Ammo Reports Team
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Varmint hunting and precision target shooting |
| Bullet Type | ELD-VT (Extremely Low Drag – Varmint/Target) polymer-tipped lead-core flat-base |
| Bullet Weight | 62 grains |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Centerfire, boxer (reloadable) |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $36.49/box — $1.82/round |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady BLACK 22 ARC 75 Gr ELD-M, Federal American Eagle 22 ARC 62 Gr OTM, Nosler Match Grade 22 ARC 70 Gr RDF |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published |
| Bullet Weight | 62 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | ELD-VT (Extremely Low Drag – Varmint/Target) | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not published |
| UPC | — | Not published |
| Reloadable | Yes | Manufacturer (brass/boxer) |
Note: Hornady has not published muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, or ballistic coefficient data for this specific V-Match 22 ARC 62 Gr ELD-VT load in publicly available spec sheets as of this writing. All ballistic table values below are calculated estimates using physics-based modeling with assumed inputs and should not be treated as manufacturer-confirmed data. If Hornady releases official specs, this page will be updated.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison.
Assumptions used: Muzzle velocity ~2,950 fps (estimated, based on comparable 22 ARC loads in 24″ barrels), G7 BC ~0.190 (estimated for 62 gr ELD-VT class bullet), sight height 1.5″ above bore, 100 yd zero, sea level, 59°F, no wind.
| Yards | ~Velocity (fps) | ~Energy (ft-lbs) | ~Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~2,950 | ~1,197 | -1.5 |
| 100 | ~2,728 | ~1,023 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | ~2,515 | ~870 | -3.8 |
| 300 | ~2,311 | ~735 | -14.1 |
| 400 | ~2,116 | ~616 | -32.4 |
| 500 | ~1,930 | ~512 | -60.1 |
Key takeaway: The 22 ARC cartridge was purpose-built to extract high ballistic efficiency from the AR-15 platform, and a 62 grain ELD-VT projectile at this velocity class maintains meaningful retained energy well past 300 yards — a genuine advantage over lighter 22-caliber offerings like the .223 Rem at similar bullet weights. The relatively flat trajectory out to 300 yards makes range estimation errors forgiving for varmint work at field distances. Beyond 400 yards, wind drift management becomes the dominant variable, and the unpublished BC makes precise long-range holds difficult to calculate without chronograph data. Shooters planning extended-range work should verify actual muzzle velocity from their specific barrel length before committing to a firing solution.
The ELD-VT Bullet and Why This Load Exists
The ELD-VT (Extremely Low Drag – Varmint/Target) is Hornady’s answer to a specific problem: conventional polymer-tipped varmint bullets can experience tip deformation during flight at very high velocities, degrading the ballistic coefficient mid-trajectory. Hornady’s solution, shared across the ELD family, is a Heat Shield tip made from a thermoplastic material engineered to resist aerodynamic heating and maintain its shape throughout the bullet’s flight. The result is a more consistent BC from muzzle to target compared to older-generation varmint tips.
The 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) itself is a Hornady-developed cartridge introduced in 2023, designed specifically to push heavier, high-BC 22-caliber bullets from a standard AR-15 bolt face and magazine. It achieves higher muzzle velocity with heavier projectiles than the .223 Remington/5.56 NATO can practically manage, while operating at pressures compatible with the AR-15 gas system when paired with the correct barrel and bolt. The V-Match line positions this load squarely at the intersection of match-grade accuracy and explosive terminal performance — the ELD-VT is not a hunting-only or target-only bullet, but a hybrid designed to satisfy both disciplines simultaneously.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Prairie dog and ground squirrel hunting at ranges from 50 to 350 yards where rapid, explosive terminal performance is required
- Coyote hunting where caliber regulations permit 22-caliber centerfire and a rapid-expansion bullet is preferred
- Precision target shooting and group testing on paper where the match-grade construction delivers consistent accuracy
- AR-15 platform shooters who have already invested in a 22 ARC-specific barrel and bolt and want a factory load optimized for the cartridge’s capability
- Varmint hunters who need a load that transitions cleanly between field and range use without swapping ammunition types
Not the right tool for:
- Deer or larger big-game hunting — the ELD-VT is designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation, not controlled penetration through heavy bone and muscle; most states prohibit 22-caliber centerfires for deer regardless
- Shooters who do not own a 22 ARC-chambered firearm — this cartridge is not interchangeable with .223 Rem, .224 Valkyrie, or any other 22-caliber centerfire
- Budget-conscious shooters doing high-volume practice — at $1.82/round, this is a premium load; cheaper brass-case options exist for round-count training
- Jurisdictions with lead-core bullet restrictions (California condor zones, certain federal lands) — this is a lead-core projectile, not a lead-free alternative
- Subsonic or suppressor-optimized applications — the ELD-VT is a supersonic, high-velocity design
