222 rem ammo

Hi, deadeyes - .222 rem has a really narrow range of viable bullet weights: 45gr to 55gr. Go to the heavy end of that for a larger varmint like a coyote but the key issue will be what ammo gives your rifle the most consistent point of impact. Shooting coyotes with a smaller bullet is an accuracy game....
 
You're going to be hard put to find anything, other than 50 and 55 grain spire point softnose/hollowpoints for .222 Remington.
Either factory load will do the job fine within effective range. I really doubt a coyote would notice a 5 grain bullet difference, but perhaps the heavier bullet would give slightly deeper penetration. I think it's more important, that you you take the time/effort to purchase enough ammo, and put in the range time, sighting it your rifle.
My last advice, is to never use the FMJ ammunition sometimes available for this round, on live game.
 
50gr hp's knocks them silly.With 1-14" twist and 3000fps max some guns stability is marginal with 55's......................least from what I've found..........Harold
 
The 222 shoots best IMO with bullets in the 50 grain range. I shoot 50 Sierra Blitz pushed by 20.5 grains of IMR 4198 at 3200fps. Substitute the Blitz for regular 50 spitzer for less explosive results. Remington loads 50 grain hollow points, should do fine. Really should get into loading though.
 
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The best choice would be the load and bullet weight your gun likes best,
there is no best bullet choice for varmints, if your gun won't shoot it acurately. Buy a number of loads and brands and find out what your gun will shoot.

I have 3 triple duece guns and not one of them will shoot the same load. The 3/8'' group load for my L46 sako turns into a 2'' load in my styer and my favorite load for the styer will not shoot for s**t in the sako.
As well as the m322 Marlin will not shoot either of the other loads very well.

Expriment, experiment, experiment.
 
Ditchdogger said:
The best choice would be the load and bullet weight your gun likes best,
there is no best bullet choice for varmints, if your gun won't shoot it acurately. Buy a number of loads and brands and find out what your gun will shoot.

I have 3 triple duece guns and not one of them will shoot the same load. The 3/8'' group load for my L46 sako turns into a 2'' load in my styer and my favorite load for the styer will not shoot for s**t in the sako.
As well as the m322 Marlin will not shoot either of the other loads very well.

Expriment, experiment, experiment.
Click to expand...

My Gaillard barreled 222 Vixen likes 50 Sierras best. Have never fired a round of factory stuff.
 
Lightweight, high velocity frangible varmint bullets are the best choice. The guy who mentioned penetration has clearly never actually shot a coyote. They aren't exactly heavily build and just about anything will kill them. The only thing is you need to do a lot of internal damage to anchor a coyote, otherwise it is likely to run off and die somewhere else. IF you are planning to keep the pelts then the smaller, lighter, higher velocity bullets are less likely to exit.
 
My own favorite handload consist of the 50 grain Hornaday SX.
Using 20 grains of IMR-4198.
For smaller criiters the Winchester 46 grain hollowpoint, actually made for the .22 Hornet, and 25 grains of WW-748. I have yet to use this last load, on any coyote, so I cannot recommend it at this time.
 
I think a 50gr @ 3150 fps is about ideal for a 222, the big 3 (Rem, Fed, Win) make that load with soft point bullets. The Federal 40gr Nosler bt load @ 3450 fps would also work well.
 
I use the cheap Prvi Partizan 50gr soft point factory ammo in my Sako Vixen and I couldn't be happier.

I am into reloading but haven't even bothered with this gun yet since it shoots the cheap stuff so well.
 
thanks for the info.was at a shop today that carries powder primers and bullets for reloading for the 222.have a press and everything else except the dies so i might pick up the stuff and start reloading some rounds.got 4 boxes of factory stuff.going to range tommorrow so i will have some empty brass as well.
 
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