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22 ARC Complete Uppers 

The 22 ARC cartridge brings high-ballistic-coefficient .22-caliber performance to the AR-15 platform, combining excellent velocity, low recoil and strong downrange efficiency. Designed to use heavier projectiles than many traditional small-frame varmint cartridges, our 22 ARC AR-15 upper receivers are well suited to predator hunting, varmint control, precision shooting and extended-range applications.

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A properly configured 22 ARC rifle allows shooters to take advantage of aerodynamic .22-caliber bullets while retaining the familiar handling, modularity and fast follow-up capability of the AR-15 platform.

Every Ballistic Barn upper receiver is built to order with carefully selected options for hunters and precision shooters. Each upper is assembled in-house, individually checked for proper headspace using Manson GO and NO-GO gauges, and inspected for fit and function before shipping.

Configure yours with your preferred barrel length, handguard, receiver finish, muzzle device, adjustable gas block, compatible bolt carrier group and charging handle to create an accurate tool that fits your intended shooting distance and application.

22 ARC uppers requires a compatible 6.5 Grendel-type bolt and magazines rather than standard .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO components. Review each product listing carefully to confirm the included parts and available configuration options.

High-BC Performance for the AR-15 Platform

Why Choose a 22 ARC Upper?

A Ballistic Barn 22 ARC upper combines low recoil, efficient .22-caliber projectiles and strong downrange performance in the familiar AR-15 platform. It is a purpose-built option for predator hunters, varmint shooters and precision enthusiasts who want more retained velocity and wind resistance than traditional lightweight .22-caliber AR cartridges commonly provide.

Designed for Heavy, Aerodynamic .22-Caliber Bullets

The 22 ARC was developed to deliver high-ballistic-coefficient .22-caliber performance from the AR-15 platform. SAAMI standardized the cartridge at a maximum average pressure of 52,000 psi and identified a 75-grain reference load at 3,075 fps. This combination of efficient bullet design, practical velocity and modest recoil makes the cartridge well suited to precision shooting and field use.

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High-BC Performance Designed around aerodynamic .22-caliber projectiles for improved downrange efficiency.
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Low Recoil Helps shooters stay on target and make controlled follow-up shots.
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AR-15 Platform Provides extended-range capability in a familiar small-frame rifle platform.
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Headspace Checked Each complete upper is verified with Manson GO and NO-GO gauges.

Purpose-Built Components Are Required

The 22 ARC fits the AR-15 platform but does not use a standard .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO bolt and magazine. A compatible 6.5 Grendel-type bolt and magazines are required. Product listings should be reviewed carefully to confirm the included bolt carrier group, magazine requirements and other configuration details.

Why Buy From Ballistic Barn?

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Individually Headspace Checked
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Built in Fredericksburg, Texas
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Configurable Component Options
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Inspected for Fit and Function

Ballistic Barn AR-15 uppers are assembled in-house using carefully selected components. Every complete upper is inspected for fit and function and individually checked for proper headspace using Manson GO and NO-GO gauges before shipping.

22 ARC Upper Specifications and Compatibility

Feature Specification Why It Matters
Caliber 22 ARC Designed for efficient, high-ballistic-coefficient .22-caliber performance from the AR-15 platform.
Platform AR-15 Provides extended-range capability while retaining the familiar small-frame AR platform.
Common Barrel Twist 1:7 A fast twist supports the heavier aerodynamic projectiles commonly selected for 22 ARC ammunition.
BCG Compatibility AR-15 carrier with compatible 6.5 Grendel-type bolt The 22 ARC does not use a standard .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO bolt face.
Gas System Matched to barrel length and configuration Correct gas-system selection supports dependable cycling and can help manage suppressed or varied-ammunition use.
Muzzle Thread Typically 1/2x28 Supports many compatible .22-caliber muzzle brakes, flash hiders and suppressor mounts; verify the individual barrel listing.
Magazine Compatibility 6.5 Grendel-type AR-15 magazines The cartridge requires magazines suited to its larger case body and should not be treated as a standard 5.56-magazine cartridge.
SAAMI Reference Load 75 grains at 3,075 fps Demonstrates the cartridge's balance of useful velocity and heavier .22-caliber projectile capability.

22 ARC Upper FAQs

Does the 22 ARC upper come ready to use?

Every Ballistic Barn upper is fully assembled, inspected for fit and function, and checked for proper headspace using Manson GO and NO-GO gauges before shipping. Bolt carrier groups and charging handles may be included or offered as selectable options, so review the individual product listing to confirm the complete configuration.

Is a 22 ARC upper compatible with a standard AR-15 lower?

A 22 ARC upper is designed for the AR-15 platform and can be used with a compatible standard-dimension AR-15 lower receiver. However, the rifle must use the correct 22 ARC-compatible bolt and magazine, and all components should be checked for compatibility before use.

What bolt carrier group does a 22 ARC upper use?

The 22 ARC uses a 6.5 Grendel-type bolt face rather than a standard .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO bolt. The carrier is AR-15 pattern, but the installed bolt must match the 22 ARC barrel extension and cartridge.

What magazines are used with a 22 ARC upper?

The 22 ARC generally uses magazines designed for 6.5 Grendel-type cartridges. Standard .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO magazines are not the preferred feeding solution because the case body and geometry are different.

What is the effective range of the 22 ARC?

The 22 ARC is designed for efficient medium- and extended-range performance with aerodynamic .22-caliber bullets. Practical range depends on the ammunition, barrel length, environmental conditions, target, optic setup and shooter.

Is the 22 ARC good for predator and varmint hunting?

Yes. The 22 ARC combines low recoil, strong velocity and high-ballistic-coefficient projectile options, making it well suited to predator hunting and varmint control where lawful.

What barrel length is best for a 22 ARC upper?

Barrel choice depends on the intended application. Many shooters favor 18- to 22-inch barrels for a balance of velocity, handling and downrange performance, while longer barrels may be selected when maximizing velocity is a priority.

What barrel twist rate is commonly used for 22 ARC?

A fast twist such as 1:7 is commonly used to stabilize the heavier, high-ballistic-coefficient .22-caliber bullets associated with the 22 ARC. Always match the twist rate to the projectile weights you plan to use.

Does the 22 ARC use a standard AR-15 bolt and magazine?

No. Although the cartridge operates in the AR-15 platform, it requires a compatible 6.5 Grendel-type bolt and magazines designed for the larger case body. A standard .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO bolt should not be used.

How does 22 ARC compare with .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO?

The 22 ARC is designed to use heavier, more aerodynamic .22-caliber projectiles while fitting the AR-15 platform. This can improve retained velocity and wind performance at distance, although ammunition cost, availability and component requirements differ.

Why buy a 22 ARC upper from Ballistic Barn?

Every upper is assembled in-house using carefully selected components, individually inspected, and checked for proper headspace using Manson GO and NO-GO gauges. Available configurations allow customers to select components that better match their intended application.

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