.222 Rem loads

sharp shooter

sharp shooter

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Hi guys,

Picked uo a Sako L461 Vixen Varmiter not too long ago. I may actually get a chance to make some loads for it. Where should I start. Gonna pick up some bullets for it soon. I plan on getting some 50 grain V-Max's to start. Or should I try something different first. I plan on targeting and hunting so I'd rather just try one bullet for the first litttle while as I won't be shooting it too much at first.

Let me know what you guys think.

Steve
 
Most 50's are good, and some plastic tipped 40's have been good shooters in my .222's. IMR or H4198 is the classic powder, and I also like W748 but many others work well. Not all .222s will shoot bullets heavier than 50 grains accurately, but some will.
 
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.222 Rem Loads

Benchmark and H322 give the best accuracy in my triple deuces with 50 to 53 gr bullets. 55 grain bullets perform best with IMR 4895.
 
My present 222 Remington, a 700 "Classic" shoots the 50 V-Max superbly
I am using the now-obsolete RL 12, but 20.0 grains of H4198 or 25 grains of W748 also work very well with this bullet.
Second bullet choice is the 50 grain Hornady SX.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
My old but stock Remington 700, provided I do my job groups about 1-1.5moa with factory S&B loads.

Handloads I use in the same gun are as follows:
- 50gr VMAX, 20gr Alliant Re10x, S&B primer - groups about 1 moa in three shot group: The first two shots often touch, but with the light barrel, it heats fast and group opens.
- 50gr VMAX, 25gr IMR 4320, S&B primer - groups 5/8 moa; same shooting conditions.
- 50gr Hornady SP, 20gr Alliant Re10x, S&B primer - groups the same as the immediately preceeding load.

These groups were shot on the same afternoon at 100yards, so environmental conditions didn't change. I was trying numerous loads to find one that works well for this rifle. I seated the bullets shallow in the case, to reduce the length of travel before rifling was engaged: This isn't good for in the field, because of the possibility of leaving the bullet in the chamber during an unload. But an earlier handload I had with the VMAX and max load (check tables, but 26.0gr is max with IMR 4320)of IMR 4320 produced sub MOA accuracy even with bullet seated to handle the rigors of being handled in a hunting situation.

I cannot explain why, but the VMAX and IMR 4320 load, although the first two bullets making their own distinct hole, the third was also closer to the first two despite barrel heating: The same cannot be said for the Alliant 10x loads as the first two rounds were making their respective holes form into ovals, where the third shot is what widened the group. Of course, I may be mistaken in that I spot my shots with the scope sight(an old weaver fixed, so the glass has some waves) So I may have marked the order of holes incorrectly. Regardless, my rifle likes these loads and it took very little in terms of effort to find the load, one of which was by chance meeting another range member who graciously gave me some of his loads to try. Of course, the old 222rem, is not noted for being a "minute of broad side of barn" cartridge, having an accomplished history in matches.

VMAX is very common, and works well, which is good for me because it is usually available in 50gr. I think conventional twist with 222rem in 1 in 12", so the longer bullets will not likely stabilize.

Enjoy that rifle: Sako makes a fine rifle, and in 222rem, shooting will be pleasant.
 
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IMO the 222 Rem. was made for 50 grain bullets. My older Sako 222 Varmint shoot superbly with a 50 grain Sierra Blitz pushed by 20.5 grains of IMR 4198 and any SR primer, although I usually use CCI's. This load is a tad hot so approach with caution. Further it shoots .5 MOA off the bench or better any day.

Second go to of mine lately is the 40 grain Hornady V-Max pushed by 20.5 or 21 grains of IMR 4198. Velocities are in the 3500fps range with these pills and they shoot crazy tight groups as well. Do fine work on gophers, prairie dogs, crows, etc... out to 200- 250 yards or so.

I used strictly Lapua brass as well. Further, keep an eye on case length and determine COL for your chamber. Enjoy your 222 and don't get talked into re-chambering or re-barreling to 223 or something like that;-)

M12
 
I have played with the 222 for years. I found the best powder to be WW748 and the Hornady will give consistant one ragged hole groups.
Excellent choice.
 
This will draw some flack but so it goes.........24gr of Win 748 and a 55gr SP has accounted for over a dozen WT's and three black bears .All one shot with my hand loads for my Dad in Ontario over the years..............Harold
 
My Vixen shot the best groups with the old Hornady 50 gr SPSX bullets over BL-C(2) or WW748.

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Thanks guys!

Checked out some old posts too. I picked up some 50gr SP SX's today. Alot of the guys on here were big fans of them.

I have a VX3 6.5-20 comming as well.

Also picked up some optilock bases and rings today too. What a great day.

Anyway, when I get home, I will pick up some 4198 and some 322 powder and start loading. any specific primer to try?


Scott_N
Nice rifle, I believe ours would be he same. I love the gun and its mint. picked it up for $650 with redfield bases and rings and a fixed 10x Ruko. The Ruko needs to go but isn't that bad. Can't wait to start loading for it.
 
My duece also likes H4198 and 50 gr bullets. i have recently started using H322 just because it meters nicer and i have 8 lbs of it, didn`t lose to much in accuracy department.
 
my savage 340B likes either 45 grain sp over 21.0gr of imr 4198 or 50 grain psp over 19.8gr of imr 4198.i also have a 340C in 222 which i have yet to work loads for.i have been using cci primers.i also have some hornady 55grain spire point bullets i want to work up loads with.tried some 50 grain v-max bullet with imr4895 powder but my rifles with the 1-14 twist do not like them as much as the flat based shorter bullets.
 
<<<<AHEM>>>>

With the greatest respect to previous posters and their experiences with this FABULOUS cartridge.............:D

In quite a number of rifles, probably seven or eight, my sweet load did indeed use 55 grain bullets, as opposed to lighter pills. And I am aware that many folks (especially perhaps younger shooters) pooh-pooh the use of IMR 3031 ("oh, it's like shooting spaghetti" etc) - which I acknowledge does NOT work worth a hoot with powder measures, but is a very fine powder when weighed one charge at a time, which is how I do my loading.

Brass: does not really matter, but I do like Remington, and of course the fellow who uses Lapua will get value for his money with that exceptionally excellent but expensive brass.

Primer: CCI 400

Powder: 22.5 gr IMR 3031

Bullet: Hornday 55 gr SP SX

But honestly, pretty much ANY load will shoot moa in a decent .222, it is one of those cartridges that I consider an inherently accurate cartridge.

Good luck to the OP!

Doug
 
I agree with Doug...i use 23 grains IMR 3031 powder, whatever primers i have, whatever brass i pick up. and 50 gr. V-Max in my old BSA .222. Takes 'em down up to over 200 in a pink mist. Will i part with it....never I say.
 
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