HOP Blog
What Is 22 Creedmoor Good For? A Hunter’s Guide to This High-Speed .22 Caliber Round
Feb
Fast, flat, and hard-hitting—the 22 Creedmoor is turning heads. Originally a wildcat, this high-velocity .22-caliber round has earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy, minimal wind drift, and devastating terminal performance.
The HOP Munitions 22 Creedmoor 90gr HPBT load delivers 3,200 fps and 2,047 ft-lbs of energy, making it a powerhouse for varmint control, predator hunting, and even deer-sized game.
With the right shot placement, it can take down animals that many wouldn’t expect from a .22-caliber round.
22 Creedmoor for Varmints & Predators
If there’s one thing the 22 Creedmoor excels at, it’s predator and varmint control. Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, prairie dogs—you name it, this round drops them fast and clean.
The HOP Munitions 90gr HPBT 22 Creedmoor is built for precision at extended ranges, pushing 3,200 fps with a high ballistic coefficient for minimal wind drift.
Unlike smaller .22-caliber rounds like the .223 or .22-250, the 22 Creedmoor carries more energy downrange, making it a devastating choice for fast-moving predators at longer distances.
Flat Shooting, Minimal Wind Drift
When hunting varmints and predators, the biggest challenge is dealing with wind and unpredictable movement.
The 22 Creedmoor’s high velocity and sleek bullet profile make it a laser at long range, beating the 22-250 and 220 Swift in wind drift performance.
According to field tests, the 22 Creedmoor only drops about 19.8 inches at 400 yards, keeping it on target longer and more predictable in shifting winds.
Coyotes at Long Range
Coyote hunters love this round because of its reach and stopping power. While some rounds lose effectiveness past 300 yards, our 22 Creedmoor retains nearly 2,000 fps of velocity at 400 yards, ensuring it still hits with authority.
If you’re running thermal optics for predator control, you’ll appreciate the round’s low recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Varmint Hunting: Overkill or Just Right?
For smaller critters like prairie dogs or groundhogs, some might call the 22 Creedmoor overkill. But if you’re dealing with larger varmints or need to make shots beyond 500 yards, the extra speed and energy make it one of the best long-range varmint rounds available.
The bullet’s high energy transfer ensures clean kills, preventing wounded animals from escaping.
Bottom line? If you’re hunting varmints or predators, 22 Creedmoor gives you a lethal combination of speed, accuracy, and knockdown power.
22 Creedmoor for Deer Hunting & Medium Game
Many hunters wonder: Is the 22 Creedmoor enough for deer? When paired with the right bullet and good shot placement, the answer is a resounding yes.
Our 22 Creedmoor load brings 3,200 fps of speed and 2,047 ft-lbs of energy, exceeding the traditional 1,000 ft-lb minimum energy threshold often recommended for deer hunting.
Unlike smaller .22-caliber cartridges, the 22 Creedmoor retains enough velocity and energy at extended distances to make it a serious contender for whitetail, mule deer, and even feral hogs.
Why the 22 Creedmoor Works for Deer Hunting
- Flat Trajectory – The minimal drop at long range makes this an excellent option for open-country deer hunting, where longer shots are typical.
- High Energy Transfer – Our HPBT projectile is designed to maximize energy on impact, delivering a lethal hit to vital organs without excessive meat damage.
- Low Recoil = Better Accuracy – Less recoil means faster target reacquisition and more confidence in the shot, especially for new hunters or those used to smaller calibers.
Shot Placement is Key
While the 22 Creedmoor can take down deer, shot placement matters—just like with any caliber.
Hunters should aim for a quick, humane kill in the heart-lung area.
Quartering shots or shoulder impacts may not yield the same level of penetration as a larger caliber like .308, so precision is key.
Real-World Performance on Deer
Hunters running 22 Creedmoor rifles have reported clean one-shot kills at distances up to 400+ yards.
The high BC bullets retain energy exceptionally well, ensuring the round maintains lethal penetration even at extended ranges.
If you’re looking for a low-recoil, high-speed option for deer hunting, the HOP Munitions 22 Creedmoor is one of the best choices available today.
With proper bullet selection and shot placement, it can take down whitetails, mule deer, and feral hogs effectively.
22 Creedmoor for Larger Game: Ethical Limits & Considerations
The 22 Creedmoor has proven itself on varmints, predators, and deer-sized game—but what about larger animals like black bear or elk?
This is where things get a bit more controversial, and ethical considerations come into play.
Can You Hunt Larger Game with the 22 Creedmoor?
Some hunters have successfully taken black bears and even elk with the 22 Creedmoor, but that doesn’t mean it’s the ideal tool for the job. The key factors to consider are:
- Energy at Impact – While our 90gr HPBT starts with an impressive 2,047 ft-lbs of energy, this number drops significantly at long range. Ethical big-game hunting typically calls for 1,500 ft-lbs of impact energy for elk, and the 22 Creedmoor falls below that threshold past 200-300 yards.
- Shot Placement is Everything – Hunters using this round on black bear emphasize precise heart-lung shots. A poorly placed shot could result in an animal running off and suffering unnecessarily.
- Legal Considerations – Some states have minimum caliber and energy requirements for hunting big game. Many jurisdictions do not allow .22-caliber bullets for elk or bear, so always check local regulations before heading out.
Real-World Example: 22 Creedmoor on Black Bear
One hunter took a 400-yard shot on a large black bear, landing a perfect lung shot with devastating results.
The bear ran only 30 yards before collapsing, and upon skinning the animal, the internal damage was described as “mind-blowing.”
However, the hunter admitted that he wouldn’t recommend the round beyond 400 yards for ethical reasons.
Bottom Line: Use It Where It Excels
The 22 Creedmoor is an outstanding hunting cartridge used within its effective range and for the right game.
It shines for varmints, predators, and deer, but larger animals require extreme precision and the right conditions.
If you’re considering it for black bear, elk, or similar-sized game, understand the limitations and be confident in your shot placement.
Is the 22 Creedmoor Right for You?
With exceptional accuracy, minimal recoil, and outstanding energy retention, it’s one of the best options for predator control, varmint hunting, and deer-sized game.
Our 90gr HPBT 22 Creedmoor is built for long-range hunting success. Buy now before it’s gone!
Whether dropping coyotes at 600 yards or filling a deer tag with a well-placed shot, this round delivers.
