The most noticeable difference between these two rounds is in their base diameters. The observant will also see the difference in their projectiles. Yes, both fire 0.224" diameter bullets, but that’s where their bullets’ similarities end.
We’ll begin with the differences in cartridge specs and continue with how they affect performance.
Cartridge Specifications
The 22 ARC cartridge is loaded with a 0.224" diameter bullet. It has a case with a neck diameter of 0.221", base diameter of 0.441", length of 1.525", and capacity of 34.6 grains H2O. The 22 ARC’s overall length is 2.260" and maximum pressure equals 52,000 psi.
The .223 Remington also fires a 0.224" diameter bullet. Its case has a 0.253" neck diameter, 0.375" base diameter, 1.760" length, and capacity of 28.8 grains H2O (slightly less than the 22 ARC). At 55,000 psi, the 223 Rem has a higher max pressure than the 22 ARC.
Recoil: 22 ARC vs. 223 Rem
Both rounds have virtually non-existent recoil, but we’ll dive in to give you a better idea of each. I base my comparison on free recoil energy because, unlike “felt recoil,” it is objective. It’s a measure of recoil determined by four variables: projectile weight, propellant weight, muzzle velocity, and firearm weight.
| 223 Remington | 22 ARC |
|---|---|
| 4 ft-lbs free recoil energy | 4.3 ft-lbs free recoil energy |
When a 62 grain 223 Rem bullet is fired from an 8-pound rifle at 3,025 fps muzzle velocity, it generates about 4 ft-lbs of recoil energy. When a 62 grain 22 ARC bullet is fired from an 8-pound rifle at 3,300 fps muzzle velocity, it generates about 4.3 ft-lbs of recoil energy.
The difference in recoil is so minuscule that most shooters won’t notice it. This section is a tie.
Trajectory
A bullet’s trajectory is its path to the target. Although we often talk about “flat-shooting guns,” a bullet’s trajectory is rarely flat. Instead, it frequently resembles an arch: rising, plateauing, and ultimately dropping. When fired at targets within 100 yards, most rifle cartridges exhibit virtually zero bullet drop. As distance increases, bullet drop becomes more pronounced. This is partly because a bullet’s velocity steadily slows throughout its trajectory. A bullet requires more time to cover 100-200 yards than 0-100. As a result, gravity has more time to exert its influence on a bullet as it covers farther distances.
When a 22 ARC 62 grain ELD-VT bullet is sighted in at 200 yards, it will drop -5.6" at 300 yards, -16.4" at 400 yards, and -33.5" at 500 yards. The 22 ARC is a flat-shooting cartridge.
When a 223 Rem 62 grain FMJ bullet is sighted in at 200 yards, it will drop -7.5" at 300 yards, -22.7" at 400 yards, and -48.2" at 500 yards.
While the 223 Rem has a reasonably flat trajectory, the 22 ARC was designed to have a flatter trajectory. It wins this section.
Accuracy: 223 Rem vs. 22 ARC
Accuracy is more often a function of the shooting platform and the shooter than of the cartridge itself. The ammo, rifle, environmental conditions, and shooter all affect a cartridge’s accuracy.
For the sake of argument, we’ll only consider the cartridges’ trajectories and recoil energy. Most shooters will find they are more accurate with the 22 ARC because it has slightly less recoil and a flatter trajectory: two characteristics that rarely go together.
The 22 ARC wins this section, but both cartridges are incredibly accurate in the hands of a capable shooter.
Ballistic Coefficient
A bullet’s ballistic coefficient (BC) reflects how effectively it resists wind deflection and frontal air resistance. Put another way, it’s a numeric representation of how aerodynamic a bullet is. A higher BC is preferable for long-distance shooting, as it indicates the bullet will exhibit a more predictable trajectory.
Sleeker, heavier bullets have higher BCs than bulkier, lighter projectiles. The 22 ARC capitalizes on high-BC bullets. Its G1 BC ranges from 0.395 to 0.485, while the 223 Remington’s ranges from 0.100 to 0.252.
The 22 ARC’s higher-BC projectiles win this section.
Continue reading 22 ARC vs. 223 Remington: Which Is Better? on Ammo.com
https://ammo.com/comparison/22-arc-vs-223#22-arc-vs-223-rem-stopping-power
