The .22 ARC in a bolt-action would be fine for what you're using it for. However, the only factory ammo we have found to be decently accurate is the Hornady Black with a 75 grain Match bullet. It's a decent cartridge. For something more proven out, more knockdown power and ammo choices, I'd be looking at the 6mm ARC. The 6mm/.243 80 grain ELD-VT is a great bullet.
This is my .22 Grendel bolt-action built off a Howa Mini-Action. Howa will be offering the .22 ARC in their mini-action rifles. These guys were taken with the 62 grain ELD-VT factory ammo at around 270 ish.
Here is my original post on the hunt:
"I took these two Badgers with my Upriver Precision bolt-action .22 Grendel shooting the factory Hornady 62 grain ELD-VT, .22 ARC ammunition. I spotted these while glassing a huge alfalfa pivot. I was up hill on the North end and saw these approximately 853 yards away. I grabbed my rifle, attached my Accutac bipod and started the sneak to get into position for a shot. I shortened the distance to 262 yards for the closer badger and 278 yards for the further one. I proned out on a slight rise and found badger #1 in my optic. About the time I settled the cross hairs on the badger's shoulder, a farm vehicle drove by the field, causing the badger to flatten himself completely in the 6"-8" alfalfa. If you've ever seen a big badger just disappear in a field of grass, it is amazingly frustrating. After what seemed like forever, the badger finally popped out of its burrow and gave me his entire head, I squeezed off the shot. I heard the distinct crack of the bullet hitting the badger's skull. After watching the badger slump down on top of the burrow, I adjusted the rifle to find the further badger. The shot alerted the other badger, so I caught it running back towards its burrow. As it paused to look in my direction, I put my crosshairs on its neck and dropped it. I collected the two badgers, took some pictures and headed back to my 4Runner while I still had some light left..."
