Hornady Debuts new Factory .22 Creedmoor Cartridges

Nebraska-based Hornady finally broke cover on the long-teased newest member of the Creedmoor family, in this case with a long 69-grain bullet pushing 3,660 fps.

The new .22 Creedmoor centerfire cartridge picked up a SAAMI standard in 2024 with an 80-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,250 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 62,000 psi. While introduced to SAAMI by Hornady, the cartridge has been floating around with wildcatters and custom rifle makers such as Horizon Firearms for well over a decade, with Hornady providing .22 CM-marked brass since at least 2019. This saved reloaders from having to neck down 6.5 CM cases to .22.

Noted firearms writer Ron Spoomer long ago compared .22 CM to the famed .22-250 Ackley Improved, but with a bit "more horsepower."

Hornady 22 Creedmoor — Hornady feels the biggest advantages that the .22 Creedmoor has over traditional high-velocity .22-caliber cartridges are a modern case design coupled with the proper twist rate to shoot sleek, low-drag bullets. A 1:8 twist rate was selected to help reduce excessive bullet RPM with the lighter bullets and higher velocities. (Photo: Hornady)

Pitched as a perfect choice for varmint and predator hunters seeking longer ranges without burning through barrels, Hornady will be releasing four different .22 CM loads, including an 80-grain load for antelope and deer-sized game:

V‑Match 69 gr. ELD‑VT – Muzzle Velocity: 3,560 fps
Precision Hunter 80 gr. ELD‑X – Muzzle Velocity: 3,285 fps
Superformance 65 gr. CX monolithic copper alloy bullet – Muzzle Velocity: 3,660 fps
Match 80 gr. ELD – Muzzle Velocity: 3,285 fps

Keep in mind the typical velocity for a 69-grain .223 round is between 2,800 and 3,000 fps, with a greater bullet drop at range.

"Based on the legendary 6.5 Creedmoor, this cartridge was engineered for accuracy and speed. By utilizing today’s long, sleek, high‑performance bullets, the .22 Creedmoor delivers ultra‑flat trajectories, minimal wind deflection, and exceptional long‑range performance," says Hornady. "Not only is this round the new predator hunting king, it is equally capable when pursuing small and medium game. With low recoil and high velocity, the .22 Creedmoor is an incredible cartridge for a variety of hunting and long‑range target shooting tasks."

As for rifles to use the new ammo, Hornady says they are working with industry partners, including Christensen Arms, Criterion, Fierce, HS Precision, Proof Research, Ruger, Weatherby, and others, with many models already available.

More info on the .22 CM backstory, going back to 2008, in the video below.

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