What is the 22 Creedmoor? A Deep Dive Into Its Ballistics and Performance

The 22 Creedmoor is quickly becoming a game-changer in long-range shooting and hunting. As the largest .22 caliber cartridge on the market, it delivers lethal energy at incredible speeds and offers a flatter trajectory than its competitors.

Whether you’re a precision shooter or a hunter targeting small to mid-sized game, understanding the performance of the 22 Creedmoor can give you a serious advantage in the field.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the 22 Creedmoor—from its ballistics and velocity to how it stacks up against other popular rounds like the 22-250 Remington and 220 Swift. Backed by expert insights and data-driven comparisons, this guide will help you determine if the 22 Creedmoor is the right cartridge for you.

22 Creedmoor Ballistics: Velocity, Energy, and Wind Drift

The 22 Creedmoor’s ballistics make it a standout performer, particularly at long ranges. With its high velocity, energy retention, and flat trajectory, the 22 Creedmoor cartridge excels in hunting and target shooting scenarios.

Velocity

The 22 Creedmoor is known for pushing bullets at incredible speeds. Depending on the bullet weight and load, it can reach up to 3,600 feet per second (fps) with a 60-grain V-Max bullet. Even when using heavier 90-grain bullets, the 22 Creedmoor maintains speeds of around 3,200 fps. This velocity is crucial for ensuring flat trajectories and making long-range shots more accurate.

At 600 yards, the 22 Creedmoor is almost 600 fps faster than the 22-250 Remington. This difference in velocity ensures that the 22 Creedmoor retains more speed and energy over long distances while the 22-250 slows down more rapidly.

Energy

Muzzle energy is a key factor in the stopping power of a round. The 22 Creedmoor generates impressive energy across various bullet weights. A 60-grain bullet fired from a 22 Creedmoor produces around 1,727 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy, significantly higher than comparable cartridges like the 220 Swift or the 22-250.

At 1,000 yards, the 22 Creedmoor still retains enough kinetic energy for hunting deer, while the 220 Swift, at the same distance, has only ¼ of the energy that the 22 Creedmoor does. This makes the 22 Creedmoor a superior choice for long-range hunting, where energy retention is critical.

Wind Drift

Wind drift is a major consideration when shooting at long ranges, as wind can significantly affect the bullet’s flight path. The 22 Creedmoor’s design helps minimize wind drift, making it more stable in windy conditions than its competitors.

At 600 yards, the 22 Creedmoor experiences 24.8 inches less wind drift than the 22-250 Remington in a 10 mph crosswind. This makes it a more reliable choice for precision shooting in variable wind conditions, reducing the adjustments needed to stay on target.

Trajectory

One of the most attractive features of the 22 Creedmoor is its flat trajectory, which is particularly beneficial for long-range shooters. At 1,000 yards, the 22 Creedmoor drops almost 12 feet less than the 220 Swift. To put that in perspective, that’s the height of a regulation-size basketball hoop.

This flatter trajectory reduces the need for drastic scope adjustments when aiming at targets at extended ranges. When zeroed at 100 yards, the 80-grain ELD-M bullet from the 22 Creedmoor will only drop 36.6 inches at 500 yards, making it an excellent choice for long-range precision shooting.

22 Creedmoor vs. Other Cartridges

While the 22 Creedmoor offers impressive ballistics, how does it stack up against other popular cartridges? Let’s explore how it compares to the 220 Swift, 22-250 Remington, and other well-known rounds.

22 Creedmoor vs. 220 Swift

The 220 Swift has long been celebrated for its high velocities, often reaching over 4,100 fps with lighter bullets. However, when using heavier projectiles, like a 60-grain bullet, the 220 Swift’s velocity is very close to the 22 Creedmoor’s 3,618 fps. The real difference lies in energy retention and trajectory.

