222 Rem and 55 gr. bullets

350tracker

350tracker

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On my previous post I was looking for powder for 40 gr. bullets but decided to load some heavier bullets just for trial at the same time. I ordered some Barnes MPG (multi purpose green) 55 gr bullets on line and after receiving them the box has noted 1:9 twist or faster. Looked at some loading manuals and one has listed 1:12 twist. Another doesn't list anything. My rifle has 1:14.

Does anyone have experience with 55 gr bullets in the 222 Rem. Will they work or is it just, shoot and try type of thing ?
 
Your gun may shoot them well and it may not shoot them well. 55gr seems to be that max for 1:14 barrels. I shoot 40gr V Max out of my 222 with a max charge of IMR 4198 for best results. That load shoots 3500fps. Let us know how you make out.
 
Barnes bulltets are generally way longer than cup and core bullets of the same weight. That is the reason why they require a faster twist barrel for the same bullet weight. If the box says 1:9 twist or faster I doubt your 1:14 will stablize the barnes. A couple of good accurate bullets to try would be the Hornady 53gr Match flat base or the 53gr Sierra Match King flat base. I have used those two bullets in few different 1-14 twist barrels and they weree always very accurate.
 
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It's the length of the bullet, not the weight that dictates the barrel twist required. Green or solids are longer per weight then lead counterparts.
For 55gr my 222 shoots the bulk Hornady SP ($15/100) into a ragged hole with 24gr Varget.
 
My old deuce has no problem with 55gr bullets. They group as well as the 50 gr slugs, the best groups are with 52 gr all with H4198. I find H322 is very good as well.
 
The 1-14 will work as used to load them for deer for my dad 24gr/Win 748 if I recall correctly............at least a dozen WT deer and 3 black bears ........all one shot each..........Harold
 
I find that my old BSA and Brno Fox both prefer the lighter bullets. They are just fair with 55 gr. but really like 52 gr. SMK's. I think that they both have the 14 inch twist.
 
I've used the 52 and 55 grain Berger in mine. The Berger site states 1:14 twist for both. Ram Shot X-Terminator has worked very well for me with those bullets.
 
One key point that most seem to have missed is the bullets are described as "green" which means some sort of non toxic core like tin, which is lighter than lead. Lighter = longer for the same weight, which makes 55gr an unlikely match for the .222. good luck though.
 
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