222 subsonic load info

[Cbrown3020]

Look to see if anyone has any experience with a subsonic loads with a 222. Any help or information would be much appreciated.

 

[Oso]

The simplest answer is for you to do a search for ".223 Subsonics Loads", which is more likely to have some existing threads. You just need to identify what weight bullet your barrel twist rate can handle. Assuming the same weight bullets, a subsonic load for .223 should be approximately the same for a .222. The only difference being better case fill in the .222 (shorter cartridge), which may/may not translate into slightly higher velocity. You will just have to shoot it to confirm velocity in your particular rifle.

Most .222 have slower twist barrels, which will limit the bullet weight to 40gr-55gr. If it is a modern .222 with a faster twist barrel (1:9 or faster) you might be able to shoot heavier bullets. You'll need to test whatever load to see if your rifle will stabilize the bullet (looking for keyhole or if bullet entry holes yaw/lean off-center from shot to shot).

Good Luck.

 

[varmintshooter]

I played with subs in a 9 twist 223 using Trailboss. I used 3.9 gr with 55 gr SGK and got good accuracy @ 50 yds ( 1/2" ) and a little more energy than a 22 LR. Can't help with a 222 but I don't think a slow twist will work.

 

[PigButtons]

As @Oso said, .223 subsonic loads should do well in .222 with only minor modifications. I've had good luck with 32, 40, 50, and 55gr bullets in .223. 4895 is stable enough that half full case loads are accurate enough for 50 to 75 yard pest removal. I have also had good results when using pistol powders like H110 and Accurate #5 that are fast burning but so fast that they have no issues with the case fill less than half full. I found that loads on par with 9mm or 38 special rounds are a good starting point. YMMV

 

[Oso]

I played with subs in a 9 twist 223 using Trailboss. I used 3.9 gr with 55 gr SGK and got good accuracy @ 50 yds ( 1/2" ) and a little more energy than a 22 LR. Can't help with a 222 but I don't think a slow twist will work.

I was just about to mention TrailBoss... proven subsonic performance, best case fill, burns extremely clean, and also great in reduced loads for pistol.

Edit:
Most cartridges perform best when they are +90% case fill. With reduced loads, such as subsonic loads, there is a lot of empty space and powder tends to spread out along the length of empty case. Depending upon powder chosen, you are going to be sub 3.0gr - 5.0gr of powder in a cartridge that normally holds +20gr of powder, and depending on which powder this might be more like 3.0gr. This is why TrailBoss is your friend.

The problem/challenge with using fast pistol powders, such as Bullseye and TiteGroup, is the lack of case fill, which can cause inconsistent ignition and also pose a safety risk (double charge). When I did load development (reduced power) for my 38Spl to shoot IDPA, I tested a number of powders. What I determined is that TrailBoss filled the case approx. 50%, which was 3x greater than case fill with Bullseye or TiteGroup.

 

[243winxb]

Hodgdon had no 222 data.

 

[SecondsCount]

Like stated, use 223 data as a starting point.

I've tried several different powders but Trailboss has the best consistency.

 

[AWS]

On the Calhoun Bullet sight there is an article on loading slow bullets using 800x and Bluedot. It is in "Informative Articles" in the left sidebar. The article is called "To Bee or 223" there is info on adapting the data for 222 Rem.

James Calhoon Fine Shootin' Bullets Main Page

 

[nakneker]

Trail Boss has been hard to find, haven’t seen any since the Covid started. I have seen some H4895 here and there. I hope some Trail Boss shows up soon, I have less than three pounds and use it a lot. Great powder for reduced loads.

 

[Ggmac]

unique is also a good low velocity powder . Ive got old reloading books that list loads , Ill start looking.
check cast bullet loads for 222 . Changing the bullet to jacketed should not increase the pressure, unless your at max . Short fb bullets work best .

 

[varmintshooter]

Low velocity does not mean subsonic.

 

[Ggmac]

Low velocity does not mean subsonic.

It does when listed with cast bullet loads

 

[PracticalTactical]

Check out gyroscopic stability tables for small bullets like a 223. With a 1:7 twist about the heaviest bullet you can stabilize is 55 grains. You might just as well use a rim fire.

When you look at 308 rounds, you can easily stabilize 175 grain bullets with a 1:10 twist at sub sonic speeds.

With covid farce range restrictions here in Canada, we've been kicking around the idea of a sub sonic PRS match. Initially thought maybe use my 223 for that, but after doing the math, better off with a 30 cal.

 

[Kylongrifle32]

I had a 10 inch Contender in 222 rem that had a threaded barrel. I was shooting 55 gr Hornady sp's quite thru a suppressor with 3.1 grs of Tite group.