22 ARC: The Rising Star in Varmint Hunting

Ballistics, Comparisons, and Introduction

Hey hunters and shooting enthusiasts! If you're deep into the varmint hunting scene – think prairie dogs exploding at 500 yards or coyotes getting zapped before they know what hit 'em – you've probably heard the buzz around the 22 ARC.

At APF Armory, we've been offering this powerhouse caliber for a few years now, and it's picking up serious steam. What started as a niche option is now exploding in popularity across the varmint world, thanks to its laser-like accuracy, flat trajectories, and AR-15 compatibility. If you're searching for the "best 22 ARC rifle for varmint hunting" or wondering "22 ARC vs 223 for coyotes," you're in the right place. Let's break it down in this ultimate guide to the 22 ARC cartridge, its benefits for varmint hunters, and what we offer at apfarmory.com.



See Jeff Thomason with Predator Pursuit® with the APF 22 Creedmoor!

What is the 22 ARC Cartridge?

Introduced by Hornady in 2024, the 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) is essentially the 6 ARC necked down to .224 caliber – a smart move that packs big performance into a compact package.

It's designed specifically for the AR-15 platform, fitting standard magazines without modifications, and it shines in semi-auto rifles for quick follow-up shots on scurrying varmints.

Unlike older .22 centerfires focused solely on speed, the 22 ARC balances velocity with heavy, high-BC (ballistic coefficient) bullets for superior long-range performance.  From a varmint hunting perspective, this means you can ethically stretch your shots to 400-700 yards on prairie dogs or coyotes without excessive drop or wind drift.

It's SAAMI-standardized for reliability, and factory ammo is becoming more available (though reloaders love its efficient case design for custom loads).

If you're tired of the limitations of traditional .223 setups, the 22 ARC is the upgrade that's turning heads in 2026.22 ARC Ballistics: Velocity, Energy, and Drop ChartsLet's get nerdy with the numbers – because in varmint hunting, ballistics make or break your day on the prairie. The 22 ARC pushes .224-caliber bullets (typically 62-88 grains) at impressive speeds, delivering flat trajectories and hard-hitting energy where it counts.Here's a quick ballistics table for popular Hornady loads (data averaged from real-world testing):

       

• Velocity and Energy: Out of a 20-24" barrel (common in varmint rifles), the 22 ARC maintains supersonic speeds beyond 1,000 yards with heavy bullets, making it a dream for long pokes at rockchucks or foxes.
• Bullet Drop and Wind Drift: With BCs often over 0.400 for 80-88gr bullets, it resists wind better than lighter loads – crucial on windy varmint fields.
• Hunting Performance: For varmints, 55-62gr bullets fragment explosively on impact. Heavier 70-88gr options (like CX or ELD-X) offer controlled expansion for predators or even small deer, with gel tests showing deep penetration and wide wound channels.

In the field, hunters report "fur-friendly" hits that minimize pelt damage while ensuring quick, humane kills – perfect for coyote callers or prairie dog towns.22 ARC vs 223 Remington vs 22-250: Which is Best for Varmint Hunting?The 22 ARC isn't reinventing the wheel – it's refining it for modern AR-15 hunters. Here's how it stacks up against classics like the 223 Remington and 22-250 Remington, based on varmint-specific scenarios.

• 22 ARC vs 223 Remington: The 223 is king for affordability and availability, but the 22 ARC pulls ahead in long-range varmint work. It shoots heavier bullets (up to 88gr) faster, with 20-30% more energy at 500 yards and less drop (e.g., 25" vs 35" for similar loads).
  Recoil is similar, but the ARC's flatter trajectory means fewer misses on distant ground squirrels. If you're hunting coyotes beyond 300 yards, go ARC; for close-range plinking, stick with 223.
• 22 ARC vs 22-250 Remington: The 22-250 is a velocity beast (3,800+ fps with 50gr bullets), but it requires bolt-actions and burns barrels faster (1,000-2,000 rounds vs 3,000+ for ARC).
  Ballistics are neck-and-neck out to 600 yards, but the ARC wins for semi-auto convenience and AR-15 modularity – ideal for running and gunning on varmint hunts. Plus, better barrel life means more shooting, less rebarreling.

Overall for Varmint Hunting: The 22 ARC bridges the gap – 22-250 performance in a 223-sized package. It's more versatile for mixed hunts (varmints + predators), with recent X posts highlighting its rise in coyote setups.

If barrel life and AR compatibility matter, the ARC is your pick in 2026.

Benefits of the 22 ARC for Varmint HuntersWhy is the 22 ARC exploding in popularity? Here's the lowdown:

• Extended Range: Flatten those trajectories for 500+ yard shots on prairie dogs – less holdover, more hits.
• AR-15 Friendly: Semi-auto speed for multiple targets; no need for bolt guns.
• Efficiency: Uses less powder than 22-250, which means longer barrel life
• Versatility: Great for varmints, but scales to coyotes, foxes, or even bobcats with heavier bullets.
• Growing Ammo Options: Factory loads from Hornady are reliable, and interest is spiking – expect more variety soon.
  
  

Hunters on forums and X are raving about its "point-and-shoot" accuracy, making it a must-try for varmint enthusiasts.

Top 22 ARC Rifles from APF Armory: Varmint 2.0 and DMR 2.0:

At APF Armory, we're all about 100% American-made precision that performs in the field. We've been chambering our rifles in 22 ARC for years, and it's a perfect match for our varmint-focused lineup. 

• Varmint 2.0 in 22 ARC: Built for stacking coyotes and obliterating prairie dogs, this AR-15 features a 22" stainless steel barrel for max velocity and accuracy. It's lightweight, with a free-float handguard and adjustable stock – ideal for long sessions in the field and optimized for sub-MOA groups with 62-80gr loads. If varmint hunting is your jam, this is your rifle.
• DMR 2.0 in 22 ARC: Our Designated Marksman Rifle steps it up for precision varmint work or mixed hunts. With an 18" stainless steel barrel for better maneuverability, it still delivers tack-driving accuracy at distance. Features include a billet receiver, match-grade trigger, adjustable gas block, and suppressor-ready threading.

Both come with our LIFETIME WARRANTY and are 100% handcrafted in the USA. Pair them with Hornady's Varmint Express for explosive results – your varmint hunts will never be the same.

Why the 22 ARC is the Future of Varmint Hunting in 2026

The 22 ARC isn't just another caliber – it's a game-changer for varmint hunters seeking AR-15 convenience with magnum-level performance. With its rising popularity (just check the latest hunting forums and X threads), now's the time to jump in.

Whether you're comparing it to the 223 or 22-250, the ARC offers the best blend of range, efficiency, and fun.Ready to gear up? Head to apfarmory.com to snag a Varmint 2.0 or DMR 2.0 in 22 ARC.

Happy hunting!