22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor is a choice between an AR15 and an AR10. Both cartridges fire long, high ballistic coefficient .224-inch bullets, and both were introduced by Hornady and accepted by SAAMI on the same day in 2024. The 22 ARC fits the AR15 and short bolt actions; the 22 Creedmoor, based on the 6.5 Creedmoor case, needs a large-frame AR10 or a short-action bolt gun and runs faster. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures both: the CM15 22 ARC AR15 and CM7S 22 ARC bolt action, and the CM10 22 Creedmoor AR10.
22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor at a Glance
| 22 ARC | 22 Creedmoor | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent case | 6mm ARC / 6.5 Grendel family | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| SAAMI introduction load | 75 gr at 3,075 fps | 80 gr at 3,250 fps |
| Maximum average pressure | 52,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Platform | AR15, short bolt action | AR10, short bolt action |
| Chattahoochee Munitions firearm | CM15 16, 18, 20 inch; CM7S 12.5, 18 inch | CM10 22 inch |
| Complete rifle weight (CM) | 6 lb 6 oz to 7 lb 4 oz (CM15) | 9 lb 8 oz (CM10) |
Both introduction figures come from the SAAMI acceptance announcement.
22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor Ballistics
For a like-for-like look at 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor, the table uses each cartridge’s heavy match bullet: Hornady’s published 88 gr ELD Match in 22 ARC at 2,820 fps, and the SAAMI introduction load for 22 Creedmoor, an 80 gr bullet at 3,250 fps. Both are 24-inch test barrel figures. Downrange values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations (200-yard zero, standard atmosphere, 10 mph full-value crosswind; the 22 Creedmoor run uses a published G1 ballistic coefficient of .485 for the 80 gr ELD Match).
| Range | 22 ARC 88 gr: energy / drop / wind | 22 Creedmoor 80 gr: energy / drop / wind |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1,554 ft-lb | 1,876 ft-lb |
| 300 yd | 1,066 ft-lb / -7.3 in / 5.6 in | 1,243 ft-lb / -5.5 in / 5.3 in |
| 400 yd | 933 ft-lb / -21.1 in / 10.2 in | 1,076 ft-lb / -15.9 in / 9.8 in |
| 500 yd | 813 ft-lb / -42.1 in / 16.5 in | 927 ft-lb / -32.1 in / 15.8 in |
The 22 Creedmoor shoots flatter, about 10 inches less drop at 500 yards, and carries roughly 15 percent more energy. Wind drift is nearly the same, because both bullets have similar ballistic coefficients. The 22 ARC gives up some speed to fit in a much lighter rifle.
Rifle Size and Weight
Rifle size is the practical 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor difference. A CM15 22 ARC weighs 6 lb 6 oz with a 16-inch barrel, 6 lb 14 oz at 18 inches and 7 lb 4 oz at 20 inches. The CM10 22 Creedmoor, with its 22-inch barrel, weighs 9 lb 8 oz. If you carry the rifle on foot all day, or want a light bolt action, the 22 ARC is the easier package. If you shoot from a bench, a bag or a vehicle, the extra weight of the 22 Creedmoor helps steady the rifle and soak up recoil.
Barrel Life and Powder
Barrel life is another 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor gap. The 22 Creedmoor burns considerably more powder behind the same .224-inch bore, at a higher maximum pressure. More powder through a small bore heats and erodes the throat faster, so a 22 Creedmoor barrel generally wears sooner than a 22 ARC barrel shot the same way. The 22 ARC’s smaller charge is one reason it suits high-volume predator and varmint shooting.
Twist Rate
Both cartridges are designed around heavy bullets that need a fast twist. Every CM15 22 ARC barrel is 1:7; the CM7S 22 ARC uses a 1:8 Mos-Tek barrel. On twist, 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor is not a deciding factor. See 22 ARC twist rate for which bullets suit each.
Which Should You Choose?
Pick between 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor by the rifle you want to carry.
- Choose 22 ARC for an AR15-size rifle, a 12.5 or 18-inch bolt action, lighter recoil, and a smaller powder charge per shot.
- Choose 22 Creedmoor for flatter trajectory and more energy at long range, from an AR10 or a heavier bolt gun.
In short, 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor trades about 430 fps of muzzle velocity for two to three pounds of rifle weight.
22 ARC and 22 Creedmoor Firearms
- CM15 22 ARC semi auto rifle, 18-inch
- CM15 22 ARC varmint rifle, 20-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC precision rifle, 18-inch
- CM10 22 Creedmoor AR10, 22-inch
- CM10 22 Creedmoor semi auto rifle, 22-inch
- CM10 22 Creedmoor AR rifle, 22-inch
See every 22 ARC configuration in Flight Deck 22, and every CM10 22 Creedmoor AR10 rifle in Predator Plains. For the 22 Creedmoor against another fast .22, read 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250.
Related 22 ARC Guides
Related 22 Creedmoor Guides
- What Is 22 Creedmoor?
- 22 Creedmoor ballistics
- 22 Creedmoor twist rate
- 22 Creedmoor vs 223
- 22 Creedmoor vs 243
- 22 Creedmoor for deer
22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor FAQ
Is 22 Creedmoor faster than 22 ARC?
Yes. The SAAMI introduction loads are 80 gr at 3,250 fps for 22 Creedmoor and 75 gr at 3,075 fps for 22 ARC, both from 24-inch barrels.
Does 22 Creedmoor fit in an AR15?
No. It is based on the 6.5 Creedmoor case and needs an AR10 or a short-action bolt gun. The 22 ARC fits the AR15.
Which has more barrel life, 22 ARC or 22 Creedmoor?
The 22 ARC generally does, because it burns less powder through the same bore at lower pressure.
Is 22 ARC or 22 Creedmoor better for coyotes?
Both work. The 22 ARC suits a light AR15 or bolt action carried on foot; the 22 Creedmoor suits long shots from a steady position.
Do 22 ARC and 22 Creedmoor use the same bullets?
Both fire .224-inch bullets, and both are designed around heavy, high ballistic coefficient bullets such as 80 and 88 gr match bullets.
Who makes a 22 ARC and a 22 Creedmoor rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 22 ARC AR15 (16, 18 and 20 inch), the CM7S 22 ARC bolt action (12.5 and 18 inch) and the CM10 22 Creedmoor AR10 with a 22-inch barrel.