222 Remington Magnum (re-barrel)

[litig8or]

Has anyone recently replaced a 222 Remington Magum barrel with a faster twist barrel than the standard 1-14 (e.g., 1-9 or 1-8)? And if so, what were your results?
I know all the arguments concerning the 223 Remington and the 222 RM so would appreciate avoiding those comparisons and hear only about experiences replacing the 222 RM barrel.
I'm an "old school" kinda guy and love the old 222 RM and look forward to your replies!!

 

[whatsupdoc]

The only thing that matters is what bullet you intend to shoot. Match the twist to the bullet
and you will be golden.

 

[Ackman]

Well in actuality there's not a whole lot of difference between the .223 and 222M velocity-wise. They both work just fine with 40's and 50's. I have some very nice groups shot with 55BKs through a 14tw .223 back when that bullet was said to not work in 14tw. So if you plan to stick with the 222M, just get a 12tw to be absolutely sure and you'll be fine. **** I'm not a fast twist / heavy for caliber lover. The lighter bullets are just not very fussy about loads and I do like to make them go fast.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

As Ackman, said not 2 cents difference in a 223 and a 222Mag. The bullet will never know the difference and neither will the barrel. Just use good bullets and a good barrel. All my old varmint/target 22 caliber 14 twist factory guns usually get a top of the line 12 twist when a new barrel is needed. It allows a slightly heavier/longer bullet to work properly. Ultimate use of the gun will help in determining needed twist rate. Varmint- light weight bullets. Short range target/BR light weight bullets. Banging steel medium to heavy depending on distance. XTC matches light to heavy(80 grain or more) fast twist 8 or faster. F class very fast- 8 or faster. Oh, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules.

Frank

 

[17VLD]

I have an older 40-x in 222 Magnum and love it, but it is getting to be time for a new barrel. When I finally get around to ordering it I will probably get a 12 twist for the 53 VMax, but I’m still thinking about the possibility of choosing a 9 to shoot the 69 class of bullet.I think if I was wanting anything heavier I would be using a bigger case.For my needs with this class of cartridge size, 500 yard varmints are all I would be using this rifle for. Not sure of your intended use, I can only assume varmints and for that the 53 VMax will do nicely in a 12 twist. Good luck with your decision.
Matt

 

[litig8or]

I have an older 40-x in 222 Magnum and love it, but it is getting to be time for a new barrel. When I finally get around to ordering it I will probably get a 12 twist for the 53 VMax, but I’m still thinking about the possibility of choosing a 9 to shoot the 69 class of bullet.I think if I was wanting anything heavier I would be using a bigger case.For my needs with this class of cartridge size, 500 yard varmints are all I would be using this rifle for. Not sure of your intended use, I can only assume varmints and for that the 53 VMax will do nicely in a 12 twist. Good luck with your decision.
Matt

Like you I have an older 40X and also like you I'm thinking about choosing a 9, or even an 8, for the days I dedide to bang steel with the 69s or maybe the 77s.
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[alf]

For a change of pace, consider the 22-204.....

 

[AWS]

222 Rem Improved 30 degree (22-204) off the shelf dies, no fire forming and plentiful brass. It's what Remington should have done in the first place.

 

[Tommie]

know all the arguments concerning the 223 Remington and the 222 RM so would appreciate avoiding those comparisons and hear only about experiences replacing the 222 RM barrel.

Best of luck on that…

 

[Evlshnngns]

Redirect Notice

If 222rm brass was equally plentiful, I wouldn't own a 223rem.

Like you I have an older 40X and also like you I'm thinking about choosing a 9, or even an 8, for the days I dedide to bang steel with the 69s or maybe the 77s.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Go 8 twist, the 75- 80gr put more energy on the plate.

I have a 28" 7twist 223 that easily puts Frontier 55gr hpbt factory ammo under moa. My 9 twist factory savage 223 shoots the same ammo tighter. 8 twist seems like the best compromise.

 

[ArtinNC]

I say what ever works for a 223 will work for a 222RM . The other night I run a 222RM thru a 223 redding trim die and guss what I got ?? a 222RM so that is a 223 long neck LOL LOL . I see the only reason to change from 222RM to a 223 is you can find brass . I love my 222RM .

 

[jds holler]

I suppose that you're wanting to try out some of these heavy .224 bullets that folks are using to shoot out to 1000 yds. and such. I'm also wanting to do the same, only with my 22BR.

Who'd have ever thunk that we'd want to shoot an 80 gr. bullet out of a 22. jd

 

[wildcatter]

My opinion, 222M/ even improved is most efficient with 50-60 grain bullets for Varmint. Anything will kill prairie dogs at 500 if you hit em, but! ground hogs, fox, coyote, other Varmint need your bullets to perform and create some damage when they get there to eliminate the crawl offs!

This cartridge just cant muster the speed to start off those bigger,, not to mention heavier built bullets, with thicker jackets to do more than drill a tiny hole when they get out there. Again, just my opinion, but I think a 1-12 twist is perfect for 221-to 222M even on improved case's for best barrel to use the most productive bullets for all Varmints. JMO