I recently completed my 22 ARC Build and showed progressive reloading for the cartridge on the Dillon XL-750. I took some time at the 2024 SHOT Show to speak with Hornady’s Seth Swerczek about Hornady’s 22 ARC and new ELD-VT bullet.
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About 22 ARC
Seth explained that while Hornady designed the 22 ARC to be fired from an AR platform, it’s also just as at home in a bolt gun.
Even so, Seth explained that the ultimate night hunting combination is a 22 ARC gas gun and their new 62 grain .224 ELD-VT bullet. We’ve already had great success with this bullet and StaBALL Match, a Varget speed powder.
From Hornady:
The 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) brings exceptional power and performance, elegantly packed into a compact cartridge that fits into your AR-15 but is equally at home in a bolt action. By utilizing the new 62 gr. ELD-VT™ bullet, the 22 ARC brings extraordinary performance, that rivals the 22-250, to the AR-15 platform.
The 22 ARC was engineered to use modern, high-BC bullets. Designing the cartridge and chamber in unison provides consistent accuracy, great velocity spreads and an outstanding shooting experience. This cartridge is the result of careful and meticulous design, following the same proven methodology as the highly acclaimed 6mm ARC.
I’ve been personally impressed by this mild-recoiling cartridge, having observed extremely small SD’s and making impacts out to 1,390 yards.
About ELD-VT
ELD-VT stands for Extremely Low Drag Varmint | Target. This technology relies on drawing Hornady’s match-grade bullet jacket out (long ogive) and cutting and seating a lead core at a reduced height. This moves the center of gravity rearward for better dynamic stability and leaves an air cavity at the front for dramatic expansion.
It is offered in .22 caliber, 6mm, 6.5mm, and .30 caliber. Factory V-Match ammunition options include 22 ARC, 6mm ARC, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor. These cartridges were chosen for their fast twist rates.
From Hornady:
Bring trophies home and send varmints packing with the new ELD-VT™ bullet from Hornady. Incorporating years of ballistic research, ELD-VT™ pairs the aerodynamics of a low-drag match bullet with the light weight and high velocity of a varmint bullet. With its unmatched accuracy and explosive fragmentation, ELD-VT™ picks up trophies as fast as it drops varmints!
The Hornady ELD-VT™ bullet is here to redefine your varmint hunting and shooting pursuits, offering unmatched accuracy, rapid fragmentation, and the confidence to take on any challenge– from long-range varmint hunts to long-range competitions.
HEAT SHIELD® TECHNOLOGY
ELD-VT™ bullets incorporate the Heat Shield® tip, which resists the effects of aerodynamic heating. They retain their shape to maintain the lowest drag over their entire trajectory.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PROCESS (AMP®) BULLET JACKETS
A testament to an unwavering commitment to excellence, AMP® bullet jackets provide unrivaled consistency in concentricity and thickness, ensuring every ELD-VT™ bullet performs at its peak.
RAPID FRAGMENTATION
The Hornady ELD-VT™ bullet isn’t just about hitting the bullseye – it’s about making a statement when it gets there. Upon impact, the polymer tip drives rearward through the large air gap and into the bullet core, causing rapid and dramatic fragmentation, even at low velocity.
PRECISION PERFORMANCE
Born from a culmination of years of ballistic research, the ELD-VT™ pairs the aerodynamics of low drag match bullets with the lighter weight of a varmint bullet, giving the ELD-VT™ a level of uncompromising dual-purpose performance. Say goodbye to compromise, as this bullet’s match-winning accuracy and rapid expansion will set new standards.
UNIQUE WEIGHT TO LENGTH DESIGN
Long, sleek, match bullet profile with reduced core-to-bullet length ratio maximizes muzzle velocity and moves the center of gravity rearward which enhances aerodynamic performance.
The 62 grain .224 ELD-VT bullet is ideal for predator hunting and isn’t intended for use on anything larger than a wolf. It is currently in Hornady’s V-Match ammunition line.
Big News
While SHOT Show is always full of big news, SAAMI approved both the 22 ARC and 22 Creedmoor during the week. This is a monumental step in furthering the existence and availability of both cartridges. Seth explained the excitement of 22 Creedmoor is its speed. While good for varmints like the 22 ARC, with the right bullet, it’s also viable for larger game. (Hornady has an exclusive ELD-X Precision Hunter load offered through TX Ammo and Horizon Firearms.) As a flat and swift cartridge with a large case capacity, the 22 Creedmoor is a lot more effective on antelope, deer, and long range varmints than one would expect a .22 caliber to be.
Conclusion
After completing the high-performance 22 ARC build, I’m contemplating a 22 Creedmoor build and looking forward to seeing what more these cartridges can do. Both hot-rod .22’s, they are different tools for different jobs. Comparing ELD-VT and ELD-X, ELD-X is more suited to medium size game like antelope and deer while ELD-VT is perfect for predator hunting.
Get the Gear
Hornady 22 caliber 62 grain ELD-VT Bullets
Hornady 22 ARC Cases at Midsouth Shooters Supply
Hornady 22 ARC 62 grain ELD-VT V-Match Ammunition
Hornady 22 ARC 75 grain ELD-M Ammunition
Hornady 22 ARC 88 grain ELD-M Ammunition
Hornady 22 Creedmoor 80 Grain ELD-X Precision Hunter Ammunition at TX Ammo and Horizon Firearms
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear
