.22 Creedmoor

The .22 Creedmoor is a relatively recent addition to the lineage of high-performance, long-range centerfire cartridges. Developed as a “wildcat” round, its origins are rooted in the growing demand for flat-shooting, high-velocity cartridges capable of outperforming the classic .223 Remington and even the .22-250 Remington in terms of downrange energy and wind-bucking ability. The .22 Creedmoor case is based on the popular 6.5 Creedmoor, necked down to accept .224 caliber bullets. Its rise to prominence began in the late 2010s among precision shooters and reloaders looking for an efficient cartridge with superior ballistics, particularly for target shooting and varmint or predator hunting. The .22 Creedmoor blends the capacity of the Creedmoor case with modern, high-ballistic-coefficient .22-caliber bullets, making it an attractive option for those seeking more speed and flatter trajectories than .22 caliber rounds of the past.

Among reloaders and shooting enthusiasts, the .22 Creedmoor is lauded for its versatility and capabilities in a variety of shooting applications. Its high muzzle velocity, efficiency, and accuracy have made it a fast favorite in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition scene, where shooters benefit from the light recoil and high hit probability at extended ranges. Hunters also appreciate the .22 Creedmoor’s ability to reach coyotes, foxes, and other similar-sized predators at distances that would challenge the .223 Remington, thanks to its superior retained energy and less susceptibility to wind drift. Handloaders are particularly drawn to the .22 Creedmoor because it allows for fine-tuning with a wide array of modern powder and bullet combinations, enabling shooters to maximize the cartridge’s inherent accuracy and efficiency with their chosen load.

When it comes to target species, the .22 Creedmoor excels with both varmints and predators. Coyotes, bobcats, foxes, prairie dogs, and groundhogs fall well within the capabilities of this cartridge, which offers enough velocity and energy for ethical dispatch at long distances. Because of its high sectional density and impressive velocity, the .22 Creedmoor can humanely and reliably take down animals that would require more precise shot placement with smaller cartridges, making it a step above the .223 Remington for challenging or distant shots. While some shooters have considered the .22 Creedmoor for deer-sized game with the right bullets and within appropriate ranges, most use it primarily for smaller or medium-sized predators and varmints, where its flat trajectory and explosive terminal ballistics really shine.

In terms of bullet weights, the .22 Creedmoor is optimized for heavier .224 caliber projectiles, typically ranging from 75 to 95 grains. These high-ballistic-coefficient bullets provide better long-range performance, resisting wind drift and retaining energy farther downrange. Popular choices include 75-80 grain match bullets like the Hornady ELD-M and Berger VLD, as well as slightly heavier options built for maximum penetration and expansion on predators. Muzzle velocities with these bullet weights often exceed 3,200 feet per second, depending on barrel length and load, resulting in extremely flat trajectories that make doping wind and holdovers much simpler for shooters. The .22 Creedmoor’s case capacity pairs well with modern powders, offering consistent ignition and burn characteristics, which promotes both accuracy and prolonged barrel life compared to overbore varmint calibers. For reloaders, the cartridge’s ability to make use of modern bullet designs means ongoing refinement and maximized precision, making the .22 Creedmoor an exciting caliber for anyone passionate about long-range shooting and reloading.