Rifle · SAAMI
.22 Nosler
Nosler's AR-15 optimized .22 centerfire — a rebated-rim cartridge that uses the standard AR-15 bolt while fitting a larger case body than .223 Remington.
- Caliber
- 0.224″ · 5.69 mm
- Introduced
- 2017
- Case
- Rebated
- Parent
- 6.8mm Remington SPC
- Primary use
- Hunting, Target
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 2017
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Nosler
- Manufacturer
- Nosler / Hornady
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Specialty
- Case capacity
- 37 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:8
- Primer
- Small Rifle
- Case type
- Rebated
- Max pressure
- 55,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 400 yd
- Max range
- 4650 yd
- Recoil
- 7–10 ft·lb
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .22 Nosler. Parent case: 6.8mm Remington SPC.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 5.69 | 0.224 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 6.48 | 0.255 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 10.16 | 0.400 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 30° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 10.69 | 0.421 | ~ |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.60 | 0.378 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.14 | 0.045 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 6.22 | 0.245 | ≈ |
| Case length | 44.70 | 1.760 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 57.40 | 2.260 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .22 Nosler is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
11 reloading powders listed for .22 Nosler, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in .22 Nosler
Lineage
Rebated rim, necked down to .224
Connected reference
History
Introduced in 2017, the .22 Nosler was designed specifically for AR-15 shooters wanting more velocity than .223/5.56 without changing bolt or lower receiver. The rebated rim matches the AR-15 bolt face; only a barrel change is required to convert a standard AR-15. With a 55-grain bullet at 3,350 fps, the .22 Nosler outperforms 5.56 NATO by approximately 300 fps, delivering noticeably flatter trajectory for varminting and competition. The .224 Valkyrie (Federal, 2018) and .22 ARC (Hornady, 2024) entered the same space shortly after, creating a competitive .22-caliber AR-15 market. Nosler and Hornady produce factory ammunition.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .22 Nosler use?
- .22 Nosler typically uses a 1:8 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .22 Nosler?
- .22 Nosler uses a 0.224″ (5.69 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .22 Nosler still in production?
- .22 Nosler is active; typical availability is specialty.
- What is .22 Nosler used for?
- .22 Nosler is primarily used for hunting, target.
- What is .22 Nosler based on?
- .22 Nosler is derived from the 6.8mm Remington SPC case.
- What are the best powders for .22 Nosler?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for .22 Nosler include Benchmark, Vihtavuori N133, H335, 2015, among 11 suitable options.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 20 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
