What .22 caliber would be a good choice for match shooting

[fdshuster]

Lawrence & Walt: You are both correct: the 223 would be a very good choice, especially with the 9 twist barrel. I hadn't given that full consideration. Lapua brass, also a proven track record since the mid 60's, relatively "cheap" components, all bullet weights from about 50 to 69 grs., etc. Whats not to like? WD: Kevin is a great guy, with a head full of hands-on experience/knowledge from his years with Sierra & now Lapua, and is happy to share. I've enjoyed his articles in "Precision Shooting" over the years & keep copies on file.

 

[artbosco]

I am open to suggestions and would appreciate comments and the reason you chose the caliber (cartridge ) over other choices.

The 220 BEGGS; no-turn-neck!

Accuracy / Zero and Teen sized groups!

"In the tunnel, the 220 HV, with a no-turn-neck 220 Beggs chamber, produced three-shot groups in the low ones and zeros right out of the gate, even before the tuner was optimized. With a barrel with over 1000 rounds through it, after firing 40 rounds without cleaning, Gene produced a tiny 5-shot group in the low ones. The first shot was slightly high (a common occurence in the tunnel according to Beggs). The last 4 shots, rounds 42-45 since the barrel had been cleaned, went into 0.084″."

Source: http://www.accurateshooter.com/stocks/beggs-radical-skeleton-stock/ [The source contents includes: velocity, bullet, and powder combination data.]

I know Gene and I've seen that cartridge shoot. A no-turn-neck using Lapua 220 Russian brass ... keeps it simple too!

 

[jonbearman]

Thank you all for your thoughts.I am almost sold on the plain jane .223. I would like to improve it,but they can be finicky.

 

[jonbearman]

Just bought a new PTG reamer off a member here and now I am getting excited.! You can keep the advice coming as I have a second barrel in mind for the next barrel for my switch barrel project. Getting off subject alittle. Went to the range today and shot my savage throw together with a 1.350 bull barrel by mcgowen and shot 3 shots at 200 yds into a ragged intersecting hole measuring just .280 thou. It is the best group I have ever shot with a cheapo bench gun.

 

[artbosco]

the idea of owning a 220 Beggs will give Jon the enjoyment of another option to think about.

And, that's exactly why it was presented. It's a superb round and one that we should give not only Jon ... but other readers a change to research.

The cartridge impressed one of this site's authors with it's uncanny accuracy and may also give others the same impression.

So much so, that the immediate sale of a 223 [which you've apply pointed out] would be very easy ... so as to generate new revenue ... to pursue the purchase of the 220 BEGGS, if one was so inclined.

Thanks for that reminder.

 

[Alycidon]

I am using a heavy 20BR with Berger 50s in 100BR match's and giving 6PPCs a good run for their money. I generally get beaten by three or four. I would use it at longer range without any worries but we don't really shoot BR at over 100 yards over here. Shoot your 22 and enjoy it,

A

 

[maxpower]

Why not a standard, plain 220 Russian (great brass, no case mods needed)? Or if you want to fireform, a 22 PPC?
Can anyone think of better cartridges than these for a 200yd 224????

 

[wapiti25]

the 222 rem was one of the top cals before the 6 PPC came along for 100 and 200 BR shooting.

 

[Canuck Archer]

Go with a 222 Rem. That is a sweet caliber, uses about 20 grs powder, a 50 gr bullet and easy on the ears, cheaper to reload, very accurate, and no kick.