In the ever-evolving world of rifle cartridges, a handful of .22-caliber rounds continue to stand out: the .22 ARC, .224 Valkyrie, and the long-serving 5.56 NATO. While they share the same bullet diameter—.224 inches—their performance, purpose, and strengths vary significantly. Whether you’re a precision shooter, hunter, or tactical operator, understanding how these rounds stack up can help you make the right choice for your rifle and mission.
.22 ARC: The New High-Performer on the Block
The .22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge is the newest of the three and was developed with an eye toward improving upon the limitations of the 5.56 NATO. Originally designed with military applications in mind, it’s quickly earning attention in civilian circles for its impressive ballistics and long-range potential.
Performance Overview
Firing heavier projectiles—typically between 77 and 90 grains—the .22 ARC delivers excellent velocity (often around 3,000 fps) and higher energy than its peers. Muzzle energy ranges from 2,400 to 2,600 ft-lbs, giving it greater stopping power and penetration, especially beyond 500 yards.
Where the ARC really shines is in its trajectory. A 90-grain bullet sighted in at 100 yards drops just -16.5″ at 500 yards, and -75.5″ at 1,000 yards—making it an ideal choice for long-range accuracy. Its high ballistic coefficient and retained energy over distance help it edge out both the Valkyrie and the 5.56 when it comes to flat shooting and terminal performance at range.
.224 Valkyrie: Built for Precision at a Distance
Released by Federal in 2017, the .224 Valkyrie was built for one purpose: precision long-range shooting from the AR-15 platform. It’s a favorite among competition shooters and varmint hunters thanks to its excellent ballistic efficiency and low recoil.
Performance Overview
Using bullets in the 75 to 90-grain range (with 90-grain projectiles being most common), the Valkyrie matches the .22 ARC in muzzle velocity—hovering around 3,000 fps—but falls a bit short in energy, with around 1,700–1,800 ft-lbs at the muzzle.
Still, it performs well downrange. At 1,000 yards, a 90-grain .224 Valkyrie bullet drops about -79.5″, only slightly more than the .22 ARC. While it doesn’t have quite the same punch, it offers remarkable consistency and minimal wind drift, especially with match-grade bullets.
5.56 NATO: The Proven Workhorse
For decades, the 5.56 NATO has been the standard-issue cartridge for NATO forces and law enforcement worldwide. It’s lightweight, has low recoil, and is widely available. Though not designed for extreme range, it remains one of the most versatile rounds on the market.
Performance Overview
Typically loaded with 55 to 77-grain bullets (62-grain being the military standard), the 5.56 NATO travels at speeds between 3,000 and 3,200 fps. Muzzle energy ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 ft-lbs, making it ideal for close to medium-range engagements.
Its trajectory, while flatter than many larger calibers, begins to suffer beyond 400 yards. A 55-grain bullet zeroed at 100 yards drops about -66.8” at 1,000 yards—still capable, but far less efficient than its newer cousins. That said, for distances under 300 yards, the 5.56 remains extremely effective and easy to shoot.
Trajectory Comparison: ARC vs Valkyrie vs 5.56
| Distance (yards) | .22 ARC (90 gr) | .224 Valkyrie (90 gr) | 5.56 NATO (55 gr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0″ | 0″ | 0″ |
| 300 | -4.7″ | -4.5″ | -4.7″ |
| 500 | -16.5″ | -16.8″ | -16.0″ |
| 800 | -46.5″ | -49.0″ | -42.5″ |
| 1,000 | -75.5″ | -79.5″ | -66.8″ |
Note: These figures are approximations based on average factory loads with bullets sighted in at 100 yards.
Use Case Breakdown
Military and Tactical Use
- Winner: .22 ARC
- The ARC offers better long-range performance, superior energy retention, and flatter trajectories than 5.56 NATO, making it a top candidate for modernized military use.
Long-Range Precision Shooting
- Winner: .224 Valkyrie
- For competition and steel at 800–1,000 yards, Valkyrie delivers match-grade accuracy from the AR-15 platform with less recoil and plenty of factory ammo options.
General Purpose & Close-Range Defense
- Winner: 5.56 NATO
- For its reliability, availability, affordability, and versatility in close-quarters or mid-range use, the 5.56 remains the go-to.
Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—just a question of mission.
- Choose the .22 ARC if you want cutting-edge ballistics, better range and energy than the 5.56, and the potential to future-proof your rifle.
- Go with the .224 Valkyrie if you’re a distance shooter or varmint hunter looking for match precision in a soft-shooting platform.
- Stick with 5.56 NATO if you need a time-tested, widely supported cartridge for defense, plinking, or duty use.
Each of these cartridges brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re training, hunting, or competing, choosing the right round starts with understanding your own needs—and now you’ve got the info to make that decision.
