22 ARC vs. 6mm ARC: Which Advanced Rifle Cartridge Is Better?

By Wes Littlefield

Last Updated: Dec 16, 2025

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Wes Littlefield

Guns have fascinated Wes since pulling the trigger on his BB gun as a kid. He built a private gun range over a decade ago to keep his skills sharp. He loves breaking down complex ideas into understandable pieces for readers, with expertise in hunting and all aspects of shooting.

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Wes Littlefield, "22 ARC vs. 6mm ARC: What’s the ARC For You? "
(https://ammo.com/comparison/22-arc-vs-6mm-arc)

The relatively new 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (22 ARC) and 6mm ARC were designed to be accurate and fast, and deliver outstanding long-range performance.

We'll compare the 22 ARC vs. 6mm ARC in terms of real-world performance, including their recoil, trajectory, and suitability for hunting and defense, so you can decide which Advanced Rifle Cartridge better suits your needs.

22 ARC vs. 6mm ARC

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Hornady BLACK 22 ARC Ammo - 20 Rounds of 75 Grain ELD Match Ammunition

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Hornady used the 6.5 Grendel as the parent cartridge when designing both the 22 ARC and 6mm ARC, so we should expect many similarities between them in design and performance.

Upon its release in 2024, the .22-caliber 22 ARC was billed as accurate, fast, and flat shooting. As to whether hunters (or the rest of the market) will widely embrace this cartridge remains to be seen. One might expect varmint hunters to trade in their .22-250 Remington rifles for 22 ARC rifles based on ballistics alone, but that would ignore how devoted most hunters are to their favorite rounds.

Hornady released the slightly older 6mm ARC in 2020. Like the 22 ARC, it is a flat-shooting, low-recoil cartridge designed for the AR-15. The 6mm ARC is ideal for long-range target practice and some hunting situations. Hornady intended for it to overtake the 5.56 NATO, but that likely won't happen despite the 6mm ARC outperforming it in most situations.

Pros and Cons

6mm ARC vs 22 ARC Specs

Ballistics Comparison: Velocity, Energy, and Bullet Drop

22 ARC Ballistics Table

Note: The information below comes from ammunition manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data were unavailable, ballistics were calculated by Ammo.com.

Don't miss our factory ammo 22 ARC ballistics tables for a deeper understanding!

6mm ARC Ballistics Table

Note: The information below comes from ammunition manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data were unavailable, ballistics were calculated by Ammo.com.

Don't miss our factory ammo 6mm ARC ballistics tables for a deeper understanding!

Recoil and Shooting Experience

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Hornady V-Match 6mm ARC Ammo - 20 Rounds of 80 Grain ELD-VT Ammunition

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Both the 22 ARC and 6mm ARC have minimal recoil, but we'll dive in deeper to give you a better sense of each round's kick.

I base my comparison on free recoil energy because, unlike "felt recoil," it is objective. It's determined by four variables: projectile weight, propellant weight, muzzle velocity, and firearm weight.

The 22 ARC generates ~2.5 ft-lbs of recoil energy when a 62-grain bullet is fired from an 8-pound rifle at 3,300 fps muzzle velocity. That's similar to someone gently nudging you on the shoulder. The 22 ARC is a round you can fire all day at the range without getting a sore shoulder. Its low recoil also makes it an excellent round to introduce new shooters to the sport.

The 6mm ARC generates more free recoil energy: ~6.1 ft-lbs when firing an 80-grain bullet from an 8-pound rifle at a muzzle velocity of 3,020 fps. While that's more than double the 22 ARC's recoil energy, it's still very manageable (15 ft-lbs or less is generally manageable for most shooters). Because it fires heavier bullets at lower velocities, the 6mm ARC's trajectory isn't as flat as the 22 ARC's. The payoff? Greater performance at longer ranges.

Accuracy and Effective Range

The 22 ARC's flatter trajectory and lower recoil give it a slight advantage at distances under 600 yards. The 6mm ARC is the better option for shots over 600 yards. Its heavier bullets have higher ballistic coefficients (BCs), which evince their superior resistance to wind drift and ability to conserve supersonic velocity past 1,000 yards.

For most target shooters, the 22 ARC has an effective range of 800 yards. Experienced marksmen can push it to 1,000 yards while target shooting and 500 yards while varmint hunting.

The 6mm ARC has an effective range of 1,200 yards for target shooting, 600 yards for deer hunting, and 1,000 yards for varmint hunting.

Penetration and Terminal Ballistics

Bullet selection is key to determining penetration depth and terminal ballistics. When firing two similar bullets, the 6mm ARC typically penetrates deeper and exhibits deadlier terminal ballistics. This is due to its larger, heavier bullet which conserves more energy downrange.

Which Is Better for Hunting?

Determining which cartridge is better for hunting depends on your target species.

6mm ARC vs. 22 ARC for Coyotes

The 22 ARC is the better option for coyote hunting because it pierces a slightly smaller hole through the pelt. It's capable of harvesting varmints out to 500 yards.

6mm ARC vs. 22 ARC for Hogs

The 6mm ARC is better for hog hunting. It carries more energy downrange, helping it penetrate thick hide and bone and inflict a slightly larger wound channel.

6mm ARC vs. 22 ARC for Deer

The 6mm ARC is also better for deer hunting. It has the greater effective range, and several states don't allow .22 caliber bullets for deer hunting.

Are They Good for Home Defense or Tactical Shooting?

Neither of these cartridges is my first choice for home defense due to their likelihood of overpenetration. If I only had these two available, I would want an SBR chambered in 6mm ARC because it has more stopping power.

Final Verdict: 22 ARC vs. 6mm ARC

While the 22 ARC and 6mm ARC are both capable rounds in their own right, the 6mm ARC is typically the better option for most hunters and shooters thanks to its extended range, increased stopping power, and greater versatility. For those considering the 6mm ARC, our 6mm ARC vs 6.5 Grendel comparison examines how it stacks up against its parent cartridge.

Because of its lower recoil and flatter trajectory, the 22 ARC is better suited to recoil-sensitive shooters and varmint hunters. If you're weighing the 22 ARC against a faster, harder-hitting bolt-action option, our 22 ARC vs. 22 Creedmoor comparison breaks down where each one wins.

Neither cartridge has many ammo options readily available. They're still relatively new, and few shooters have adopted them into their rotations. However, you can find both at Ammo.com, where we have great prices, fast shipping, and friendly customer service!

Written by

Wes Littlefield