet per second (fps). In comparison, the 6mm ARC has a slightly lower velocity due to its larger diameter and heavier bullet weights. The faster velocity of the 22 ARC helps shooters reach those distant targets more quickly.
• Less Bullet Drop: At 1,000 yards, the 22 ARC drops about 7% less than the 6mm ARC. For long-range shooters, this makes adjusting for elevation much easier, allowing you to keep your crosshairs closer to the center of the target without dialing as much.
• Wind Drift: In a 10 mph crosswind, the 22 ARC drifts about 6% less than the 6mm ARC. Less wind drift translates into higher hit probabilities at longer ranges, making it a serious contender in the precision shooting game.
• AR-15 Compatibility: While many long-range cartridges require large-frame AR-10 rifles, the 22 ARC is designed specifically for the AR-15, making it lighter and more accessible to shooters who already own AR-15s. All you need is a new barrel, bolt, and magazines for conversion, and you're ready to go.

3. The Benefits of Using the 22 ARC in an AR-15

Why should shooters consider adopting the 22 ARC in their AR-15s? It all comes down to accuracy, recoil, and ease of use.

• Improved Long-Range Precision: The 22 ARC is designed to be a precision cartridge. It’s ideal for competitive shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and anyone looking to stretch the limits of their AR-15. The increased velocity and high BC bullet options give it an edge in terms of both accuracy and distance.
• Mild Recoil: Despite its high velocity and long-range capabilities, the 22 ARC maintains mild recoil, making it easier to stay on target and make follow-up shots. This is particularly important in competitive shooting or hunting situations where quick and accurate follow-up shots are crucial.
• Lighter Platform: One of the major advantages of the 22 ARC is that it’s compatible with the AR-15 platform, which is significantly lighter and more versatile than the AR-10. This makes it an appealing choice for shooters who want to carry their rifles over long distances, such as hunters or tactical shooters.

4. What Makes the 22 ARC Different from Other Cartridges?

The 22 ARC isn't just another AR-15 cartridge—it's engineered to offer serious long-range performance. The key lies in its balance of velocity, ballistic coefficient, and barrel length compatibility. It shares some characteristics with the 6mm ARC, such as cartridge case design, but offers a flatter trajectory and less wind drift thanks to its lighter bullet and higher velocity.

Another aspect that sets it apart is its ability to deliver long-range precision while staying within the AR-15's operating parameters. Many precision cartridges, like the .224 Valkyrie or 6.5 Grendel, offer great performance at distance, but the 22 ARC outpaces them both when it comes to keeping trajectory flat and minimizing wind drift.

5. Rifle and Ammunition Pairings for the 22 ARC

To maximize the 22 ARC's performance, pairing it with the right rifle and accessories is crucial. Here are a few top-tier options to consider:

• Aero Precision M4E1 Upper Receiver: Aero Precision is a trusted name in the AR-15 community, and their M4E1 upper is an excellent choice for building a 22 ARC rifle. The robust design and attention to detail ensure durability and accuracy, making it a perfect match for long-range shooting.
• Proof Research 22 ARC Carbon Fiber Barrel: To squeeze the best performance out of the 22 ARC, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality barrel like Proof Research’s carbon fiber offering. Not only does it reduce weight, but the carbon fiber also dissipates heat more efficiently, allowing for longer strings of fire without losing accuracy.
• Geissele Automatics Super Semi-Automatic Enhanced (SSA-E) Trigger: Precision shooting demands a crisp, light trigger, and Geissele’s SSA-E is a top choice. This two-stage trigger provides a smooth pull with a clean break, helping you maintain accuracy at long ranges.
• Hornady 22 ARC Ammunition: Of course, none of this matters without the right ammunition. Hornady’s 22 ARC factory loads are specifically designed for optimal long-range performance, with a variety of bullet options available to suit your needs.

6. How Does It Compare to the .224 Valkyrie and 6mm ARC?

The .224 Valkyrie has long been considered the top AR-15 cartridge for long-range precision, but the 22 ARC may be stealing its crown. The 22 ARC’s superior ballistic coefficient and higher velocity give it the edge at 1,000 yards, making it the flatter-shooting option with less wind drift.

When compared to the 6mm ARC, the differences are more nuanced. The 6mm ARC is a heavier hitter, but the 22 ARC’s lighter recoil and flatter trajectory make it the more practical choice for competition shooting and long-range target practice.

7. Applications for the 22 ARC

The 22 ARC is designed with long-range shooting in mind, but its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of applications:

• Competition Shooting: Whether you’re shooting PRS Gas Gun matches or engaging steel targets at 1,000 yards, the 22 ARC’s precision and flat trajectory make it an excellent option for competition shooters.
• Hunting: While not as widely known as a hunting cartridge, the 22 ARC is more than capable of taking down small- to medium-sized game at long distances, especially when using appropriate bullet types.
• Tactical Applications: For tactical shooters, the 22 ARC offers long-range performance while keeping weight down, making it an ideal choice for those who need accuracy at distance without the bulk of an AR-10 platform.

Conclusion

The Hornady 22 ARC is setting a new standard for long-range precision out of the AR-15 platform. Its superior velocity, reduced bullet drop, and minimal wind drift make it a top contender for shooters looking to push their rifles to the limit. Whether you're a competitive shooter, long-range enthusiast, or hunter, the 22 ARC offers the performance you need to hit targets at extreme distances with confidence.

Stay tuned for availability, and for your next build, check out Brownells.com to get your hands on the 22 ARC and its compatible components.