Cast Bullets in 222 Rem

[StephenPerry]

Cast Bullets in 222 Rem
My first experience with rifle cast bullets was with a Rem 722 in 222 Rem . I started casting bullets in 1964. I cast mainly 38 cal pistol bullets. Then came 30 cal rifle bullets. Eventually my dad and I tried some 22 cal cast bullets. I cast 2 bullets. One was Lyman 225415 about 48 grn and the other was 225462 about 55 grn both had gas checks crimped in place. Bullets were both sized .224 dia in a Lyman press using Ideal lube. I cast them hard using weights and space metal.
When I started shooting them I tried the 225415 first. I loaded
6.0 grn of Unique with CCI 400 primers. My 100 yd groups started out averaging 1.5 in. I didn't use any wind flags so that was about right. I shot all Summer and managed to get down to a 1.25 in average. Next came the 225462 bullets. Same load same result.
Only 18 and my first year at a shooting range I didn't know what to think. I knew I kill a sitting rabbit with these cast bullets but could I do better. I kept shooting the cast bullets but eventually went to jacketed bullets. My curiosity lead me on to try and shoot better groups. Now 29 years into a BR career I now what it takes to shoot small groups. In my case 22 & 6 PPC rifles and a lot of equipment. Oh by the way I now make my own BR bullets.
For me it all started pouring lead. I still have all my cast bullet equipment and still turn on the lead pot and cast a few. Just bought a near new SAECO pot the other day.
Stephen Perry

 

[StephenPerry]

What no cast bullet shooters! Let's start a conversation.

 

[Trigger]

Your story sounds like my story. I bought a .222 rifle in 1960, a Remington 722. Started reloading immediately and on to cast bullets in several months. I found the Lyman 225462,HP) would shoot near MOA groups at 100 yards with 12 grains 4227 and a Lyman gas check. I sold that gun when I moved to Florida. I thought I would never use it again. BIG Mistake!! After living for 5 years where the discharge of a BB gun would get you in trouble, we bought 5 acres in the country. So I'm back in it. Still have all the reloading stuff. I bought a .22 Hornet, Encore from TC, joined a shooting club. I'm also building a 25yd under ground range. Just ordered a .22 BR custom gun 1-12 twist Douglas barrel, Rem 700 short action, laminated stock. Will have it by the end of June. What am I going to do with this thing ??. Cast bullets of course, also some jacketed. I will probably be the only USA shooter to build a 22 BR around 44 - 55 gr cast bullets. The barrel is even chrome/moly steel. Suppose to be the best for those lead projectiles. I can't wait to get this thing. By the way it does have a scope, Leupold 30mm tube 6.5x20x50mm + Harris By pod. Email me for more detailed cast bullet loading data at reddog044@alltel.net