.223 vs. 222 mag vs. 22-204

[Nutjob]

Joe, thanks for the info.

Alf, if I knew then what I know now I think I would choose the 22-204.

Next time.

 

[Jazz]

So what kind of load data is there for the 22-204 with a 9 twist barrel ? I saw this post a few months ago and have decided to go with it. Alf, I have posted on another site under a different screen name about this and you were pretty confident this was a very good round. I'm waiting for Jerry S. to finish another chambering so I can bring this build up to him. When I called and talked to him about the 22-204, he stated he had just ordered that reamer. What weight of bullets are going to be optimum for this twist?

 

[alf]

Jazz,

Any load data for a 223 Ackley should get you going. Varget or R-15 is a good place to start.

I have zero experience with any 9 twists, but based on other feed backs, looks like the 69 SMK or the 70 VLD may be the top end weight wise. I'd give the 75 A-Max and 75 VLD's a spin but, add in cold temps and higher elevations, and all bets are off.

I just did another 22-204 in a 8.2" twist and it's spooky accurate with the 75 VLD's at 3075. Coyotes are gonna hate me.

If it's not too late, I'd get an 8 twist to run the 75's.

 

[Jazz]

Thanks Alf,

Well I've all ready got the barrel.......Can you load the 75 Amax's short enough to fit in a remington 700 adl as a repeater without an extended box mag? What finish length are you using? My barrel will finish at 24" however, I would go shorter.

 

[alf]

My last 8.2 barrel is cut at 22", and the next one coming here shortly will be also. I do have one with a 26" tube, and it's about 100 FPS faster.

No extended mag box is needed. For the 700, best thing to do is take the factory spacer out of the mag box, and make a new one that's only .200" to .250" thick, rather than the .450" of the original. I know guys that JB weld the spacer in, but I just rivet it to one side of the rear of the box. Makes it removable if so desired. With the shorter spacer, you can run your rounds out to touch, and still run them through the magazine just fine, depending on throating, of course.

Another option is to skip the spacer and narrow up a machined follower to fit the 223 full length 2.800" mag box.

 

[Dirtfarmer]

I'm working on a 22-204 project, a SS Model 7 with 23" 7.5 twist #2 Brux, so alf isn't alone with this round. This rifle has a Lone Wolf Summit stock, glassed, torqued and free floated.

The best way to feed these long rounds is to get a .308 follower and spring, file the mid section of the follower to fit the .223 box mag. Of course, that includes removing the mag block at the rear of the box.

I'm also working with another .22-204, a Model 722 with med heavy, 14 twist Hart. This gun likes 40 Bergers at 3,800+ fps. and 2015 powder. These shorter rounds work well with a 1/4" aluminum spacer JB welded at the rear of the box mag and a factory .223 follower. This combo handles a lot like a .204 Ruger. Boom, splat, the whole thing viewed thru the scope with not enough recoil to lose the sight picture, even at 10X.

In the M-7/Brux gun, I'm loading 75 Amax and 75 VDL to touch the lands, which puts the COAL at around 2.5+". With the 62 TTSX, about 2.4+" COAL. These long rounds feed great from the full length mag box. The mag lips can be bent in or out to fine tune the set up, increasing or decreasing rail engagement as needed.

So far, 75 VDL's with Varget seem to be the best combo for that gun. Will report as more data becomes available and when I get a chance to run my best loads over a chrono.

DF

 

[Dirtfarmer]

Joe,

What is 203B powder?

alf,

JB Weld is easily undone by heating the parts to 600* with a propane torch. They get that hot quickly and the weld just falls apart. Easier than grinding the head off a rivet, IMHO.

DF

 

[300meter]

You mentioned you were going with a 22-250. You would be better off with a 22BR. More accurate, 10 percent less powder with equal performance, longer barrel life. I've had both and see no reason to build another 22-250.

 

[JLDavid]

I have a 22-204(224 Ruger) reamer ordered for an upcoming project. I am thinking of having a 14 twist and a 7 twist chambered with it and just having the throat pushed out for the 7 twist with 75 grain Bergers. I think alf and dirtfarmer have something going here. Mr. Kiff also indicated that there will probably be a factory chambered rifle and factory ammunition this coming year sometime. Should make a great addition to anyone's arsenal. Thanks for posting and the great info on this case. I will keep you updated on the progress.

 

[bheadboy]

Alf, good afternonn, i have a 40x Hart 14twist 22", in 221fb, do you have any thoughts on running a 22-204 reamer in and staying 55gr or lower

I love the 221 and use it out to 250-300 and am considering trying something else in addition to 22-250 40x

Bob

 

[Redhighpower]

I would have the barrel rechambered for the .223 or buy a new barrel in .223 with a 1-7 or 1-8 twist. The 8.6 twist will not stabilize the 80 gr SMKs. You will get a longer barrel out out of the .223. Make sure the throat is set so you can shoot the 80 gr SMK. I get excellent accuracy out to 600yrds. Larry.

 

[alf]

Alf, good afternonn, i have a 40x Hart 14twist 22", in 221fb, do you have any thoughts on running a 22-204 reamer in and staying 55gr or lower

I love the 221 and use it out to 250-300 and am considering trying something else in addition to 22-250 40x

I think it's a great idea. It'll add quite a bit of velocity over the FB.

I just bought a SPS 223 that I considered have the same thing done, but didn't wanna wait forever to get it re-chambered. It's shooting under 3/4 MOA, so it would be a perfect candidate, plus add 100-150 fps to the mix. That pushing hard on the heels of a 22-250 with 7-8 grains less powder.

 

[markr]

Your magazine rails will need to be opened up very slightly about half way to the front of the rails.....very slightly