.22 PPC
Historical Notes:
The 22 PPC was developed in 1974 by Dr. Louis Palmisano and Ferris Pindell,
primarily as a benchrest cartridge. Although originally a wildcat, Sako of
Finland introduced commercial rifles and ammunition late in 1987. Norma followed
suit on 1993 with loaded ammunition. The cartridge is based on the 220 Russian
case which is a necked down version of the
7.62x39mm Soviet
military cartridge. The Wichita Engineering and Supply Co. made the first
rifles for both the 22 PPC and
6mm PPC cartridges.
Many custom rifles have been turned out in this caliber. In 1993 Ruger announced
their No. 1V and M77 varmint rifles in this caliber.
General Comments:
The originators altered the 220 Russian case by giving it a 10% body taper
and a 30% shoulder angle, as well as expanding the the neck to accept the
standard .224" diameter bullet used in the U.S. The cartridge cases are made
in Finland by Sako and in Sweden by Norma and use Small Rifle primers. Although
the 22 PPC is a short rather stubby case only 1.51" long, it nevertheless
develops ballistics superior to some larger, longer cartridges such as the
222 and the
223 Remington.
The 52 grain bullet can be pushed out of the muzzle at over 3500 fps, and
this definitely places the 22 PPC in the varmint and small game class. A
1 in 14 inch twist has become pretty much standard for these rifles although
1 in 12 inch twist sometimes be found.
Source: Cartridges of the World
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