22 ARC for deer works where it is legal, with the right bullet and a disciplined range. Its heavy .224-inch bullets carry far more energy than common 223 loads, but it is still a .22 centerfire, so bullet construction and shot placement matter more than with a 6.5 or .30 caliber cartridge. Some states do not allow .22 centerfire cartridges for deer at all, so check your state’s rules first. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 22 ARC AR15 in 16, 18 and 20 inches and the CM7S 22 ARC bolt action in 12.5 and 18 inches.
Is 22 ARC Legal for Deer?
It depends on the state. Some states set a minimum caliber for deer that excludes all .22 centerfire cartridges; others allow them, sometimes with a minimum bullet weight or energy. Rules change, so read your state wildlife agency’s current regulations before using 22 ARC for deer. Where it is legal, it is a capable deer cartridge at moderate range.
Choosing a 22 ARC Deer Bullet
The bullet matters more than anything else when choosing 22 ARC for deer.
- Use a bullet made for deer. A bonded or monolithic .224-inch hunting bullet holds together and penetrates. Bullet makers state which bullets are designed for deer-size game.
- Avoid varmint bullets. Thin-jacketed varmint bullets such as the 62 gr ELD-VT are designed to break apart quickly on coyotes and prairie dogs. On deer they may not penetrate far enough.
- Match the twist. Long monolithic bullets need spin. The CM15’s 1:7 and the CM7S’s 1:8 both stabilize long bullets up to the 88 gr ELD Match. See 22 ARC twist rate.
22 ARC for Deer: Energy by Range
Many hunters use about 1,000 ft-lb as a rough guideline for deer energy, though bullet design and placement matter more than any single number. The table uses Hornady’s published 88 gr ELD Match figures from a 24-inch barrel and Chattahoochee Munitions calculations for shorter barrels (assumed 30 fps loss per inch; not chronograph data). It shows energy, not a hunting bullet recommendation.
| Barrel | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in (published) | 1,375 ft-lb | 1,212 ft-lb | 1,066 ft-lb |
| 20 in CM15 | 1,257 ft-lb | 1,106 ft-lb | 969 ft-lb |
| 18 in CM15 or CM7S | 1,200 ft-lb | 1,054 ft-lb | 923 ft-lb |
| 16 in CM15 | 1,145 ft-lb | 1,004 ft-lb | 878 ft-lb |
| 12.5 in CM7S | 1,051 ft-lb | 920 ft-lb | 802 ft-lb |
By that guideline, a 20-inch CM15 stays above 1,000 ft-lb past 200 yards, and a 16-inch barrel to about 200 yards. Lighter hunting bullets carry less energy than the 88 gr, so keep 22 ARC for deer shots inside 200 to 250 yards unless your bullet maker’s data supports more. Full charts are in 22 ARC ballistics.
Shot Placement
Shot placement is where 22 ARC for deer succeeds or fails. A .22 caliber bullet makes a smaller wound channel than a 6.5 or .30 caliber bullet, so put it through the heart and lungs, broadside or slightly quartering away. Pass on steep quartering-toward shots, where the bullet must go through heavy bone and muscle before it reaches the vitals. That discipline is what makes 22 ARC for deer effective.
Which Chattahoochee Munitions 22 ARC for Deer
- CM15 20-inch: more velocity than the 16 and 18-inch, Rifle +1 gas, 7 lb 4 oz. The CM15 22 ARC hunting rifle is the 20-inch in Cobalt Kinetics Green Cerakote.
- CM15 16-inch: 6 lb 6 oz for walking hunts and blinds. See the CM15 22 ARC AR15.
- CM7S 18-inch bolt action: 7 lb 7 oz with a TriggerTech Primary trigger and a 1:8 Mos-Tek barrel. See the CM7S 22 ARC bolt action rifle.
Every CM15 uses a TriggerTech AR15 Duty trigger at 3.5 lb. See every configuration in Flight Deck 22.
22 ARC or a Larger Cartridge?
If your state does not allow .22 centerfire for deer, or you expect long or angled shots, a larger bullet gives more margin. The 6mm ARC uses the same AR15 bolt and magazine with a 103 to 108 gr bullet (see 22 ARC vs 6mm ARC), and the 6.5 Grendel for deer guide covers the next step up.
Related 22 ARC Guides
22 ARC for Deer FAQ
Is 22 ARC good for deer?
Where it is legal, yes, with a bullet designed for deer and broadside shots at moderate range.
How far can you shoot a deer with 22 ARC?
With a deer bullet and good placement, many hunters keep shots inside 200 to 250 yards. Bullet construction and your skill set the limit.
What grain 22 ARC bullet is right for deer?
Choose a bonded or monolithic .224-inch hunting bullet the maker rates for deer, rather than a varmint bullet. Make sure your twist rate stabilizes it.
Is 22 ARC legal for deer in every state?
No. Some states do not allow .22 centerfire for deer. Check your state wildlife agency’s current regulations.
Is 22 ARC better than 223 for deer?
It carries more energy with heavier bullets, so it gives more margin where .22 centerfire is legal.
Can 22 ARC be used for elk or bear?
Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend 22 ARC for elk or bear. For bear, it recommends the 375 Raptor or 458 SOCOM XL; see the Raptor Paddock and Terminal 458.
Who makes a 22 ARC hunting rifle?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 22 ARC hunting rifle with a 20-inch, 1:7 twist 416R stainless barrel, along with 16 and 18-inch CM15 rifles and the CM7S 22 ARC bolt action.