Transform Your AR-15: The Impressive Capabilities of the 22 ARC
Posted by refactortactical.com on Jan 8th 2024
In the world of precision shooting, 22 ARC bridges the gap between 22-250 and .223.
The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) has emerged as a game-changer in this field, offering unparalleled accuracy and performance.
At the forefront of this killer round is Faxon Firearms, a company known for its dedication to excellence in barrel manufacturing.
Faxon Firearms has recently joined forces with Hornady, a leader in ammunition innovation, as an official partner in manufacturing barrels for the 22 ARC.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the firearms industry, bringing together two powerhouses to enhance the capabilities of the 22 ARC.
Understanding the 22 ARC: A Comprehensive Overview
The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC) represents a significant leap forward in cartridge technology.
Developed with precision shooting in mind, the 22 ARC offers a blend of accuracy, range, and affordability that is rarely seen in its class.
The Hornady 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC), designed for AR-15 and bolt-action rifles, is engineered for high-performance shooting.
Engineered for the AR-15
The 22 ARC is meticulously designed to be a perfect match for the AR-15 platform.
Utilizing a 0.441-inch-diameter case head, similar to the 6mm ARC and 6.5 Grendel, it’s tailored for long, heavy bullets with high ballistic coefficients.
Its optimal overall length of 2.260″ ensures smooth operation, reliable feeding, and superior performance in AR-15 rifles.
Exceptional Accuracy
With a twist rate of 1:7”, the 22 ARC maximizes its potential, resulting in tighter groupings, enhanced precision, and a superior shooting experience.
Built on the Legacy of the 6mm ARC
Drawing from the success of the 6mm ARC, the 22 ARC is manufactured to repeatedly deliver reliability and consistent performance out of an AR-15.
RELATED – Best 6mm ARC Barrels
Available 22 ARC Loads
Hornady’s offerings include 62-grain, 75-grain, and 88-grain ELD Match loads, with the 62-grain version being ideal for varmint hunting. The 22 ARC is poised to excel in long-range target shooting and varmint hunting.
For more details, please visit the Hornady website: Hornady 22 ARC.
Why Develop the 22 ARC?
The development of the 22 ARC is a response to the long-standing popularity of fast .22 caliber rounds in predator hunting, where the emphasis is on using expanding or fragmenting bullets that leave the pelt in better condition due to their tendency to enter but not exit the target.
This preference for .22 caliber rounds is rooted in a history that dates back to the 1940s with cartridges like the 218 Donaldson Wasp or 219 Zipper, which pushed .22 caliber bullets to high velocities.
The 22 ARC, in particular, is born out of the evolution of bullet technology.
Over time, there has been a significant improvement in bullet designs, especially in terms of heavy-for-caliber bullets and bullets with more bearing surface to achieve the highest possible ballistic coefficient (BC). Some of the older cartridge designs were not able to keep pace with these advancements.
The 22 ARC aims to match, and in some ways exceed, the performance of the .22-250 by delivering similar capabilities in an AR15 platform. This achievement is particularly significant considering the historical prominence of the .22-250, which, alongside the 220 Swift, represented the pinnacle of pushing .22 caliber performance to its limits during its time.
The 22 ARC is also designed with a focus on long-range precision shooting. With high BC .22 caliber bullets, it offers an efficient performance in terms of drop and wind resistance, making it suitable for precision rifle shooting in competitions like the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) or as a training rifle. The cartridge’s design, including a pushed-back shoulder, allows more room for heavy caliber bullets, enhancing its performance in both AR15 and custom bolt action rifles.
Moreover, Hornady’s introduction of the ELD-VT bullet, a purpose-built projectile for varmint hunting, complements the 22 ARC’s capabilities. This bullet features a unique hybrid design that combines long-range, high BC match bullet qualities with a lighter varmint bullet design.
This combination ensures stability, dramatic and instantaneous fragmentation upon impact, and optimal terminal performance, particularly important for the varmint hunter looking for long-range effectiveness.
Faxon Firearms’ Role in 22 ARC Development
Faxon Firearms, a company renowned for its innovation and craftsmanship in the firearms industry, has played a pivotal role in the development and enhancement of the 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC).
