Over bore 22 cal bullet, what do you use.

[nakneker]

I just sold my last 220 swift, used them for three decades and never went with a modern overbore 22 other than a 22-250 improved. Now I’m in the process of building something made to spit heavies out at speed, either a 22 x47 or 22 creed, time to get with the times. I see Berger 80 grain bullets mentioned a lot with these two cartridges, guys using them for varmints and targets. I see the Berger 80.5 grain full bore and the Berger 80 grain VLD. BC is pretty much the same. If you have used both of these which did you prefer, which hits a yote harder, does more damage etc? Maybe it doesn’t matter, pick one and go but I’d like to hear what guys with experience have to say, especially if you’ve shot them both and used them in the field. Links below.

Is there a better choice? If you think so please share what it is and why. I may have a reamer made for this one, gonna build the rifle around the bullet. I have other 22 caliber rifles set up for light bullets, got that covered, this rifle will be dedicated to finding one load with a heavy bullet. It will be dedicated to the coyotes who sit out there at 600+ and bark that smart butt bark and howl. I’ve killed a few at long distance doing just that but I want a 22 caliber that but I’d like to harvest a few more of those especially.

Berger 22 Cal 80.5gr Fullbore Target (1,000Pk) 22727

Berger 22 Cal 80.5gr Fullbore Target (1,000Pk) | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Berger 22 Cal 80gr VLD Target (1,000Pk) | Flat Rate Shipping! - EuroOptic

Berger 22 Cal 80gr VLD Target (1,000Pk) | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[17VLD]

Fast twist 22s a topic that goes on and on in my mind all the time.I have finished a stand got up and moved and been busted by coyotes that I see after coming over a ridge that are a full second away.Of course I have my sub caliber calling rifle with me.I have always thought I should build a 22x47 Lapua light enough to carry,all of my 6mm’s and 6.5’s are way too heavy.I tend to get stuck on if it’s that far away I’d need at least a 6mm something .So to answer your question I’m no help,but I’d pick the 22x47 case with the 80 VLD because the b.c.is a little mo better.All my 22-250s and 220 Swift’s are slow twisted so it sounds like a need a new barrel too.Following this thread to see what develops.

Matt

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

May want to pick a varmit style bullet. A 80 grain target bullet may just poke a .22 size hole as it passes thru!

Frank

 

[Tommie]

Cases like the 6XC, Creedmoor, 6.5x47 etc are similar enough in case capacity that any ballistic differences will be essentially nil. I’d recommend going with the most economical option (brass, dies, etc).

 

[Gabe22BR]

22-284
Oughta get the 90gr running good..

 

[B23]

The most overbore 22 cal I have is a 224 Terminator (my smiths version of a 22-243 Imp.) and I'm shooting the 80gr ELD-M out of a 28in Krieger 8tw w/RL26 3650. It's grouping those 80gr ELD-M's very well. Second to that build would be a 22-6mm with 24in 9tw Lilja shooting 75gr Berger VLD.

 

[linebaugh]

22x47L with 75ELD for hunting. Pull some twist out so it wont pop bullets. If its a coyote gun you have enough bullet with enough speed (flat shooting) for a really awesome coyote rig.

 

[357Mag]

I just sold my last 220 swift, used them for three decades and never went with a modern overbore 22 other than a 22-250 improved. Now I’m in the process of building something made to spit heavies out at speed, either a 22 x47 or 22 creed, time to get with the times. I see Berger 80 grain bullets mentioned a lot with these two cartridges, guys using them for varmints and targets. I see the Berger 80.5 grain full bore and the Berger 80 grain VLD. BC is pretty much the same. If you have used both of these which did you prefer, which hits a yote harder, does more damage etc? Maybe it doesn’t matter, pick one and go but I’d like to hear what guys with experience have to say, especially if you’ve shot them both and used them in the field. Links below.

Is there a better choice? If you think so please share what it is and why. I may have a reamer made for this one, gonna build the rifle around the bullet. I have other 22 caliber rifles set up for light bullets, got that covered, this rifle will be dedicated to finding one load with a heavy bullet. It will be dedicated to the coyotes who sit out there at 600+ and bark that smart butt bark and howl. I’ve killed a few at long distance doing just that but I want a 22 caliber that but I’d like to harvest a few more of those especially.

