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.22 Creedmoor Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.22 Creedmoor: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Small Rifle
Used For Long-range Target Shooting, Varmint Hunting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2014

.22 Creedmoor: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Excellent long-range accuracy
  • ✔ Low recoil for easy follow-up shots
  • ✔ Flat trajectory for easier ranging
  • ✔ Efficient powder burn for consistent velocities
  • ✔ Less wind drift compared to smaller calibers

Cons

  • ✘ Limited ammunition availability
  • ✘ Higher cost compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Not suitable for large game hunting
  • ✘ Requires specialized rifles
  • ✘ Less versatile than some other calibers

.22 Creedmoor Ammo: In Depth

The .22 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge in the world of precision shooting, designed to offer exceptional long-range performance in a smaller caliber. Developed as a scaled-down version of the popular 6.5 Creedmoor, this cartridge combines high velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil, making it an excellent choice for target shooting, varmint hunting, and competitive shooting disciplines.

History and Development

The .22 Creedmoor was introduced in 2014 by Hornady Manufacturing Company, in collaboration with GA Precision. It was designed to meet the growing demand for a high-performance, small-caliber cartridge that could excel in long-range shooting applications while offering reduced recoil compared to larger calibers.

The cartridge was developed by necking down the 6.5 Creedmoor case to .22 caliber, resulting in a high-velocity round with exceptional ballistic coefficients. This design allows the .22 Creedmoor to maintain supersonic velocities at extended ranges, contributing to its accuracy and consistency at long distances.

Since its introduction, the .22 Creedmoor has gained popularity among precision shooters and competitors, particularly in disciplines such as Precision Rifle Series (PRS) and National Rifle League (NRL) matches. Its combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil has made it a favorite for shooters looking to engage targets at extended ranges without the fatigue associated with larger calibers.

The .22 Creedmoor's success has led to increased support from rifle and ammunition manufacturers. Several companies now offer rifles chambered specifically for this cartridge, and ammunition options continue to expand, including match-grade loads optimized for competitive shooting.

Timeline of .22 Creedmoor Development:

Year Event
2023 Continued growth in popularity among precision shooters and expansion of ammunition options
2020 Increased adoption in competitive shooting disciplines such as PRS and NRL
2014 Derrick contracted Pacific Tool and Gauge to make the company’s first reamer, and he built the first Horizon Firearms 22 Creedmoor rifles in early 2014.
2013 Derrick Ratliff, founder of Horizon Firearms and the original pioneer of the 22 Creedmoor, began the journey with the wildcat cartridge in 2013.

.22 Creedmoor Performance

The .22 Creedmoor offers impressive performance characteristics that make it well-suited for long-range precision shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance attributes:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 3,300-3,600 fps (70-80 grain bullets)
Varies based on barrel length and load specifics
Trajectory Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges
Effective for precision shooting beyond 1,000 yards
Energy 850-1,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (70-80 grain bullets)
Provides sufficient energy for varmint hunting and target shooting
Recoil Minimal, allowing for easy shot observation and quick follow-up shots
Significantly less recoil than larger long-range cartridges
Accuracy Capable of sub-MOA accuracy at extended ranges
Excellent for long-range precision shooting and competitions

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .22 Creedmoor loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.22 Creedmoor: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .22 Creedmoor ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Long-Range Target Shooting 0-1000 Excellent accuracy and wind-bucking ability for long-range precision shooting
Varmint Hunting 0-600 Flat trajectory and high velocity make it ideal for small varmints at extended ranges
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Competition 0-1200 Popular choice for PRS due to its accuracy and low recoil
Benchrest Shooting 0-1000 Capable of extreme accuracy in controlled conditions
Training 0-1200 Low recoil allows for extended practice sessions and skill development

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .22 Creedmoor is known for its exceptional accuracy, flat trajectory, and wind-bucking ability at long ranges. To evaluate how ammunition and firearm specs influence shooting power, you can calculate power factor for a more accurate assessment. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .22 Creedmoor

The .22 Creedmoor's performance profile makes it particularly suitable for long-range precision shooting applications:

Long-Range Target Shooting
  • Exceptional accuracy at ranges beyond 1000 yards
  • Low recoil allows for easy shot correction and extended shooting sessions
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain velocity and energy at long distances
Varmint Hunting
  • Flat trajectory makes range estimation less critical
  • High velocity provides excellent terminal performance on small varmints
  • Low wind drift compared to other .22 caliber cartridges
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Competition
  • Meets power factor requirements for most PRS divisions
  • Low recoil allows for quick follow-up shots and target transitions
  • Consistent performance across a wide range of distances
Training and Skill Development
  • Reduced recoil compared to larger long-range cartridges
  • More affordable than larger calibers for high-volume training
  • Allows shooters to practice long-range fundamentals without excessive fatigue

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .22 Creedmoor's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.22 Creedmoor vs. .223 Remington ▼

.22 Creedmoor vs. 6mm Creedmoor ▼

.22 Creedmoor vs. .22-250 Remington ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .22 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .22 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .22 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .22 Creedmoor with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .22 Creedmoor

The .22 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting. This table compares its sectional density with other popular cartridges.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.22 Creedmoor 85 0.241
.223 Remington 55 0.157
6.5 Creedmoor 140 0.287
.308 Winchester 168 0.253
22-250 Remington 55 0.157

Note: The .22 Creedmoor is a specialized cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting. Its sectional density contributes to its excellent ballistic performance and wind resistance. As with all cartridges, factors such as velocity, bullet construction, and intended use should be considered alongside sectional density when evaluating overall performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is .22 Creedmoor?

A: .22 Creedmoor is a wildcat cartridge developed by necking down the 6.5 Creedmoor case to .224 caliber. It offers high velocity and excellent long-range performance in a smaller caliber package.

Q: What are the advantages of .22 Creedmoor over other .22 caliber cartridges?

A: .22 Creedmoor offers higher velocities and flatter trajectories compared to traditional .22 caliber cartridges. It maintains energy better at long ranges and experiences less wind drift, making it ideal for precision shooting and varmint hunting at extended distances.

Q: What is the effective range of .22 Creedmoor?

A: The effective range of .22 Creedmoor is typically around 800-1000 yards, depending on the specific load and environmental conditions. It maintains supersonic velocities well beyond 1000 yards, contributing to its excellent long-range performance.

Q: Is .22 Creedmoor suitable for hunting?

A: .22 Creedmoor is excellent for varmint hunting and predator control. It's particularly effective on coyotes, prairie dogs, and other small to medium-sized game at extended ranges. However, it's generally not recommended for larger game due to its relatively small bullet diameter.

Q: Are there factory-loaded .22 Creedmoor ammunition options available?

A: As a wildcat cartridge, factory-loaded .22 Creedmoor ammunition is limited. Most shooters handload this cartridge to achieve optimal performance. However, some small specialty ammunition manufacturers may offer custom loaded .22 Creedmoor ammunition.

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