The partnership between Faxon Firearms and Hornady, a leader in ammunition technology, is a testament to their commitment to advancing the world of precision shooting.
Established with a focus on engineering and innovation, Faxon Firearms has a rich history of producing high-quality firearms and components.
Known for their precision engineering and manufacturing capabilities, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of firearms technology.
The Partnership with Hornady
- Collaboration Goals: This partnership aims to leverage Faxon Firearms’ manufacturing expertise with Hornady’s ammunition innovation to enhance the 22 ARC’s performance even further.
- Mutual Benefits: Both companies benefit from this collaboration, combining Faxon’s precision barrel manufacturing with Hornady’s advanced cartridge design.
- Barrel Manufacturing: Faxon Firearms’ role in manufacturing barrels specifically designed for the 22 ARC is critical. They utilize state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to ensure each barrel meets the highest standards of accuracy and performance.
- Innovation in Design: Their barrels are not just about precision; they also incorporate innovative features that enhance the overall shooting experience with the 22 ARC.
Faxon Firearms’ involvement in the development of the 22 ARC is a clear indicator of their dedication to advancing the firearms industry.
Their expertise in barrel manufacturing, combined with Hornady’s ammunition prowess, sets a new standard for precision and performance in rifle cartridges.
Faxon Firearms’ Approach to 22 ARC Barrels
Faxon Firearms has set a high standard in the manufacturing of 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC) barrels, showcasing their commitment to quality and precision.
Their approach combines advanced technology with meticulous craftsmanship to produce barrels that significantly enhance the performance of the 22 ARC.
Choosing the Right 22 ARC Barrel
Selecting the appropriate barrel for your 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC) firearm is crucial for achieving the desired performance.
With various options available, particularly from Faxon Firearms, understanding key factors can guide you in making an informed decision.
1. Barrel Length and Weight
Faxon will have 3 different barrel options in 22 ARC.
A 16″ gunner profile, 20″ Flame Fluted, and 24″ Heavy Fluted.
The 22 ARC will perform best out of longer barrels, 20″ +, however, some folks like the idea of a long-range rifle with the shortest barrel possible, so Faxon elected to produce a 16″ gunner barrel to fill that need and keep weight down.
22 ARC will be a great cartridge for both long-range target shooting, and also varmint hunting.
As we all know the AR15 platform is a great option for hunting and target shooting.
If you are looking to shoot long-range targets, you should consider the 20″ or 24″ option for optimal performance from the cartridge. If you are looking to do some varmint hunting, and want to keep weight down on your rifle, the 16″ option would fit the bill well.
2. Material and Construction
Barrels are made from different materials like stainless steel or carbon fiber, each offering distinct advantages. The 22 ARC barrels Faxon is manufacturing will all be constructed of 416-R Stainless steel.
Not only are Faxon’s barrels constructed of 416-R Stainless steel, but they are also QPQ (Quench, Polish, Quench) nitride-coated, to further the durability of the barrel.
3. Rifling and Bore Specifications
The spec for the twist rate for 22 ARC from Hornady is a 1:7 twist rate.
The Faxon barrels will feature the 1:7 twist and will all be 5R button rifled.
The 22 ARC barrels from Faxon are currently in production and should be available for sale sometime in the 1st quarter of 2024.
To stay in the know on new developments of the 22 ARC barrels, visit https://faxonfirearms.com/22arc/ and sign up for the email list.
Conclusion
The 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC), especially with the contributions from Faxon Firearms as a Hornady Official Partner, stands as a testament to innovation and excellence in the world of precision shooting.
This partnership has not only brought about a significant improvement in the performance of the 22 ARC but has also set new benchmarks in the firearms industry.
Through its enhanced accuracy, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, the 22 ARC caters to a wide spectrum of shooting enthusiasts, from competitive marksmen to recreational shooters. The collaboration between Hornady and Faxon Firearms exemplifies the power of synergy in advancing technology and meeting the evolving needs of the shooting community.
As we look to the future, the 22 ARC promises to continue its trajectory of influence and innovation, shaping the landscape of shooting sports and offering an ever-improving experience to shooters around the world.
We encourage you to explore the range of 22 ARC barrels offered by Faxon Firearms and experience the difference in your shooting enjoyment.