222 rem questions pt.1

[Leadfarmer]

So I have decided to build a 222rem bench gun after seeing all the replys on my post "6br vs 222rem."

I figured I'd ask everyone a couple of questions each week, so I don't ask 50 in one post.
Feel free to add any other information you'd like. I'd really appreciate it.

What is your favorite powder and primer for the 222?

I'd like to use a VV because I'm partial and they are cheaper than a lot out there, but if something works better, then I'm all over it.

Thanks

 

[SBfan]

I don't have any experience with VV but Win 748 or Accurate 2015 with a Rem 71/2 primer produce some nice small groups. I'm the weak link otherwise they would be able to make one ragged hole groups.

 

[1911nut]

N133, 205M or 7 1/2, and Barts bullets have been the best in two 222s

 

[kyotekiller25]

IMR4198 and CCI400.

I've shot groups in the .1s and .2s from an old sporter weight 700 ADL with the 40g vmax and IMR4198

 

[nakneker]

One of the real pros about the 222 is how many powders work well with the little case. Some of my favorites are H322, H4198, IMR 4198, 8208, CFE 223 and more. I’ve also used VV133 with good success. If it was me, I’d get my hands on 3-4 powders you see mentioned here and see what your rifle likes, maybe start with VV133, maybe end there if your goals are being met, if not keep playing around. I use REM 7.5s, CCI 400s BR-4s and 205Ms in mine. Almost every 222 I have will show a preference for a powder/primer combo, sometimes that preference isn’t much, sometimes the difference is a lot. You’re bound to find something that gives you better SD and ES than other combos in the journey. I wish it was easy as saying try this powder and try this primer, you’ll benefit from a bit of experimenting. It’s an easy cartridge to tune, lots of powder/primer combos will give you good results, great results take a bit more effort unless your lucky.

Bullets? Again I don’t shoot competition but I’ve had a great results with Berger 52s and custom 52s, I still have some Bad Grass 52s I bought here that shoot incredible out of one of my 222s, I hate shooting them because I can’t find any more.

I’ve have had a lifelong love affair with the triple duece, I hope you like it as much as many of us do.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I use H322 and N120 with the VV powder for heavier bullets (55g+) as I have a fast twist barrel on one of my 222's. H322 works great with 40/45g for varmints and 50/52g on paper. I usually favour Federal Match primers, but with lousy supplies since the plandemic, I have used whatever, saving the match primers for their intended purpose.

But as with all match calibres - work up a favourite load, then go buy as many components as you can afford.

 

[JohnHenry]

The 222 is certainly not finicky to reload. A number of powder/primer combinations perform well. H322/205M with a 52 gr match bullet usually leave me smiling.

 

[david12601]

I am using h322 scottish and n135 with 52gr hollister,52 euber,and 53 sierra ....l also tried some wc844 with 52 remington match and berger 52 and watson 52....... start low and work up...stay safe and have fun

 

[durand mortenson]

I use IMR or H 4198 with CCI 400. Both work really well.

Mort

 

[K22]

IMR 4198 and Remington 7 1/2. Even out of a stock sporter weight Remington 700 I was pushing 1/2 to sub 1/2 moa with this combo and 52 Speer Match bullets.

 

[RGRobinett]

I am using h322 scottish and n135 with 52gr hollister,52 euber,and 53 sierra start low and have fun

GEEeeez - are you 200 years old?!! That's some "good old stuff" (Scott 322 and Holister bullets!) and all pretty much extinct . . . well, unless you were a good zookeeper! Good on you for looking ahead! RG

 

[david12601]

I planned on using or trying to get barts 52 or Ammerman 52s. Looks like a lot of you like H332 and N133. H332 is so damn expensive haha.

Edit : or bibs

I have had good luck in one of my 222 sporters using Tac with 52 berger .017 jump

 

[david12601]

GEEeeez - are you 200 years old?!! That's some "good old stuff" and all pretty much extinct . . . well, unless you were a good zookeeper! Good on you for looking ahead! RG

Had a good friend pass at 92 years old and his daughter sold me all the reloading stuff and rifles...2015br 16lbs........h322 scottish 18lbs.......n133 24 lbs......w748 20lbs.....

.I miss my old friend

 

[Lee Whitsel]

Easiest round I ever reloaded for to get good groups out of. almost anything listed here will shoot very well. I like 50 vmax in mine and about any powders will get under an inch 5 shot groups best group i can remember was aH4895 and 50 vman in 14" what a great powder to bad its impossible to find any more of it.

 

[david12601]

Just finished this today......222 rem....21inch 1:14 kreiger heavy varmint......cps stock.....canjar trigger ........testing tomorrow

 

[littlebuddybr]

N133, 205M or 7 1/2, and Barts bullets have been the best in two 222s

This right here.

 

[Leadfarmer]

Really surprised at all the powder and primer combos. Good to hear! I have quite a bit of 205M and I'll get some of the suggested powders to try.

 

[S Miller]

N133, 205M or 7 1/2, and Barts bullets have been the best in two 222s

This right here.

I’ve also had good luck with this combo with a slow twist barrel (12-14)

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Since the beginning of time (mine), all my 223's have digested literally thousands of both 40 & 50gr Nosler BT's over H335. Accurate, plently of speed, and for shooting colony rodents and loading large batches of field fodder, it meters like water through my Redding BR-4. All my loads use the 7-1/2.

I'll admit that the very best groups I've ever shot in my 223's was with N133. But as I've got what could be called a lifetime supply of H335, and the fact that N133 is like unobtainium here and more expensive, I imagine H335 will be going down my barrels as long as I'm around to make that happen.

Excellent caliber, and we've got some very good powder options for it.

 

[Leadfarmer]

Since the beginning of time (mine), all my 223's have digested literally thousands of both 40 & 50gr Nosler BT's over H335. Accurate, plently of speed, and for shooting colony rodents and loading large batches of field fodder, it meters like water through my Redding BR-4. All my loads use the 7-1/2.

I'll admit that the very best groups I've ever shot in my 223's was with N133. But as I've got what could be called a lifetime supply of H335, and the fact that N133 is like unobtainium here and more expensive, I imagine H335 will be going down my barrels as long as I'm around to make that happen.

Excellent caliber, and we've got some very good powder options for it.

Hey Rick, are you talking about a 222 rem or a 223 rem?