22 ARC vs 22-250 is light-and-fast against heavy-and-efficient. The 22-250 Remington drives 40 to 55 gr bullets at 3,600 fps and more, which makes it a classic varmint cartridge inside 400 yards. The 22 ARC fires heavier 62 to 88 gr bullets slower, but those bullets hold their speed and resist wind. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 22 ARC AR15 and CM7S 22 ARC bolt action, and the CM10 22-250 AR10 with a 20-inch barrel.
22 ARC vs 22-250 at a Glance
| 22 ARC | 22-250 Remington | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent case | 6mm ARC / 6.5 Grendel family | .250 Savage |
| Maximum average pressure (SAAMI) | 52,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Typical bullets | 62 to 88 gr | 40 to 55 gr |
| Platform | AR15, short bolt action | AR10, short bolt action |
| Chattahoochee Munitions twist | CM15 1:7, CM7S 1:8 | CM10 1:14 |
| Chattahoochee Munitions firearm | CM15 16, 18, 20 inch; CM7S 12.5, 18 inch | CM10 20 inch, 9 lb 8 oz |
The 22 ARC figures follow its SAAMI acceptance in 2024. The 22-250 was a wildcat on the .250 Savage case before Remington commercialized it in 1967.
22 ARC vs 22-250 Ballistics
The table compares Hornady’s published 88 gr ELD Match in 22 ARC (2,820 fps) with Hornady’s published 55 gr V-MAX in 22-250 (3,680 fps), both from 24-inch test barrels. Downrange values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations: 200-yard zero, standard atmosphere, 10 mph full-value crosswind.
| Range | 22 ARC 88 gr: energy / drop / wind | 22-250 55 gr: energy / drop / wind |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1,554 ft-lb | 1,654 ft-lb |
| 200 yd | 1,212 ft-lb / 0 / 2.4 in | 995 ft-lb / 0 / 3.9 in |
| 300 yd | 1,066 ft-lb / -7.3 in / 5.6 in | 760 ft-lb / -5.2 in / 9.4 in |
| 400 yd | 933 ft-lb / -21.1 in / 10.2 in | 571 ft-lb / -16.0 in / 17.8 in |
| 500 yd | 813 ft-lb / -42.1 in / 16.5 in | 421 ft-lb / -34.4 in / 29.8 in |
The 22-250 starts with slightly more energy and shoots flatter at every range. By 200 yards the 22 ARC carries more energy, and at 500 yards it carries almost twice as much while drifting about 13 inches less in the wind. That crossover is the heart of 22 ARC vs 22-250: the 22-250 wins on drop, the 22 ARC wins on wind and retained energy.
Why the Twist Rate Matters Here
The CM10 22-250 uses a 1:14 twist, the traditional choice for light, thin-jacketed varmint bullets at very high speed. A 1:14 barrel will not stabilize the long 75 to 88 gr bullets that make the 22 ARC work. The CM15 22 ARC uses 1:7 and the CM7S 22 ARC uses a 1:8 Mos-Tek barrel, both made for heavier bullets. In other words, 22 ARC vs 22-250 is also a choice of bullet type. See 22 ARC twist rate.
Barrel Life, Noise and Recoil
- Barrel life: the 22-250 burns more powder at 65,000 psi, so its throat wears faster than a 22 ARC barrel shot at the same pace.
- Muzzle blast: more powder means more blast. Both are supersonic, so a suppressor reduces blast on either but does not remove the bullet’s crack. See 22 ARC suppressor.
- Recoil: both are mild. The CM10’s 9 lb 8 oz weight soaks up much of the 22-250’s recoil.
Rifle Size
Rifle weight is a real 22 ARC vs 22-250 difference. The CM15 22 ARC weighs 6 lb 6 oz at 16 inches, 6 lb 14 oz at 18 inches and 7 lb 4 oz at 20 inches. The CM10 22-250 is a large-frame AR10 at 9 lb 8 oz. For walking and calling coyotes, the 22 ARC is the lighter carry; for a fixed stand or a prairie dog town, the heavier CM10 is steadier.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the 22-250 for flat shooting with light varmint bullets inside 400 yards. Choose the 22 ARC for wind resistance and energy past 300 yards, a lighter AR15, or a short bolt action. For many predator hunters, the 22 ARC vs 22-250 decision rests on how far and how windy the shots are.
22 ARC and 22-250 Firearms
- CM15 22 ARC coyote rifle, 16-inch
- CM15 22 ARC varmint rifle, 20-inch
- CM15 22 ARC predator rifle, 20-inch
- CM7S 22 ARC precision rifle, 18-inch
- CM10 22-250 AR10, 20-inch
- CM10 22-250 semi auto rifle, 20-inch
- CM10 22-250 AR, 20-inch
See every 22 ARC configuration in Flight Deck 22 and every CM10 22-250 AR10 rifle in Predator Plains. The CM10 22-250 feeds from its own modified 22-250 Magazine. Also read 22 Creedmoor vs 22-250 and the predator hunting cartridges guide.
Related 22 ARC Guides
Related 22-250 Guides
22 ARC vs 22-250 FAQ
Is 22-250 faster than 22 ARC?
Yes, at the muzzle. A 55 gr 22-250 load is published at 3,680 fps; the 88 gr 22 ARC load at 2,820 fps, both from 24-inch barrels.
Which has more energy at 500 yards, 22 ARC or 22-250?
The 22 ARC. With these loads it carries about 813 ft-lb at 500 yards, against about 421 ft-lb for the 22-250.
22 ARC vs 22-250: which is better for coyotes?
Both work. The 22-250 is flatter inside 400 yards; the 22 ARC drifts less in wind and suits a lighter AR15 or bolt action.
Can a 22-250 shoot 88 gr bullets?
Not from a 1:14 barrel. Long, heavy bullets need a fast twist such as 1:7 or 1:8.
Does 22-250 fit in an AR15?
No. It needs a large-frame AR10 or a bolt action. The 22 ARC fits the AR15.
Who makes a 22 ARC predator rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 22 ARC predator, varmint and coyote rifles in 16 and 20-inch barrels with 1:7 twist, and the CM10 22-250 AR10.