The .22 PPC (Palmisano and Pindell Cartridge) is one of the most inherently accurate centerfire cartridges ever designed, developed by Dr. Lou Palmisano and Cornelius Pindell in 1974. Derived from the .220 Russian (5.6x39mm) case with a sharper 30-degree shoulder and modified dimensions, the .22 PPC dominated benchrest competition for decades. Its short, fat case geometry produces exceptionally consistent powder ignition, tight muzzle velocity spreads, and outstanding accuracy potential from precisely chambered barrels.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1974, United States
Parent case: .220 Russian
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.224" (5.69 mm)
Case length: 1.505" (38.23 mm)
Overall length: 2.2" (55.88 mm)
Max pressure: 54,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:14
Muzzle velocity: 3400–3600 fps
Muzzle energy: 1332–1582 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 52, 53, 55 gr
Primary use: benchrest_competition, target_shooting, varmint_hunting
Production status: Active
Also known as: 22 PPC · .22 PPC-USA
History: Palmisano and Pindell began experimenting with modified .220 Russian cases in the early 1970s, seeking to optimize case geometry for benchrest accuracy. The resulting .22 PPC and companion 6mm PPC dominated competitive benchrest shooting from the late 1970s onward, breaking existing records and holding them for years. Sako of Finland commercialized the cartridge, offering factory rifles and…
Notable firearms: Sako Model 75 Benchrest, Custom single-shot benchrest rifles