Berger 22 Cal 80.5gr Fullbore Target (1,000Pk) 22727

Berger 22 Cal 80.5gr Fullbore Target (1,000Pk) | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Berger 22 Cal 80gr VLD Target (1,000Pk) | Flat Rate Shipping! - EuroOptic

Berger 22 Cal 80gr VLD Target (1,000Pk) | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Nakneker-

Howdy !

IMHO - The possibility of going " over-size " with a rifle and it's chambering, can be
compensated for to some degree; by setting the rifle up from the outset for a good expansion ratio.

For a given calibre and barrel length, the way to change a rifle's expansion ratio is by changing chamber volumne.

For a given calibre and chamber volumne, the way to change a rifle's expansion ratio is by changing barrel length.

Example..... a 26" barrel in a certain chambering, will have an improved expansion ratio compared to a 24"-barreled version in the same chambering.

IMHO -

" Overbore " situations offer an opportunity to put a higher level of vel on heavy-for-calibre bullets, and by extension; impart the flattest possible trajectories for those bullet weights.
Yet.... that does not of itself preclude, achieving great accuracy in the process.

A notional .22-47L would have a tad less case capacity than a .22-250AI.
A notional .22 Creedmoor would be pretty much on-par w/ a .22-250AI case capacity wise.
Case availability, quality; and similar.... will factor into the chambering decision.

If you get a chance or have not as yet done so.... review the posts made by " Fredo " and
" Snert " titled " Gentlemen, I present.... the " .220 Redline ". It is a wealth of info on the design, case forming; and load work performed on a hyper-velocity .224" calibre wildcat.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[1lessdog]

I have a 1 - 14 twist 22-6MM and push 50 gr Sierra Blitzking at over 4350 with no sign of pressure. Im sure I can get them up to 4500 fps. At 4350 I hold on fur to 475 yds.

I also have a 1 - 13.5 twist in 6MM AI and push 55 gr Sierra Blitzking at 4200 fps and no sign of pressure. I'm sure I could push them to 4400.

I have always said the faster you get them out of the barrel the better they shoot. Both rifles are a easy .500 with 5 shots. The 22-6MM AI shoots a little better so it gets all the action. Both rifles built by Zack at Old Dominion custom guns.

I have a long action 700 begging to have something built on it. I just don't know what maybe a 22-284 or a 6-284 or maybe a 6MM Catbird.

 

[K22]

I don't shoot the distances you have mentioned but several years ago I knew and witnessed someone who did who was a fellow ground hog hunter.

I shot a 22 250 for several years. In my opinion, it is a premier long-range varmint / predator caliber. My Rem 700 had a 14" twist and shot the 50 grain bullets the best. If I was to have one built, I would opt for the 12 twist to shoot 55 and 60 grain bullets. However, my longest successful shot was about 325 yards. After I shot out the barrel, I sold it since where I hunt and with the changes in the area, the 22 250 really isn't needed anymore. I'm quite successful with the 223 Rem these days.

Getting back to long distance shooting. The fellow I knew hunted the same farms I did. He had a custom built 22 250's with high end Leupold scope. He hunted off a portable bench and would set up to watch several tree lines. I witnessed him take several ground hogs out to 500+ yards. So, you may want to consider this excellent, simple to load cartridge for long distance predator hunting.

 

[alf]

I just sold my last 220 swift, used them for three decades and never went with a modern overbore 22 other than a 22-250 improved. Now I’m in the process of building something made to spit heavies out at speed, either a 22 x47 or 22 creed, time to get with the times. I see Berger 80 grain bullets mentioned a lot with these two cartridges, guys using them for varmints and targets. I see the Berger 80.5 grain full bore and the Berger 80 grain VLD. BC is pretty much the same. If you have used both of these which did you prefer, which hits a yote harder, does more damage etc? Maybe it doesn’t matter, pick one and go but I’d like to hear what guys with experience have to say, especially if you’ve shot them both and used them in the field. Links below.