At 1,000 yards, the 22 Creedmoor has 12 feet less drop than the 220 Swift and retains far more kinetic energy, making it a superior choice for long-range shots. Additionally, while both cartridges offer flat trajectories, the 22 Creedmoor’s design allows it to handle heavier bullets with greater stability at long distances.

22 Creedmoor vs. 22-250 Remington

The 22-250 Remington is known for its blazing speed, especially with lighter bullets like the 35-grain, which can reach 4,450 fps. However, with heavier bullets, such as a 60-grain V-Max, the 22-250’s velocity drops to around 3,600 fps, matching the 22 Creedmoor.

The 22 Creedmoor pulls ahead in energy retention and long-range performance. At 600 yards, the 22 Creedmoor is 600 fps faster than the 22-250, meaning the 22-250 slows down much faster as it travels through the air.

The 22 Creedmoor also experiences significantly less wind drift at long distances, making it the better option for precision shooting in varied weather conditions.

22 Creedmoor vs. Other .22 Caliber Cartridges

When compared to other .22 caliber cartridges like the 22 Nosler and 224 Valkyrie, the 22 Creedmoor continues to stand out for its balance of velocity, energy, and bullet stability.

While the 22 Nosler and 224 Valkyrie are excellent for shooting lighter projectiles at high speeds, the 22 Creedmoor provides more energy retention and flatter trajectories when using heavier bullets, giving it a clear edge in long-range shooting and hunting applications.

22 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor and 22 Creedmoor share a similar design but differ significantly in bullet weight and performance. While the 6.5 Creedmoor typically fires a heavier 143-grain ELD-X bullet, the 22 Creedmoor uses an 80-grain ELD-X, giving it higher velocity and a flatter trajectory. Despite the lighter bullet, the 22 Creedmoor is only 219 ft-lbs behind the 6.5 Creedmoor in energy at 1,000 yards, demonstrating its impressive efficiency at long distances.

Regarding wind drift, the 6.5 Creedmoor’s heavier bullet provides slightly better stability in windy conditions. At 1,000 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, the 22 Creedmoor drifts just 1.2 inches more than the 6.5 Creedmoor, making the difference negligible in most shooting scenarios. Both cartridges handle long-range shooting well, with only slight advantages favoring the 6.5 Creedmoor for stability.

Ultimately, the choice between these two comes down to your needs. The 22 Creedmoor is faster and offers a flatter trajectory, making it ideal for varmint hunting and long-range precision with lighter bullets. The 6.5 Creedmoor provides more energy retention and wind stability, making it better suited for larger game and extreme-range shooting.

22 Creedmoor Barrel Considerations

Barrel length, twist rate, and materials are important in getting the most out of the 22 Creedmoor.

Barrel Length

For optimal performance, many shooters prefer barrel lengths between 22 to 26 inches, which allow for greater velocity and accuracy. Shorter barrels, such as 20 inches, can offer better maneuverability but at the cost of some velocity.

Twist Rate

Choosing the right twist rate ensures the bullet remains stable throughout its flight. The 22 Creedmoor performs best with a 1:7 or 1:8 twist rate, stabilizing heavier bullets like 75-90 grains and enhancing accuracy at long distances.

Barrel Life

Due to the 22 Creedmoor’s high velocity, barrel wear is a concern. However, unlike cartridges like the 220 Swift, the 22 Creedmoor operates at lower pressures, leading to a longer barrel life. A stainless steel barrel can enhance durability and resist heat and corrosion during extended shooting sessions.

Conclusion: Why Choose the 22 Creedmoor?

The 22 Creedmoor offers a winning combination of high velocity, energy retention, and flat trajectory, making it one of the best options for long-range shooters and hunters today.

Whether compared to the 220 Swift, 22-250 Remington, or other popular rounds, the 22 Creedmoor consistently delivers superior energy, trajectory, and stability with heavier bullets.

The 22 Creedmoor is a top choice for those looking for a versatile and powerful cartridge capable of handling a variety of shooting conditions.