22 Nosler — AR-Capable Cartridge Notably Faster than .223 Rem
Nosler created the 22 Nosler cartridge to get the highest possible ballistic performance from a .22-caliber, AR-compatible cartridge that also provides decent barrel life and ease of conversion. The 22 Nosler achieved these objectives and much more — it delivers far better performance than the .223 Remington and even out-runs the 224 Valkyrie.
14% More Speed than .223 Remington
Approaching 22-250 velocities in a much smaller package the 22 Nosler yields 25% more case capacity than the .223 Rem/5.56 NATO, resulting in 14% more velocity and 30% more energy at the muzzle.
In ballistics, there’s no free lunch. Larger powder capacity at similar operating pressures equates to higher velocity potential. In the case of the 22 Nosler, this is evidenced by a 4-5 grain capacity increase over the tried and true .223 Remington, and a 2-3 grain capacity advantage over the newly-introduced 224 Valkyrie. This larger “engine room” allows the 22 Nosler to deliver higher velocities. That translates to less drop (flatter trajectory) at long range.
Faster than .223 Rem and 224 Valkyrie
When loaded with 80gr low-drag match bullets and fired from the same 24″ barrel (bolt actions, not gas guns) the 22 Nosler outruns the 224 Valkyrie by about 150 fps. Compared to the .223 Remington, the difference is even greater — the 22 Nosler runs over 300 fps faster than a .223 Rem! These velocity gains give the 22 Nosler an advantage in long-range trajectory and downrange energy retention.
This video compares the specifications of the 22 Nosler and .223 Remington.
NOTE: Bolt face dimensions are identical for the 22 Nosler and the 223 Rem / 5.56 NATO at 0.378″, so no bolt swap is required.
How to Run the 22 Nosler in Your AR-Platform Rifle
Converting your AR to 22 Nosler is as simple as a barrel and magazine change, and there are countless AR-platform MSRs in circulation with the proper 0.378” (.223 Rem) sized bolt face. By comparison, to make the swap to 224 Valkyrie, you must purchase a dedicated .224-Valkyrie upper (not cheap!), or at the minimum add a new barrel, modified bolt with proper bolt face, and 6.8 SPC-compliant mags.
This video explains how to adapt an AR-15 type rifle to shoot the 22 Nosler
Many Factory Ammo Options — from 55 to 85 grains
Nosler offers a variety of factory loads in 22 Nosler with bullet options from 55 grains to 85 grains, with various tip choices, and both lead core and lead-free projectile choices.