Is there a better choice? If you think so please share what it is and why. I may have a reamer made for this one, gonna build the rifle around the bullet. I have other 22 caliber rifles set up for light bullets, got that covered, this rifle will be dedicated to finding one load with a heavy bullet. It will be dedicated to the coyotes who sit out there at 600+ and bark that smart butt bark and howl. I’ve killed a few at long distance doing just that but I want a 22 caliber that but I’d like to harvest a few more of those especially.

Sean, my 22x47 reamer was designed around the 80 Berger, so if you go that direction, just contact JGS for my print. I never tried any other bullet, as there was not a reason......

That bullet is a fantastic performer on coyotes, & I even point them for a better BC, and they still work great. If you want dead they are perfect, but they are a little tough on fur at 3370.

I also have killed a few with a 22-204 at 3025 and they did behave better. Did kill one at 550.

A few victims with the 22x47/80 VLD combo....

 

[nakneker]

Thanks for the input guys, keep it coming, lots to think about. Let me expand on the situation a little bit, I have the lighter bullets covered in 22 caliber. I have two 22-250s, one 22 GT (built by Zack), one 22-250 is a 16” truck gun I’ve had for 32 years, first custom rifle I ever had built. The other 22-250 is a Tikka with a 1-8 twist, it shoots everything well but I run 55 grain blitz kings in it just because I have a pile of them. The 22GT has a Lilja 1-10 twist, I built it for light bullets, hardly any freebore it’s a joy to shoot. All three shoot sub .5 five shot groups but the 22GT shoots half that consistenly. I have a bunch of 222s and a couple 223s to add to the rifles that shoot lighter bullets .22 caliber bullets.

I have quite a few 6mms I use on windy days or when I know the shots will be on the long side when calling. We call all over the southwest, shots can be close but on many of our stands shots can be as far as you can see them. With the added pressure of so many people calling now days there are many educated coyotes out there as I’m sure most of you know. Around my house there is a very big population of coyotes and I still travel when coyote calling to find areas with dogs that aren’t so wary, that’s getting harder and harder to do. Back in high school I would take my Sony handheld juke box, stick a cassette in it of a dying and get mobbed by coyotes coming on a dead run, the happened a lot. That’s rare for me now. It still happens but it’s usually a youngster. It is common for coyotes to hang up , we’ve gotten good over the years at spotting them, especially if they are being vocal doing that smart ass “your busted” bark. Harder to see them if they just slink away but if the get high and mighty they risk being seen. That’s changing too, more guys shooting long distances.

I love the 6mms but I’m missing out on the VLD 22 caliber fun. Just sold my last swift but it was set up to shoot 55-60 grainers anyways. I want to pick a bullet, pick the cartridge, get a reamer made and get on Zack’s waiting list for the rifle. 75 grain would be the lightest I’d want for this rifle but I’m really hoping to settle on one of the two bullets I mentioned in the opening. I want one load, one accurate rifle, and I want to get really familiar with that rifle and load in the hopes it becomes one I take often and it accounts for smart song dogs going to song dog heaven.

 

[ClayM]

Several years ago,(20ish) I asked Mick McPherson (gun and reloading writer, some of you may remember him), what case he would use to shoot heavy 22's... He unequivocally answered 22-250 AI... Of course, that was pre-Creedmoor...

 

[Evan]

I think you should get an 8 twist barrel and chamber another 22GT, but cut it with 0.080" freebore and shoot the 80 VLDs. It's going to get you most of the speed that a 22x47 or 22-250 will, but with a bit less powder.

Honestly, I think 22BR is the balance point where you get the most speed per grain of powder burned, but I know that it is always fun to see how fast you can go. My 22BRs have really shot the 80 VLD well, but I only shoot at paper. If I were to build a repeater in this range, I'd go 22 Grendel to help insure better feeding. The 22BR likes to tip down and smash the meplat into the face of the barrel while feeding.

If you're serious about going big, then I'd say pick up some 6.5 PRC brass and neck it down to 22 and create a new "220 Redline" that isn't based on SAUM brass. Roughly a 22-06 in capacity but based on brass that can take serious pressure to extract more speed from it.

 

[nakneker]

Sean, my 22x47 reamer was designed around the 80 Berger, so if you go that direction, just contact JGS for my print. I never tried any other bullet, as there was not a reason......

That bullet is a fantastic performer on coyotes, & I even point them for a better BC, and they still work great. If you want dead they are perfect, but they are a little tough on fur at 3370.

