.22 ARC vs. .22-250: Does the ARC Really Match Up?

When Hornady launched the .22 ARC, they claimed it could deliver .22-250 performance in an AR-15 platform—a bold statement, considering the .22-250's long-standing reputation for speed and flat trajectory.

But how accurate is that claim?

We decided to test it by putting both cartridges on equal footing: same bullet, same barrel length, same twist rate. What we found tells a different story than the marketing.

🚩 Marketing vs. Reality

Hornady’s published data shows velocity and trajectory numbers that make the .22 ARC look close to the .22-250, but the fine print matters. These comparisons often use lighter bullets in the ARC (like the 62gr ELD-VT) and heavier, slower bullets in the .22-250. That skews the data in favor of the ARC.

To get a true apples-to-apples comparison, we used the same bullet—the 53gr Hornady V-MAX—in 22-inch barrels with 1:8" twist for both cartridges.

The result? The .22-250 is clearly faster, flatter, and more energetic downrange.

🔍 Cartridge Overview

.22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge)

• Optimized for AR-15 platforms

• Small, efficient case

• Max pressure: ~52,000 psi

• Great barrel life and low recoil

• Best with 70–80gr bullets

.22-250 Remington

• Bolt-action varmint legend

• Large case capacity = more speed

• Max pressure: ~65,000 psi

• Flatter trajectory, more downrange energy

• Best with light bullets, now effective with heavy ones in fast-twist barrels

🧨 Real-World Loads – Each Cartridge in Its Comfort Zone

.22 ARC Typical Load

• Bullet: 75gr Hornady ELD-M

• BC: 0.435

• Powder: 26.5gr CFE 223

• Velocity: ~2,750–2,800 fps

• Energy: ~1,295 ft-lbs

• Use Case: Suppressed or long-range AR builds with high-BC bullets

.22-250 Typical Load

• Bullet: 55gr V-MAX or Nosler BT

• BC: 0.255–0.270

• Powder: 36.0gr Varget

• Velocity: ~3,700–3,800 fps

• Energy: ~1,700–1,760 ft-lbs

• Use Case: Varminting, predator hunting, explosive terminal performance out to 500+ yards

🔄 Uncommon Loads – Swapping Roles

Let’s see what happens when we push each cartridge outside of its typical role.

.22 ARC – Light Bullet Load

• Bullet: 50gr V-MAX

• BC: 0.242

• Powder: 28.5gr CFE 223

• Velocity: ~3,250–3,300 fps

• Energy: ~1,190 ft-lbs

• Use Case: Flatter shooting for varmints at short to mid-range

Even though the ARC is optimized for heavier bullets, it handles light ones well. You get more speed and less drop—but it still can’t catch the .22-250.

.22-250 – Heavy Bullet Load

• Bullet: 75gr Hornady ELD-M

• BC: 0.435

• Powder: 36.5–37.0gr H4350 or RL-17

• Velocity: ~3,200–3,250 fps

• Energy: ~1,750 ft-lbs

• Use Case: Long-range steel or target, match-grade bolt rifles with fast twist

Modern .22-250 builds with 1:8" twist barrels can now push heavy, high-BC bullets. The result is a serious long-range option that outperforms ARC in nearly every ballistic category.

📊 Trajectory Comparison – Light ARC vs. Heavy .22-250

200-yard zero – 22” barrels, 1:8” twist

Bottom line: The .22-250 has better retained energy and is significantly less affected by wind—even when running heavier bullets.

📏 Apples-to-Apples Test – Same Bullet, Same Barrel

We used the 53gr V-MAX in both cartridges, fired from 22-inch barrels, 1:8 twist.

Trajectory at 200-yard zero:

⚖️ Practical Trade-Offs

🧠 Final Word

Hornady marketed the .22 ARC as the next evolution of the .22-250, especially for AR users. But when you test them side by side with the same bullet and barrel, the .22-250 still wins in terms of speed, energy, and downrange performance.

That doesn’t mean the ARC isn’t useful—it is. It's more efficient, softer shooting, and perfect for modern AR platforms. But it’s not a one-for-one replacement for the .22-250.

🔹 Use .22 ARC if:

• You want a lightweight, suppressed, or gas gun build

• You’re shooting moderate ranges with high accuracy

• You value barrel life and recoil control

🔸 Use .22-250 if:

• You want maximum performance out to 500+ yards

• You're shooting varmints, predators, or steel at distance

• You're building a precision bolt gun and want top-tier ballistics

At Redleg, we don’t chase hype—we build rifles for what you actually need.

Whether it’s an ultra-flat AR in .22 ARC or a coyote-busting bolt gun in .22-250, we’ll get your setup right the first time.

📞 Ready to talk builds? Call us or visit www.redlegguns.com. Let’s match your rifle to your goals.