SIERRA 1320 LOADS

[Kiwi222]

Hi Folks,
Im looking for an accurate load for a CZ Ebony .222 with 1:14 twist using Sierra 1320, 50gr semi-point, soft points please. My single most important goal is accuracy as I am wanting to be able to kill jack rabbits (hares) out to 400 yards.

THanks
Ian

 

[mac86951]

Well, my 788 likes a 20.0gr load of h4198 with the 1320. As for 400y; better be good at reading the wind. I've found the nosler BT 50gr to be just as accurate, but that would help between 300-400y. Same load. I'm betting both would end the jackrabbit.

-Mac

 

[std7mag]

I'll agree with Mac on the bullets!
After 200 yards your gonna want better BC with that light of a bullet.
Alliant Varmint does well for my wife's 223 and light bullets.
As does Win 748.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I suspect that the 1320 will be a bit light for a 400 yd accurate shot. To give me a bit more distance, I changed my 14 twist for a 12 ,a used Douglas, years ago to use 55g pills and found the Sierra hollow point to be the best for longer shots. I guess 300 was more the usual distance. Having worn that barrel out, I recently changed for a new "take off" Tikka barrel from a 223 and had it rechambered, same tenon thread, so now an 8 twist. I mostly use 55 grain Hornady or Sierra, with N120 or Varget. Any of the faster powders and most of the mediums work in the 222. As I use a silencer on the rifle, the faster powders seem quieter.

 

[littlebuddybr]

+1 for 20gr 4198 works great.
If you have a supply of the 1320's I understand using them.
At 400 yards the Sierra 52 or 53 mk. will
Help you more then the 1320.
And they are pretty cheap.
The nosler 50-55gr work really well also and will stabilize in the 14 twist w/o a problem.
They are a little more expensive though.
But they will be better then the 1320.

 

[Gary in MD]

I don’t have my 222 any more, traded it a few years ago. Some of my best targets were shot with IMR 4895 and H322, 4198 as noted by others also did well. If you have a bunch of those Sierra semi points, just use them. They are accurate bullets and due to the generous soft point on those, they expand very well. Not as glamorous as the new high bc bullets, they won’t hold up in the wind as well especially at the longer ranges.
But they will bust up a bunny!
Gary

 

[mac86951]

I'll add to this post; I'm not sure of your barrel length; but my understanding of 222 remington is that most 50gr bullets are best around 3200fps (24" barrel). estimate 20-25fps change per inch and I'm betting you'll find an accurate load right around those velocities. A 55gr Hornady SP does wonders on 20oz and 1L bottles filled with water at 100y. I'll put some out at 450y and see how they do.

Another note: I've found that my Rem. 788 really performs better with a true flat-based bullet. Boat-tails, and even bevel-base bullets don't seem to perform as well. Not sure why, and I've checked the crown; but it is a factory barrel and who knows how many 1000 rounds through the tube. I'm still happy with it so not time for a new barrel, but just a suggestion; you may want to try both boat-tail ballistic tips; flat base; and for maximum effect the Speer 50gr TNT is fantastic.

-Mac

 

[Kiwi222]

Hi folks, thanks for your responses. I am currently using ADI AR2207 (H4198) @ 20.5grains with Sierra 52 Gr HPBT MK's Chrono says its doing around 3050FPS (the sun was tricky on the day so I'm not 100% sure of that number) I get excellent accuracy at 0.5" group @ 100 meters.
I also chase fallow deer and wanted a more robust projectile than the match king to make sure I have good penetration. I don't shoot deer at much more than 100 yards.

So far as the 1320's go I brought a test pack of 15 to try, maybe I will go for 3000fps-ish and see how they perform.
Cheers
Ian

 

[stacy]

Well here’s what works for me 22.5 grs H-322 and 205m primer and 52gr Berger hp and you will get 400yds in my 40x at 100yds it a bughole most accurate load I have shot in my rifle