Pet loads for .222 Rem.

[wboggs]

Have just acquired a 1950's Rem 722 in .222 Rem. I do not plan to use it i competition but as a fun gun at 100-200 yds.
Would appreciate members experience with this old rifle and their pet loads.
Thanks
Bill

 

[Preacher]

52 ish grain bullets and H4198 will keep you grinning.............

 

[Dan877]

To save everyone time in posting, I asked the exact same question 2 months ago, you can check out their answers here:

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/index.php/topic,3769589.0.html

 

[wboggs]

Dan
Thanks for the heads up. That is exactly what I was looking for. I have found one that has been well cared for and is all orginal factory. Plan to leave it that way and enjoy it for its heritage and the grand old cartridge it is.
It is nice to read about the fond memories associated with it and Mike Walker.
Thanks to you and all that have posted.
Bill

 

[Dan877]

Bill

Glad to point it out.

I haven't had much chance to get out and shoot my "new old" 722. I got to the range a couple of weeks ago to get the scope sighted in but I should have known better than to go to the range to play on the weekend before deer season opened, too many hunters waiting in line to check their rifles to get much done with my .222. I'd love to hear how you do with yours.

 

[bheadboy]

been shooting 222 since 1967, in a number of rifles, all did well with4198 and 50-53gr using 20-21gr depending on the rifle, start low and work up to check you chamber bbl likings.

Bob

 

[wboggs]

Will keep you and the others up to date. I'm excited about it.
Bill

 

[fdshuster]

In addition to the time proven load of 20.5 H4198, the load listed on the Hodgdon 322 powder can label: 22.2 grs. of H322 with any high quality 50 to 53 gr. bullet has been consistantly accurate for me. Easy ctg. to load, almost any good combination works.

 

[JohnHenry]

+1 on H322 and quality 52gr. bullet. My 222s prefer the bullet seated approx. .010 off the lands.

 

[JamesinAsheville]

I have a Rem 788 222 that has a "ruff" barrel
I tried 40's and they would not shoot
finally looked at H322 powder just for kicks
50gr TNT and 22.2 went in a hole..oh yea
50vm and 22.2 went in 1/2" or better
So...it depends on what your barrel likes
I tried the IMR and H4198 and it would not group
but the H322 seems to be what this rifle likes
It's a try and see on what your rifle likes
But IMR or H4198 has always been a good load
Don't forget V133 and AA2015 they are good powders

 

[Ole]

VV N-130 is a better powder for the .222.

Tom

 

[22BRGUY]

I bought one of these about a year ago and put on a vintage Weaver k10. I found a load on reloaders nest with N133 and 52gr bergers. the guy said the load would consistantly shoot in the one's. I'm not that good but my 722 will consistantly shoot under an inch at 200 yds and is just plain fun. The 222 is cheap to reload, very accurate, barrel life is forever, low recoil. The 722 is real old time quality workmanship of yesteryear too. This is my "learn technique" teacher too......what else is there to say??? You are going to have a lot of fun.
Best Wishes

 

[wboggs]

That's why I purchased it. It is one of the grand old cartridges of benchrest. It was a darling of the Rem. factory in Ilion, N.Y.,and their pride and skill were invested in it.
Bill

 

[Dan877]

Here are a couple of pic's of my 722. Unfortunately the batteries in my camera were almost dead and the flash wouldn't fire so the nice grain in the stock doesn't show. I also picked up a very good condition original 722 stock off e*bay for it, just in case I want to put it back to original condition some time. Probably the best $379 I've spent in a long time.

 

[wboggs]

Did you do any trigger work?
Bill

 

[22BRGUY]

I lightened the trigger somewhat and you can buy a light trigger spring kit from erniethegunsmith.com for about $8

 

[22/250]

was using 19.5 grains of reloader 7 in my tikka m595 222. with 50 grain blizking and getting tiny little 4 shot groups.

not the fastest load in the world. but deadly accurate

 

[Robby]

Have been using 21.5 gr of 322 with Sierra 52 gr BTHP in my 30 yr old Rem Varmint Special for the last 30 years and still shoot 5 shot half inch groups all day without trying hard. This is still my favorite cartridge, even out to 200 yards.

 

[wboggs]

Thanks to all. I will start working on loads next week and fully expect exceptional things from this classic. I do note the affection shooters have for the .222, earned over many years.

 

[Predator1]

First I want to say that is a beautiful vinage looking rifle!!! Love it!

Second, I would opt for bullets in the 50-52gr range and I would really look hard at VV133. For some reason the old 4198 just never worked for me. H322 was good also.Good luck and keep us posted. Hope it shoots as good as it looks.