.22 Creedmoor: The Ultimate Modern Varmint & Predator Cartridge

The .22 Creedmoor is quickly becoming a go-to round for shooters who demand more velocity and flatter trajectories. With better long-range performance than the .223 Rem or even the .22-250. Built by necking down the popular 6.5 Creedmoor case to .224 caliber, the .22 Creedmoor combines high ballistic coefficients, modern case design, and impressive speed to create one of the most versatile predator and varmint cartridges on the market today.

Whether you’re shooting steel at 1,000 yards or putting down coyotes at 500+, it delivers the accuracy, power, and consistency long-range shooters crave.

Pros of the .22 Creedmoor

1. High Velocity with Heavy Bullets
The .22 Creedmoor can push 75–95 grain bullets at speeds north of 3,300 fps. That means you get excellent velocity with high-BC projectiles — a rare combination that flattens trajectories and bucks the wind better than traditional .22-caliber rounds.

2. Long-Range Capable
This cartridge was built with distance in mind. With bullets like the 88 ELD-M or 95 SMK, the .22 Creedmoor stays supersonic well past 1,000 yards, making it ideal for precision shooting, competition, and long-range predator work.

3. Improved Wind Resistance
Thanks to its ability to shoot heavier .224 bullets at high speeds, the .22 Creedmoor dramatically reduces wind drift compared to the .223 Rem, .22-250, or even 6mm options in some scenarios.

4. Modern Case Design
The Creedmoor case is known for its excellent brass life, consistent powder burn, and inherent accuracy. It feeds reliably in precision bolt-actions and can be tuned easily for semi-auto platforms with proper setup.

Cons of the .22 Creedmoor

1. Barrel Life
With great speed comes faster throat erosion. Expect a barrel life in the 1,500–2,000 round range depending on load and material — less than the .223 but on par with the .22-250.

2. Not Widely Available in Factory Ammo
While gaining popularity, the .22 Creedmoor is still a handloader’s game. Factory ammo is limited, and load data varies — so precision shooters will need to roll their own or work with a custom loader.

3. Requires Proper Twist Rates
To stabilize the heavy, high-BC bullets that make it shine, you’ll need a fast twist barrel (typically 1:7 or faster). If you’re building a rifle, make sure your barrel matches your bullet goals.

4. Overkill for Short-Range Small Game
For short-range ground squirrels or rabbits, the .22 Creedmoor’s explosive impact might be more than needed — especially if you care about preserving meat or pelts.

Final Thoughts

The .22 Creedmoor is a modern .224-caliber powerhouse, perfect for long-range predator control, varmint hunting, and precision target shooting. It bridges the gap between the .223 Rem and the 6mm Creedmoor, offering high speed, flat trajectories, and the ability to run heavy, high-BC bullets with authority.

If you’re looking for a do-it-all .22-caliber rifle that excels past 500 yards, the .22 Creedmoor might be exactly what your arsenal is missing.

Want to build a custom .22 Creedmoor rifle?
At Viking Armament, we specialize in precision rifle builds designed around cutting-edge cartridges like the .22 Creedmoor. Whether you’re after a competition-ready bolt gun or a lightweight predator rifle, we’ll help you build it right. Contact us to start your custom project.