For AR-15 enthusiasts and varmint hunters alike, the quest for the perfect cartridge is a never-ending journey. We seek that magical combination of blistering speed, laser-flat trajectory, and devastating terminal performance. While many contenders have emerged over the years, a new star is rapidly ascending, promising to redefine what's possible in the AR-15 platform: the 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge).

This isn't just another incremental upgrade; the 22 ARC is a game-changer, purpose-built to push the boundaries of performance in a standard AR-15. If you're looking to turn your rifle into a high-speed, flat-shooting varmint-exterminating machine, then buckle up – because the 22 ARC is about to blow you away.

The Need for Speed: Why the 22 ARC Stands Apart

Traditional AR-15 cartridges, while versatile, often face limitations when it comes to maximizing velocity and maintaining a flat trajectory, especially with lighter, high-BC bullets ideal for varminting. The 22 ARC addresses this head-on, leveraging a clever case design that allows for increased powder capacity and optimal bullet seating for specific projectiles.

What does this mean in real-world terms? Think blazing muzzle velocities that leave other cartridges in the dust. We're talking about pushing 50-60 grain bullets at speeds often exceeding 3,000 fps, and sometimes approaching 3,300 fps, depending on the load and barrel length. This incredible speed translates directly into a host of benefits for the varmint hunter.

Laser Precision: The Flat Trajectory Advantage

One of the most frustrating aspects of long-range varmint hunting is constantly adjusting for bullet drop. Even slight miscalculations can result in a clean miss. This is where the 22 ARC truly shines. Its high velocity, combined with aerodynamically efficient bullets, creates an incredibly flat trajectory.

Imagine taking shots at prairie dogs or coyotes out to 300, 400, or even 500 yards with minimal holdover. This reduced bullet drop simplifies ranging and allows for quicker follow-up shots, increasing your chances of success. When every inch counts, the 22 ARC delivers the kind of predictability that instills confidence in every pull of the trigger.

Varmint Annihilation: Terminal Performance and Energy

Speed and a flat trajectory are crucial, but they're only part of the equation. For varmint hunting, you need a cartridge that delivers devastating terminal performance to ensure quick, humane kills. The high velocities generated by the 22 ARC mean that even small, frangible varmint bullets can fragment violently upon impact, delivering maximum energy transfer and hydrostatic shock.

This results in explosive expansion and rapid incapacitation, minimizing suffering and maximizing the "red mist" effect that varmint hunters often appreciate. Whether you're targeting small rodents or larger predators like coyotes, the 22 ARC brings serious stopping power to the AR-15 platform.

Building Your 22 ARC Dream Machine: Spotlight on Shaw Custom Barrels and AR15Elite.com

To truly harness the power of the 22 ARC, you need quality components. This is where companies like Shaw Custom Barrels and AR15Elite.com come into play, providing the critical parts to transform your AR-15 into a 22 ARC powerhouse.

Shaw Custom Barrels: Renowned for their precision and craftsmanship, Shaw Custom Barrels offers an extensive line of AR-15 barrels, and their expertise extends perfectly to emerging cartridges like the 22 ARC. When you choose a Shaw Custom Barrel, you're investing in:

• Exceptional Accuracy: Shaw barrels are known for their consistent bore dimensions and high-quality rifling, translating directly to tighter groups downrange.

• Optimal Performance: They meticulously design their barrels to maximize the potential of each cartridge, ensuring proper gas porting and twist rates for the 22 ARC to deliver its advertised velocities and accuracy.

• Durability and Longevity: Crafted from premium materials, Shaw barrels are built to withstand thousands of rounds, maintaining their precision season after season.

AR15Elite.com: As a premier online destination for AR-15 parts and accessories, AR15Elite.com is your one-stop shop for everything you need to build or upgrade your 22 ARC rifle. They offer:

• Comprehensive Selection: From upper receivers and bolt carrier groups specifically designed for the 22 ARC to handguards, stocks, and optics, AR15Elite.com curates a wide array of high-quality components.

• Expert Guidance: Their team understands the nuances of AR-15 customization and can help you select the right parts to achieve your desired performance, ensuring compatibility and optimal function.

