.22 PPC USA

The .22 PPC USA cartridge was born from the relentless pursuit of accuracy during the 1970s benchrest “accuracy wars” in the United States. Developed by Dr. Lou Palmisano and Ferris Pindell—hence the “PPC” name—the .22 PPC was a derivative of the .220 Russian case, itself a highly accurate round. The wildcatting process involved necking the .220 Russian case down to accept .224 caliber bullets and fire-forming it to replace the factory taper with a sharper 30-degree shoulder angle. This design was instrumental in producing nearly benchrest-level precision while maximizing case efficiency and extending barrel life. The round was fully introduced in 1974, and by the late 1970s, it quickly gained favor among competitive shooters, dominating short-range benchrest competitions in the United States due to its stellar accuracy and minimal recoil.

When it comes to application, the .22 PPC USA is most revered in the world of competitive shooting, particularly for short-range benchrest matches. Its reputation stems from its consistent accuracy, mild recoil impulse, and ease of tuning for precision loads. The cartridge’s efficiency also makes it a staple for precision reloaders who value repeatable performance and long barrel life. While it's not as common for general hunting as some other .22 caliber rounds, its high accuracy and mild characteristics mean it has a solid niche among varmint and small predator hunters looking for a highly precise load. Reloaders favor it because of its exceptional ability to squeeze the most out of bullets and powder, with little waste and predictable performance shot after shot.

For target species, the .22 PPC USA is ideally suited for small and medium varmints such as groundhogs, prairie dogs, foxes, and coyotes. Its flat trajectory and surgical accuracy at ranges out past 300 yards make it perfect for these tasks, allowing for humane and clean kills on animals of this size. The light recoil and outstanding grouping further make it suitable for target shooting competitions where consistent, tight clusters on the target are the norm. Though it's not recommended for larger game due to bullet weight and terminal ballistics, its impact in its intended target range is notable.

Reloaders working with the .22 PPC USA will typically use bullets weighing between 50 to 55 grains, although lighter 40-grain and heavier 60-grain projectiles can be tailored for specific purposes. The case features a distinctive sharp 30-degree shoulder and less body taper than many other .22 cartridges, contributing to greater efficiency and accuracy. Standard case length is around 1.53 inches with an overall cartridge length of approximately 2.10 inches, allowing for optimal use in short-action rifles. The round performs optimally with small rifle primers and a range of powders such as H322 and Benchmark for developing custom high-accuracy loads. With its low recoil, manageable case capacity, and consistent pressures, the .22 PPC USA remains a top pick among serious reloaders seeking performance and accuracy at the bench or in the field.