The 22 Nosler cartridge was developed by Nosler Inc. to be the fastest 22 caliber round available for the AR-15 platform, with the least amount of modification. It delivers 30% more energy and is nearly 300 fps faster than a 223 Remington/ 5.56 NATO. The only thing required to upgrade any AR15 is a new barrel (or upper receiver) and 6.8 magazines.
The 22 Nosler is basically a 6.8 SPC case necked down to .224 caliber with a rebated rim of .378″ diameter. The bolt face and bolt carrier group are the same as a 223 Remington/556 NATO. Nosler claims the cartridge can push 55-grain bullets 3350 fps from an 18″ barrel.
Below are 3 videos using the 22 Nosler while hog and coyote hunting.
Our test rifles will be custom-built AR15’s with 18″ and 24″ barrels. We will be testing some of the Dog Town ammo from Midway USA and hand loads. We used Nosler Brass for our hand-loads, and bullets from Nosler and Hornady. Load data from Nosler and Hodgdon indicate 55-grain bullets can be pushed up to 3500 fps and 70-grain bullets over 3000 fps from a 24″ barrel.
Our review is not to promote the 22 Nosler, but to provide accuracy and velocity results with factory and hand loads from both 18″ and 24″ barrels.
22 Nosler Range Test
Our first trip to the range was to get the new AR15 running and chronograph some of the Dog Town 22 Nosler 55 grain ammo. With a few small adjustments of the gas block, the new AR was running the Dog Town ammo with no problems. Chronograhing a few rounds through the Oehler P35 gave us an average velocity of 3450 fps, only 50 fps shy of the advertised velocity.
A couple of our fellow 22 Nosler shooters report that their rifles are producing closer to 3660 with that same ammo. The large difference in velocity could be because of different lots of ammo, different barrels, different chronographs or a combination of things. Nosler load data only lists one 55-grain load above 3444 fps. We will see how the hand loads do on the next trip to the range.
22 Nosler Range Test – Factory & Hand Loads
| Weight/Bullet | Powder Charge | Velocity | Primer | Remarks |
| 55 Dog Town | Factory | 3450 | 24″ | |
| 55 Nosler | 31 CFE 223 | 3420 | CCI | 24″ AR |
| 60 V-max | CFE223 | 3250 | CCI | 24″ round primers |
| 60 V-max | 29.0 Varget | 3140 | CCI | 24″ round primers |
| 60 V-max | 29.0 IMR4064 | 3175 | CCI | 24″ |
| 60 V-max | 28.5 IMR4895 | 3100 | CCI | 24″ |
22 Nosler History
The 22 Nosler is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Nosler Inc. in 2016. It is based on the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge, but with a larger bullet diameter and a longer case length. The 22 Nosler is designed to provide improved performance and terminal performance compared to the .223 Remington, and it is capable of utilizing heavier bullet weights for even better terminal performance.
One of the main advantages of the 22 Nosler is its ability to deliver higher velocities and energy transfer than the .223 Remington. This is due to its larger case size, which allows it to burn more powder and generate higher pressures. This can result in improved long-range accuracy and terminal performance on game, making it a popular choice for hunters and competitive shooters.
In addition to its improved performance, the 22 Nosler is also known for its versatility. It can be easily converted into a standard AR-15 rifle by replacing the barrel and bolt, allowing shooters to upgrade the performance of their existing rifle without the need for major modifications. This can be a cost-effective option for those who want to improve the performance of their rifle without a significant investment.
Despite its many benefits, the 22 Nosler is not without its drawbacks. One of the main issues is its limited availability, as it is not as widely available as other calibers. This can make it more difficult for shooters to find the ammunition and components they need, and it may also be more expensive due to its smaller production volume.
Another potential issue with the 22 Nosler is its higher recoil and cost compared to some other calibers. Its larger case size and higher pressure result in more recoil and potentially higher costs for firearms and ammunition. This may not be an issue for some shooters, but it could be a concern for those who are sensitive to recoil or who are on a tight budget.
Despite these challenges, the 22 Nosler remains a popular choice for many shooters due to its improved performance and versatility. Whether you are a hunter looking for improved terminal performance on game, or a competitive shooter looking for a cartridge with the ability to deliver consistent and accurate shots at long range, the 22 Nosler is worth considering. With its ability to easily convert to a standard AR-15 rifle and its reputation for improved performance, the 22 Nosler is a solid choice for many shooters.
Best AR15 Scopes Under $200
Best AR15 Scopes Under $200 by The Old Deer Hunters – Welcome to our comprehensive review of the top AR15 Scopes under $200! We will explore and analyze the features and performance of some popular models, including Bushnell Optics, Vortex Optics, Primary Arms Optics, Sightmark Optics, Sig Sauer an Burris Optics. The list includes hunting scopes, tactical scopes and red dot sights that are tailor-made for the AR15 Rifle. Some of these AR15 optics are for close quarters and personal defense, while others are better suited for hunting and plinking. See the Best AR15 Scopes Under $200.