• Convenience and Reliability: With a user-friendly website and a reputation for excellent customer service, AR15Elite.com makes the process of building your dream AR-15 simple and straightforward.

Ballistics Comparison Chart: 22 ARC vs. Popular Varmint Cartridges (AR-15 Platform)

To further illustrate the 22 ARC's advantages, let's compare its typical ballistic performance against some common AR-15 varmint cartridges. This chart provides estimated values based on common factory loads and barrel lengths (typically 18-20 inches for optimal performance in the AR-15). Actual results may vary based on specific rifle, barrel, and atmospheric conditions.

(All data assumes a 100-yard zero and standard atmospheric conditions. Drop is in inches, velocity in feet per second, and energy in foot-pounds.)

Cartridge	Bullet Weight (gr)	Bullet Type	Muzzle Velocity (fps)	Velocity @ 300yds (fps)	Energy @ Muzzle (ft-lbs)	Energy @ 300yds (ft-lbs)	Drop @ 300yds (in)
22 ARC	55	V-MAX / TNT	3250	2600	1290	826	-4.5
22 ARC	62	Varmint	3100	2550	1320	894	-5.0
.223 Wylde	55	V-MAX / HP	3100	2350	1175	674	-6.5
.223 Wylde	62	FMJ / SP	3000	2200	1239	666	-7.5
.204 Ruger	32	V-MAX / Varmint	4000	2750	1137	537	-3.0
.204 Ruger	40	V-MAX / Varmint	3900	2600	1351	600	-3.5
.22-250 Rem	55	V-MAX / HP	3600	2750	1583	924	-4.0

Key Takeaways from the Chart:

• 22 ARC Velocity: Noticeably higher muzzle velocities than the common .223 Wylde/5.56 NATO, especially with comparable bullet weights. This is crucial for reducing flight time and increasing effective range.

• Flat Trajectory: The 22 ARC consistently shows less bullet drop at 300 yards compared to the .223 Wylde, making it easier to hold dead-on for those longer varmint shots. While the .204 Ruger is flatter with lighter bullets, the 22 ARC offers better energy retention with heavier projectiles. The .22-250 Rem has a slight edge in velocity and flatness but typically requires a bolt-action platform, limiting its use in the AR-15.

• Energy on Target: The 22 ARC retains significant energy at extended ranges, ensuring sufficient power for humane kills on various varmints.

The Future of AR-15 Varmint Hunting is Here

The 22 ARC represents a significant leap forward for the AR-15 platform, particularly for varmint hunters who demand the utmost in speed, flat trajectory, and terminal performance. Its ability to deliver blistering velocities with minimal recoil makes it an incredibly effective and enjoyable cartridge to shoot.

If you're ready to elevate your varmint hunting game and experience the thrill of a true speed demon in your AR-15, then it's time to explore the 22 ARC. With top-tier components from companies like Shaw Custom Barrels and AR15Elite.com, building your ultimate 22 ARC varmint rifle has never been easier or more rewarding.

Get ready to reach out and touch those distant targets with unprecedented precision and power. The 22 ARC is here, and it's ready to redefine your varmint hunting experience.

Why shop AR15Elite.com?

AR15 Elite has over 30 years of combined experience specifically in the AR-15 parts space. We build quality uppers for the AR-15 platform as well as AR-10(308) and AR-9 platforms.  We have been an innovator in design and function for some time now with many of our ideas and designs still in wide circulation to this day.  We are a leader in the AR-15 parts space with every part from muzzle to stock.

Shop AR15Elite.com with confidence, knowing that our experience in the industry and knowledge of our OEM products insure precise in fit and function of each and every part.  We constantly keep our OEM machine shops in check with parts inspections and rigorous quality control.

We pride ourselves on delivering the best quality products at the best pricing to give our valued customers the best bang for their buck.  We have hand picked each and every one of our OEM machine shops for exceptional quality and realistic pricing.  We have very little overhead and as a result we are able to deliver a higher quality product than our competitors and while keeping prices low and reasonable.

Checkout our selection of upper assamblies here and thank you for shopping AR15Elite.com!