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product descriptions, the V-Match line is positioned as Hornady’s highest-consistency factory offering, with the ELD-VT bullet featuring a Heat Shield polymer tip intended to maintain dimensional uniformity across the bullet’s flight. Hornady’s published manufacturing standards for the V-Match series emphasize consistent powder charges, uniform primer seating, and tight dimensional tolerances — all factors that contribute to shot-to-shot consistency rather than peak velocity. The 22 ARC cartridge’s headspace and chamber specifications are tightly controlled by SAAMI, which reduces chamber-fit variability across compliant firearms. All notes above reflect manufacturer claims and open-source product descriptions, not structured user data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady BLACK 22 ARC 75 Gr ELD-M | 75 gr | ELD-M (Match) | ~0.530 | ~2,750 fps | ~$36–$39 | Same brand, heavier bullet for extended range; no explosive terminal effect |
| Federal American Eagle 22 ARC 62 Gr OTM | 62 gr | Open Tip Match | ~0.310 | ~2,950 fps | ~$28–$32 | Budget alternative; same weight class, lower BC, no varmint-optimized tip — best value option |
| Nosler Match Grade 22 ARC 70 Gr RDF | 70 gr | RDF (Reduced Drag Factor) | ~0.395 | ~2,800 fps | ~$38–$42 | Premium alternative; superior BC for wind-bucking at distance, less explosive terminal |
| Hornady V-Match .224 Valkyrie 60 Gr ELD-VT | 60 gr | ELD-VT | ~0.330 | ~2,900 fps | ~$28–$33 | Same bullet family in competing cartridge; relevant for shooters choosing between platforms |
| Winchester USA Ready 22 ARC 62 Gr OTP | 62 gr | Open Tip Performance | ~0.300 | ~2,950 fps | ~$30–$34 | Comparable weight; less premium construction, suited for volume varmint shooting |
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $34–$40 per 20-round box; case pricing not widely available at launch
- Per-round cost: approximately $1.72–$2.00 depending on retailer and market conditions
- At $36.49/box, this load sits at the premium tier of 22 ARC factory ammunition — consistent with other V-Match and Match Grade offerings in comparable calibers
- The Federal American Eagle 22 ARC 62 Gr OTM typically runs $8–$10 less per box, making it the go-to for shooters who want the same bullet weight without the ELD-VT construction premium
- The Nosler Match Grade 22 ARC 70 Gr RDF at ~$38–$42/box is the primary premium competitor; it costs slightly more but offers a higher published BC for long-range precision
- Fair price benchmark: $36–$39/box reflects reasonable market value for this construction tier; boxes priced above $42 should be considered overpriced given current market conditions
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Hornady V-Match 22 ARC 62 Gr ELD-VT (Box)
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.
FAQ
What makes the ELD-VT different from Hornady’s ELD-M bullet used in the BLACK line?
The ELD-M (Extremely Low Drag – Match) is optimized purely for ballistic consistency and accuracy at long range, with a secant ogive profile and a BC prioritized for minimal wind drift. The ELD-VT shares the same Heat Shield tip technology but is engineered for explosive terminal performance — it initiates rapid fragmentation on impact with soft tissue at appropriate velocities, making it effective for varmint hunting. The ELD-M, by contrast, is not marketed as a hunting bullet and does not prioritize terminal expansion. If your goal is paper targets only, the ELD-M line may offer a marginal BC advantage; if you want a load that works on both the range and in the field, the ELD-VT is the purpose-built choice.
Is the 22 ARC compatible with my existing AR-15, or does it require a dedicated build?
The 22 ARC requires a dedicated barrel chambered specifically for the cartridge and a bolt with the correct extractor geometry — it is not a drop-in conversion from .223 Rem or 5.56 NATO. The cartridge uses the same bolt face diameter as the .308 Winchester family, which means some AR-15 lowers require a modified or dedicated upper receiver as well. Shooters should confirm full parts compatibility before purchasing this ammunition. Using 22 ARC ammunition in an incorrectly chambered firearm is unsafe and will result in feeding failures or worse.
Can this load be used for coyote hunting, or is it too explosive for fur preservation?
The ELD-VT is designed for rapid, explosive fragmentation — which is excellent for clean, humane kills on varmints but will cause significant pelt damage at close to medium ranges. For predator hunters focused on fur quality, a controlled-expansion or soft-point load in 22 ARC would be a better choice. For pest control where pelt condition is irrelevant, the ELD-VT’s terminal performance is well-suited to coyote-sized animals at ranges where the bullet is still traveling at sufficient velocity to initiate expansion. Most 22-caliber centerfires are legal for coyote in all U.S. states, but hunters should verify local regulations before use.
Why doesn’t Hornady publish muzzle velocity for this load?
At the time of this writing, Hornady has not released a complete public spec sheet for the V-Match 22 ARC 62 Gr ELD-VT — a situation not uncommon with newly introduced loads where testing across standardized barrel lengths is still being finalized or where the manufacturer chooses to release data only through official channels like their reloading manual or ballistics app. Shooters requiring precise velocity data for long-range firing solutions should chronograph the load from their specific barrel, as barrel length, chamber dimensions, and temperature all affect real-world velocity. The Hornady 4DOF ballistic calculator may also include updated data when the load is formally catalogued.
How does this load compare to the .224 Valkyrie for varmint hunting from an AR-15 platform?
Both the 22 ARC and .224 Valkyrie were designed to push heavier, higher-BC 22-caliber bullets from the AR-15 platform beyond what .223 Rem can practically achieve. The 22 ARC generally offers a velocity advantage with comparable bullet weights due to its case design, while the .224 Valkyrie has a larger installed base and broader factory ammunition selection after several more years on the market. For a shooter starting fresh, the 22 ARC’s performance ceiling is marginally higher; for a shooter already invested in .224 Valkyrie components, switching platforms to access this specific load is unlikely to produce a meaningful real-world performance difference at typical varmint hunting distances.
