.222 Rem for 300m + ??

[raks]

Is .222 adequate for a beginner in long range competitions? I've inherited a Model 700 in .222 with a nice 9x scope and I'd like to try it out competitvely.

I know that .222 is basically obsolete but I could get this rifle on the range tomorrow without spending time and $$.

Any thoughts??

 

[tiriaq]

.222 is not obsolete. It is a fine, accurate cartridge. You will be limited to lightweight bullets. This does not reduce accuracy, but it does increase wind sensitivity. The rifle should be accurate as long as the bullet stays supersonic. If its gusty, 300 is going to be challenging, and this difficulty will increase with the range. Don't know what you mean by long range. If you are thinking about shooting to 900m, its not going to work very well.

 

[JoeP's old business account]

.222 is a fine cartridge. Its a bit softer or slower then the .223. Military adoption of the .223 has definitely pushed its popularity.

For longer range 250+ you would like to make sure you have a fast twist barrel - 1-9 or better 1-8" (thats is 1 revolution every 9" of barrel). Normally the .222s come in 1-12 to 1-14.

Faster twists allow you to stablize longer, heavier bullets with higher ballistic coefficients....

You can measure the twist by using a cleaning rod (style that allows the rod to rotate while the handle is stationary - I.E. Dewey Rod) and snug patch. It is helpful to mark your handle and rod with dots, one on the rod and one on the handle immediately next to the rod. Position a patched rod (with the dot top side up) into the action (use a rod guide as well )until it starts to engage the rifling, mark the top of your rod at the rear receiver ring (make sure the dots at the handle are still aligned). Now you will see 3 marks or dots, basically in alignment. One on the handle, one on the rod at the handle and one at the rear of the receiver ring. Push the rod into the barrel allowing the rod to rotate freely, while keeping the handle dot facing the ceiling or top dead center. As soon as the dot on the rod next to the handle lines up with the handle dot, you stop and mark the rod again at the same location next to the receiver ring (as you did earlier). Pull out the rod and measure the distance between the two dots on the rod (not the one at the handle). This will give you your twist rate. Basically the bullet needs to travel X inches before it does one full rotation!

 

[Leeper]

Your rifle does not have a fast twist and you will be limited to shooting 55grain or lighter bullets. 52 or 53 gr BR bullets will work very well. If conditions are good at 300 meters, you may be able to shoot pretty decent scores. When you decide you want to be a bit more serious you can rebarrel to 223 with a fast twist barrel (not bad) or rebarrel to 6BR (way better). Regards, Bill.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Load up some 52 or 55gr MK, better 40 to 55gr Vmax over some H322 powder lit by a CCI BR4 primer in properly prepped cases. In calm conditions, you can be as competitive as anyone else.

In the wind, you will just have to work harder. Not a bad way to learn though.

The triple duece is an excellent and potentially very accurate rifle. I would suggest a higher mag variable scope (6X24 or 4X14) with target turrents of some kind.

Jerry