The 22 Nosler is a high-performance, small-caliber rifle cartridge introduced by Nosler in 2017. It was designed to increase the performance of AR-15 platform rifles, offering higher velocity and improved ballistics over the popular 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington rounds. The 22 Nosler achieves this by having a larger case capacity, which allows for more powder and thus higher velocities.
Key features of the 22 Nosler include:
- Bullet diameter: .224 inches
- Case length: 1.760 inches
- Overall length: 2.260 inches
- Maximum pressure: 55,000 psi
The cartridge is typically loaded with bullets ranging from 55 to 85 grains, providing velocities that can exceed 3,500 feet per second with lighter bullets. This makes it suitable for a variety of use cases including varmint hunting, target shooting, and some types of medium game hunting.
For those who already own an AR-15, converting to 22 Nosler is relatively simple and involves changing the barrel and, often, the magazine, while still utilizing the standard AR-15 bolt carrier group.