Need Low Recoil 22BR Load

[kory]

Gentlemen,

I'm seriousely considering a 22BR rifle for paper punching. However, I am handicapped and have a partially detached retina, so recoil is of a major concern. A 223 Remington is probably as high recoil as is safe for me, and for my peace of mind, I'd like to go as low as possible.

This brings me to my question: I'm very interested in accuracy, but what is the lightest grain bullet & least amount of powder that you may been able to create an accurate 22 BR load? In my experience with handloading, as you back off on the powder, you do loose accuracy at a certain point. I have also found that longer,and thus heavier) bullets are ballisticly more stable than shorter stubby ones.

I have a lot of experience in sub-calibers, so I am also considering the 20 BR. I would be interested in hearing list members feelings about that cartridge.

Any information thay you can share with me would be wonderful.

Sincerely,
Kory

 

[Forum Boss]

Here's my take on it--you might try AA 5744 or IMR4198/H4198. These powders work very well with reduced loads that leave empty space in the case,low load density). The Hodgdon 4198 has slightly shorter extruded kernals than the IMR 4198. All three powders have similar, fast burn rates and perform well even with relatively low pressures. In your situation I would try a 60-63gr match bullet at about 2400 fps with a 12 twist.,These bullets are normally shot from a 1:14 twist, but you need a faster twist because they're going slower). That combo would give you recoil of about 1.55 ft/lbs in a 14lb gun, 25% less than a 55gr .223 at 3300--the standard military AR round.,This was calculated with Point Blank Software).

The other option is to significantly increase the weight of your gun. The guy who won the Hickory Varmint match was shooting a 6BR in a 25-lb gun. Recoil is nill. If you're not shooting registered BR, why worry about weight limits? If you had a 25-lb gun, you could shoot the 60s at normal velocities, with standard loads, and still have very low recoil.,1.46 ft/lbs for a 60gr bullet @ 3300 fps with 30gr powder). AA2230, Benchmark and VV N135 would be good powder choices.

 

[SnakeEye]

Cory, instead of useing reduced loads, I would add weight to the stock or install a muzzel brake or both. Don't know what type of stock you use but there are ways to add weight but it needs to be done correctly or the gun will not track right. A muzzel brake does wonders as it will tame the br down to a 22 rimfire. The 20 br would be close to the 22 br in recoil in my opinion.
SnakeEye
Varmints For Fun

 

[Changeling]

Gentlemen,

I'm seriousely considering a 22BR rifle for paper punching. However, I am handicapped and have a partially detached retina, so recoil is of a major concern. A 223 Remington is probably as high recoil as is safe for me, and for my peace of mind, I'd like to go as low as possible.

This brings me to my question: I'm very interested in accuracy, but what is the lightest grain bullet & least amount of powder that you may been able to create an accurate 22 BR load? In my experience with handloading, as you back off on the powder, you do loose accuracy at a certain point. I have also found that longer,and thus heavier) bullets are ballisticly more stable than shorter stubby ones.

I have a lot of experience in sub-calibers, so I am also considering the 20 BR. I would be interested in hearing list members feelings about that cartridge.

Any information thay you can share with me would be wonderful.

Sincerely,
Kory

Kory, sorry about your problems. If you want the accuracy and small recoil, give some thought to the 22PPC case and a muzzle brake on a 24" or longer barrel. If you get the weight of the intire gun around 11 pounds or so, the recoil will be "EXTREMELY" light. Additional weight can be added to the point that recoil is almost non-existent.
Changeling