22 ARC vs 223 Remington

The time has come for a new 22 caliber AR, and while you were set on the 223 Remington, you stumbled upon the 22 ARC. With its performance benefits, the 22 ARC is a very enticing cartridge, but is it really a superior option over the 223 Remington? In this article, we will go over the differences between these cartridges to help make your decision easier.

Physical Attributes

Stood beside each other, you will notice several differences between the 223 and the 22 ARC. Although they may share the same maximum overall cartridge length of 2.26 inches, there is a distinct difference in the length of each case. In fact, an empty 223 case stands at a nominal length of 1.76 inches.

Compared to the empty 22 ARC case length of 1.525 inches, this is an increase of just over 15% in length. Though the 22 ARC does not win with length, it more than makes up for the difference in width. Featuring a 0.441-inch rim diameter, the 22 ARC is just over 17% wider than the 223’s 0.378-inch rim diameter.

This increase in width gives the 22 ARC a distinct advantage for case capacity, though it does limit magazine capacity if compared to the 223. When compared to a similarly profiled 30-round 223 magazine, the 22 ARC magazine is limited to just 25 rounds (depending on the manufacturer). While a 25-round capacity is substantial, some may prefer a higher capacity.

Although they may not share many dimensions, the 223 and the 22 ARC utilize the same 22 caliber (0.224-inch diameter) projectiles. Bullets of this diameter typically range from 35 grains to 95 grains, and while both cartridges can be loaded with the whole range of weights, each has its constraints.

With its shorter case length and fast twist rate (typically 1-7), the 22 ARC is especially well suited for long, heavy-for-caliber 22 caliber projectiles. Factory offerings typically range from 62 to 88 grains, though 95-grain bullets can be used in reloading applications. Because of its short case length and fast twist rate, the 22 ARC is not well-suited for lightweight varmint bullets. In fact, the Hodgdon website does not currently offer load data for bullets weighing under 55 grains.

While the 223 can be effective with heavy 22 caliber bullets, 77 grains is generally the heaviest you will find in factory-loaded ammunition (unless subsonic). Due to the case length of the 223, bullets weighing more than this typically need to be seated out further than the magazine length restrictions (2.26 inches) found in most platforms.

For those who wish to use heavier bullets, 223-chambered bolt actions featuring AICS or similarly patterned magazines offer the most room to accommodate these bullets. While the 223 case is far more effective than the 22 ARC when it comes to varmint bullets, it should be noted that the fast twist rate of 223 rifles may not provide desirable results when using these bullets.

Power and Range

When it comes to power, we must remember that both the 223 and the 22 ARC are 22 caliber cartridges primarily fired from the AR-15 platform. While this means they won’t compete with any magnum cartridges, they are both very efficient cartridges offering a somewhat large difference in performance.

When looking at the Hornady Black 223 Remington 75-Grain JHP Match, we see that it produces a very respectable 1,296 ft/lbs. of energy at a muzzle velocity of 2,790 feet per second. By comparison, the Hornady Black 22 ARC 75-Grain ELD Match produces 1,575 ft/lbs. of energy at a muzzle velocity of 3,075 feet per second.

This translates to an increase in power of 21.5% over the 223 Remington, which is substantial. On top of its increase in power, the 22 ARC is going just over 10% faster than the 223. This increase in velocity helps give the 22 ARC a distinct advantage in long-range shots, though it is not the only reason.

Although the load offerings referenced may use the same bullet weight, they are certainly not using the same bullet type. This can be seen by the large difference in ballistic coefficient found in each bullet type. With a respectable G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.398, the 75-grain JHP found in the 223 is capable at longer ranges.

When we compare it to the 75-grain ELD-M’s G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.467, however, we can see that the 22 ARC is loaded with a much more aerodynamic bullet. Paired with its 10% higher muzzle velocity, the 22 ARC is much more efficient at longer ranges (as seen in the charts below).

223 Remington vs 22 ARC Trajectory and Energy Comparison Using the Hornady Ballistic Calculator (100-yard zero)

In addition to these figures, we also find that the 22 ARC has a supersonic range (approximately 1,135 feet per second at sea level) of 1,260 yards. Compared to the 223's 960-yard supersonic range, the 22 ARC has an additional 300-yard supersonic range (a 31.25% increase).

It should be noted that although the 75-grain ELD-M's long, sleek design is too long to be loaded in factory 223 offerings, it can be effectively loaded in the cartridge depending on the platform you’re using. Regarding range and power, however, the 22 ARC is the clear choice. 

Why 223?

So, if 22 ARC is ballistically superior, why would anyone choose the 223 Remington? While there are many reasons one might choose the 223 over the 22 ARC, perhaps the most important reason is its popularity. Not only is the 223 Remington more popular than the 22 ARC, but it is also one of the most popular centerfire cartridges, period.

With this popularity comes many benefits that just don’t exist for the 22 ARC currently. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the sheer number of options available for the cartridge. Whether you’re after ammo, firearms, or reloading equipment, you will almost never have a shortage of choices with the 223 Remington.

Although several manufacturers produce guns chambered in the 22 ARC, almost every manufacturer has at least one offering in 223. On top of this, Hornady is the only large-scale manufacturer producing ammo for the 22 ARC. While they do produce excellent ammo, options are very limited when compared to the 223 Remington, especially when it comes to reloading brass.

With a limited number of high-end factory load offerings, it is important to realize that the 22 ARC is more expensive to shoot than the 223. In fact, some 223 loads can be had for a fraction of the cost of 22 ARC currently. That is not to say these offerings use the same high-end bullets found in the ARC, but if you’re primarily looking to punch holes in paper at the range (especially within a few hundred yards), this cost difference may sway your decision.

223 or 22 ARC?

For 22 caliber AR cartridges, the 22 ARC and the 223 are excellent choices. Although they are both loaded with 22 caliber (0.224-inch) projectiles, the 22 ARC and the 223 are very different cartridges with very different benefits. With these differences, you’re probably wondering which one you should choose.

If your primary goal is to shoot as far as possible with a 22 caliber AR-15, the 22 ARC might just be the best choice on the market. With its short case length and relatively large case capacity, it is geared around the long, aerodynamic bullets required for long-range precision.

For those who won’t be shooting past 500 yards regularly, the 223 Remington makes a lot of sense. Whether you want to plink, varmint hunt, or take an occasional long-range shot, the 223 Remington is one of the most popular centerfire cartridges. With its popularity comes much cheaper ammo costs than the 22 ARC, as well as more options.

Perhaps the biggest question to ask yourself is whether you’ll really be taking advantage of the extra performance the 22 ARC provides. Regardless of which 22 caliber cartridge you choose, hopefully, this article helps make your decision a little easier.

--Banana Ballistics