22 Creedmoor vs 223: both fire .224 bullets, but the 22 Creedmoor has roughly twice the case capacity, a fast twist for 75 to 88 gr bullets and a large-frame AR10 or short action, while the .223 Remington fits the AR15 and fires 40 to 77 gr bullets more slowly. The 22 Creedmoor carries about three to four times the energy of a 55 gr .223 load at 500 yards with far less wind drift. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM10 22 Creedmoor with a 22-inch 1:8 barrel.
.223 Remington and 5.56 NATO Are Not the Same
Before comparing, one safety point. The .223 Remington and the 5.56×45 NATO have the same outside dimensions, but 5.56 NATO is loaded to higher pressure and its chamber has a longer leade. You can fire .223 Remington in a 5.56 NATO chamber, but you should not fire 5.56 NATO in a chamber marked .223 Remington. This article compares the 22 Creedmoor with the .223 Remington cartridge. The Chattahoochee Munitions CM15 rifles at Garrison 5.56 are chambered for 5.56 NATO, so they fire both.
22 Creedmoor vs 223 Specifications
| Specification | 22 Creedmoor | .223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet diameter | .224 inch | .224 inch |
| Case length | 1.920 inches | 1.760 inches |
| Case head | Creedmoor (.473 inch) | .378 inch |
| Platform | Short action, AR10 | Mini or short action, AR15 |
| Typical bullets | 75 to 88 gr | 40 to 77 gr |
Dimensions follow the ANSI/SAAMI centerfire rifle standard.
22 Creedmoor vs 223 Ballistics
Muzzle velocities are Hornady’s published figures from 24-inch barrels. Downrange values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations (200-yard zero, standard atmosphere, 10 mph full-value wind). They are not chronograph data.
| Load (24 in) | Muzzle | 300 yd | 500 yd | Drop at 500 yd | Wind at 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Creedmoor 88 gr ELD Match | 3,300 fps / 2,128 ft-lb | 2,765 fps / 1,494 ft-lb | 2,434 fps / 1,158 ft-lb | -29.5 in | 13.1 in |
| .223 Rem 55 gr V-MAX | 3,240 fps / 1,282 ft-lb | 2,157 fps / 568 ft-lb | 1,577 fps / 304 ft-lb | -46.5 in | 35.9 in |
Both start near 3,300 fps, but the 22 Creedmoor does it with a bullet 60 percent heavier and a much higher BC. That is the reason for the bigger case.
22 Creedmoor vs 223: Which to Choose for Coyotes
- Choose 22 Creedmoor for coyotes and varmints from 300 to 600 yards, windy open country and long-range steel.
- Choose .223 / 5.56 for a light AR15, cheap practice ammunition, and coyotes and varmints inside about 300 yards.
- Deer: Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend either .224 cartridge. Choose 243 Winchester or 6mm Creedmoor.
Want heavy .224 bullets in an AR15? Look at the 22 ARC vs 223 comparison and the Flight Deck 22 hub.
22 Creedmoor vs 223 Rifles
The CM10 22 Creedmoor uses a 22-inch 416R stainless barrel at 1:8 with rifle-length gas, a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block and a TriggerTech Duty trigger, and weighs 9 lb 8 oz: the 22 Creedmoor semi auto rifle, 22 Creedmoor AR10 and 22 Creedmoor AR rifle. For the AR15, see the CM15 5.56 NATO rifles at Garrison 5.56. Read What is 22 Creedmoor? or browse Predator Plains.
More Predator Plains Guides
- What is 22 Creedmoor?
- 22 Creedmoor ballistics
- 22 Creedmoor twist rate
- 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250
- 22 Creedmoor vs 243
- 22 Creedmoor for deer
- What is 22-250?
- 22-250 for coyotes
- 22-250 vs 223
- What is 6mm Creedmoor?
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 243 Winchester
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- 6mm Creedmoor vs 6mm ARC
- What is 243 Winchester?
- 243 for deer
- 243 vs 6.5 Creedmoor
- High velocity rifle cartridges
- Predator hunting cartridges
- 22 ARC vs 22 Creedmoor
- 22 ARC vs 22-250
- 6mm ARC vs 243
22 Creedmoor vs 223 FAQ
Is 22 Creedmoor faster than 223?
With a far heavier bullet, about the same at the muzzle and much faster downrange: about 2,430 fps at 500 yards against about 1,580 for a 55 gr .223 load.
Can a 22 Creedmoor fit in an AR15?
No. It needs a large-frame AR10 or a short action. The 22 ARC is the AR15 option for heavy .224 bullets.
Can I shoot 5.56 in a .223 rifle?
No. .223 Remington can be fired in a 5.56 NATO chamber, but 5.56 NATO should not be fired in a .223 Remington chamber.
Is 22 Creedmoor or 223 better for coyotes?
Inside 300 yards both work. Past that, the 22 Creedmoor’s heavy bullets drift less and carry more energy.
Is 22 Creedmoor or 223 good for deer?
Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend either for deer. Choose 243 Winchester or 6mm Creedmoor.
Who makes a 22 Creedmoor AR10?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM10 22 Creedmoor AR10 with a 22-inch 416R stainless 1:8 barrel.