The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 52,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 7.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge with the 223 Remington on the same basis.
22 ARC ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 75 gr | 3,075 fps | 1,574 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists a single reference bullet weight for the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge: 75 grains, listed at 3,075 fps, which computes to 1,574 ft-lb. SAAMI publishes no other weight for it, so the table has one row. For any other bullet weight, use the figures the maker publishes for that item.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 22 ARC ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 7.00 in, with a .224 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 52,000 psi. Fire 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
22 ARC vs 223: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge | 223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 52,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 7.00 in | 1 turn in 12.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .224 in | .224 in |
| Lightest reference load | 75 gr — 3,075 fps / 1,574 ft-lb | 35 gr — 3,800–4,000 fps / 1,122–1,243 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 75 gr — 3,075 fps / 1,574 ft-lb | 75 gr — 2,775–2,910 fps / 1,282–1,410 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 75 gr — 3,075 fps / 1,574 ft-lb | 77 gr — 2,670–2,785 fps / 1,219–1,326 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge at 52,000 psi and the 223 Remington at 55,000 psi, so the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge runs 3,000 psi lower. At 75 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge reference velocity is 3,075 fps (1,574 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,910 fps (1,410 ft-lb) for the 223 Remington. On that row the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (24.000 in, 1 turn in 7.00 in for the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 12.00 in for the 223 Remington), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 223 ammo.
22 ARC ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge at 52,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 7.00 in. Your own rifle may differ.
Is the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge more powerful than the 223 Remington?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 75 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge reference velocity is 3,075 fps (1,574 ft-lb computed), against up to 2,910 fps (1,410 ft-lb) for the 223 Remington.
What is the effective range of the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 22 ARC ammunition from Hornady. Browse the full 22 ARC ammo range.