I also have killed a few with a 22-204 at 3025 and they did behave better. Did kill one at 550.

A few victims with the 22x47/80 VLD combo....

Sean, my 22x47 reamer was designed around the 80 Berger, so if you go that direction, just contact JGS for my print. I never tried any other bullet, as there was not a reason......

That bullet is a fantastic performer on coyotes, & I even point them for a better BC, and they still work great. If you want dead they are perfect, but they are a little tough on fur at 3370.

I also have killed a few with a 22-204 at 3025 and they did behave better. Did kill one at 550.

A few victims with the 22x47/80 VLD combo....

I’ve always enjoyed your posts on your 22x47, they have a lot of good info in them. Went back and reread them actually, your other rifles that use that case too. I’m leaning towards the 22x47, I have a ton of brass but I’ve also just about decided to make one of each. I’m weird that way. I’ll talk to you more about your reamer and I appreciate you offering to use the print! The rifle obviously works, I don’t keep the pelts so that’s not an issue. As always, thanks!

 

[nakneker]

I think you should get an 8 twist barrel and chamber another 22GT, but cut it with 0.080" freebore and shoot the 80 VLDs. It's going to get you most of the speed that a 22x47 or 22-250 will, but with a bit less powder.

Honestly, I think 22BR is the balance point where you get the most speed per grain of powder burned, but I know that it is always fun to see how fast you can go. My 22BRs have really shot the 80 VLD well, but I only shoot at paper. If I were to build a repeater in this range, I'd go 22 Grendel to help insure better feeding. The 22BR likes to tip down and smash the meplat into the face of the barrel while feeding.

If you're serious about going big, then I'd say pick up some 6.5 PRC brass and neck it down to 22 and create a new "220 Redline" that isn't based on SAUM brass. Roughly a 22-06 in capacity but based on brass that can take serious pressure to extract more speed from it.

I actually have a 22BR, it too is set up for the lighter bullets. Built on a Sako 75 it feeds like a dream. I think everyone should have a 22BR.

I thought about the 22GT, I like that you can get Alpha brass with the correct headstamp, leaning more towards the other two on this one though.

 

[B23]

Probably the easiest big overbore would be 22-284. Same case capacity as a 22-6.5PRC but with a standard .470 bolt face action.

A problem you could run into trying to shoot the real heavy for caliber bullets like the 90 and 95 grainers in big overbore cartridges is they require a really fast twist and then you add that to the velocity some of these big overbore cartridges are capable of achieving it equals extreme bullet RPM which is a recipe for bullets coming apart before that make it to the target.

When those heavy 22 cal Sierra MK's came out I talked to Sierra about them because I was getting ready to order a barrel and wanted the correct twist. Their bullet techs told me they really didn't make those super heavies for fast stepping big overbore 22 cals and they didn't think they'd survive the RPM's which could easily be in the 370,000+ range. The 80's with an 8tw is a good compromise.

 

[nakneker]

Probably the easiest big overbore would be 22-284. Same case capacity as a 22-6.5PRC but with a standard .470 bolt face action.

A problem you could run into trying to shoot the real heavy for caliber bullets like the 90 and 95 grainers in big overbore cartridges is they require a really fast twist and then you add that to the velocity some of these big overbore cartridges are capable of achieving it equals extreme bullet RPM which is a recipe for bullets coming apart before that make it to the target.

When those heavy 22 cal Sierra MK's came out I talked to Sierra about them because I was getting ready to order a barrel and wanted the correct twist. Their bullet techs told me they really didn't make those super heavies for fast stepping big overbore 22 cals and they didn't think they'd survive the RPM's which could easily be in the 370,000+ range. The 80's with an 8tw is a good compromise.

I agree, I don’t have any experience with the extreme 22 big guns, I have read the 20 redline thread, I think it’s facinaging but I’m more attracted to the 22x47, 22 creed and a 1-8 twist. Just seems much easier that 1-7 and more powder capacity.

 

[alf]

 

[nakneker]

Would you change the OAL of the case, I think You read that you would do 1.86 instead of 1.87, I guess I could make a dummy round and check it easy enough, see what Lapua brass is doing when necked down?

Thanks for the share btw!