22 ARC vs 6mm ARC is a comparison between two members of one family. The 22 ARC is the 6mm ARC case necked down to .224 inch, and both trace back to the 6.5 Grendel. They share a .441-inch case head, the same AR15 bolt face and the same magazine pattern. The difference is the bullet: 62 to 88 gr at .224 inch for the 22 ARC, 103 to 108 gr at .243 inch for the 6mm ARC. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures both, in the CM15 AR15 and the CM7S bolt action.
22 ARC vs 6mm ARC at a Glance
| 22 ARC | 6mm ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet diameter | .224 inch | .243 inch |
| Case head | .441 inch | .441 inch |
| Typical factory bullets | 62, 75, 88 gr | 103, 108 gr |
| Heavy match load (published, 24 in) | 88 gr ELD Match, 2,820 fps | 108 gr ELD Match, 2,750 fps |
| Muzzle energy, heavy load | 1,554 ft-lb | 1,813 ft-lb |
| Chattahoochee Munitions twist | CM15 1:7, CM7S 1:8 | CM15 1:7, CM7S 1:7 |
| Magazine | Shared 6.5 Grendel, 6mm ARC and 22 ARC pattern | |
22 ARC vs 6mm ARC Ballistics
The table uses Hornady’s published 88 gr ELD Match (22 ARC) and 108 gr ELD Match (6mm ARC) loads from 24-inch test barrels, zeroed at 200 yards. Energy and drop are the published figures; wind drift for a 10 mph full-value crosswind is a Chattahoochee Munitions calculation in standard atmosphere.
| Range | 22 ARC 88 gr: energy / drop / wind | 6mm ARC 108 gr: energy / drop / wind |
|---|---|---|
| 300 yd | 1,066 ft-lb / -7.3 in / 5.6 in | 1,230 ft-lb / -7.8 in / 5.9 in |
| 400 yd | 933 ft-lb / -21.1 in / 10.2 in | 1,072 ft-lb / -22.4 in / 10.8 in |
| 500 yd | 813 ft-lb / -42.1 in / 16.5 in | 931 ft-lb / -44.8 in / 17.4 in |
The trajectories are close. The 22 ARC is a little flatter and drifts a little less; the 6mm ARC carries about 15 percent more energy at every range. In the 22 ARC vs 6mm ARC choice, energy at the target matters more than drop, because the drop difference is under three inches at 500 yards.
Recoil and Spotting Your Own Hits
A lighter bullet means less recoil. In an AR15 or a CM7S, the 22 ARC moves the rifle less, so it is easier to watch the bullet impact through the scope and call a miss for a fast follow-up. That makes 22 ARC vs 6mm ARC an easy call for steel targets and high-volume predator shooting. The 6mm ARC’s recoil is still mild, but it is noticeably more.
Hunting
- Coyotes, varmints and hogs: both work. The 22 ARC’s lower recoil and lighter bullets suit volume shooting. See 22 ARC for coyotes and hogs.
- Deer: the 6mm ARC’s heavier bullet gives more margin, and some states do not allow .22 centerfire for deer at all. See 22 ARC for deer.
Parts: What Changes Between Them
For a 22 ARC vs 6mm ARC parts swap in an AR15, only the barrel changes. The bolt, magazine and lower receiver are shared. Chattahoochee Munitions uses 416R stainless barrels with E100 Blackout Cerakote on both. The CM15 22 ARC uses a rifle-length gas system at 16 and 18 inches and Rifle +1 at 20 inches. Gas settings differ by cartridge, so the Superlative Arms adjustable gas block on every CM15 lets the rifle be tuned for the load.
Twist Rate
Every CM15 22 ARC barrel is 1:7. The CM7S 22 ARC uses a 1:8 Mos-Tek barrel; the CM7S 6mm ARC uses 1:7. See 22 ARC twist rate.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the 22 ARC for less recoil, a slightly flatter path, less wind drift and spotting your own hits. Choose the 6mm ARC for more energy on deer-size game. The 22 ARC vs 6mm ARC decision is mostly about the animal, not the range.
22 ARC and 6mm ARC Firearms
- CM15 22 ARC target rifle, 16-inch
- CM15 22 ARC SPR, 18-inch
- CM15 22 ARC hunting rifle, 20-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC bolt action, 18-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC SBR, 12.5-inch
See every 22 ARC configuration in Flight Deck 22 and every 6mm ARC configuration in Overwatch 6. For more on the 6mm ARC, read the 6mm ARC rifle guide and 6.5 Grendel vs 6mm ARC.
Related 22 ARC Guides
22 ARC vs 6mm ARC FAQ
Is 22 ARC a necked-down 6mm ARC?
Yes. The 22 ARC is the 6mm ARC case necked to .224 inch. Both come from the 6.5 Grendel family.
Do 22 ARC and 6mm ARC use the same bolt?
Yes. Both use the .441-inch case head and the same AR15 bolt face.
Do 22 ARC and 6mm ARC use the same magazine?
Yes. Both use 6.5 Grendel, 6mm ARC and 22 ARC pattern magazines.
Which shoots flatter, 22 ARC or 6mm ARC?
The 22 ARC, slightly. With the heavy match loads, it drops about 2.7 inches less at 500 yards.
Which is better for deer, 22 ARC or 6mm ARC?
The 6mm ARC, because its 103 to 108 gr bullets carry more energy. Check your state’s rules on .22 centerfire for deer.
Can I switch a CM15 from 6mm ARC to 22 ARC?
The bolt and magazine are shared, so a complete 22 ARC upper is the simple route. See the CM15 22 ARC upper.
Who makes a 22 ARC bolt action rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM7S 22 ARC bolt action rifle with an 18-inch, 1:8 Mos-Tek barrel, and a 12.5-inch CM7S 22 ARC pistol or SBR, plus barreled actions in both lengths.