.22 PPC USA Load Data

The .22 PPC USA is a centerfire rifle cartridge that commands a special place among competitive shooters and varmint hunters alike. Its history dates back to the late 1970s, when Dr. Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindell collaborated to create a family of Precision Palmisano & Pindell Cartridges, or PPCs, that would dominate the benchrest shooting world. The .22 PPC was designed as a necked-up version of the .220 Russian, inheriting the latter’s robust and accurate case architecture. With a shorter, squat case and sharp shoulder angle, the cartridge was purpose-built for enhanced accuracy and minimal case flex. Its design was soon adopted by SAKO in the U.S., leading to the .22 PPC USA designation, solidifying its reputation for superior consistency on the firing line.

In terms of application, the .22 PPC USA cartridge has achieved legendary status among precision reloaders, especially those active in benchrest matches and varmint hunting. Its inherent accuracy makes it a top choice for short- to medium-range target competitions where fractions of an inch count. The efficient powder capacity and case design foster repeatable, tight groups, with many shooters routinely achieving sub-quarter-MOA accuracy. For reloaders, the cartridge offers an excellent platform for experimenting with case prep, neck turning, and advanced reloading techniques; small improvements in brass quality or bullet seating consistently translate into measurable gains at the target.

For hunters, the .22 PPC USA is highly favored as a varmint cartridge. Its flat trajectory and mild recoil enable shooters to spot their own hits while maintaining rapid follow-up potential. Foxes, groundhogs, prairie dogs, and coyotes are common quarry for this caliber, as the .22-caliber projectile delivers rapid, humane dispatch within the cartridge’s effective range, typically up to 300 yards. The .22 PPC’s precision also appeals to those seeking to minimize pelt damage and maximize shot placement, further cementing its standing within the varminter’s arsenal.

Bullet weights for the .22 PPC USA generally range from 40 to 55 grains, although some experimenters stretch into lighter or heavier territory depending on the shooting application. The most popular projectile weights—typically 50 and 52 grains—are favored for their balance of velocity, ballistic coefficient, and wind-bucking ability, contributing to tight groups in both competitive and field settings. The cartridge itself features a short, fat case measuring about 1.51 inches in length, with a neck designed to accommodate a variety of .224-inch diameter bullets. The case’s steep 30-degree shoulder aids in powder burn consistency and headspace control, making the .22 PPC USA a rewarding challenge for detail-oriented reloaders seeking to unlock every ounce of accuracy from their custom loads.