222 rem vs 223 rem reload question

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Hirsch_Creek

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I'm starting to think about reloading for my Remy model 788. Just to be clear 222 is actually .224 and the same as 223 right? Far as differences go from the two it's just the case shape and powder capacity? So I can use heavier .224 bullets like 62 gr. Tsx without issue in my 222 were their actually meant for a 223? The reason I ask is I can only find 50 grain factory loads from Winchester and Remington but I want something a little heavier for queen Charlotte island deer this fall.

Thanks guys
 
Most likely the 62gr TSX will not stabilize in your rifle due to the slow rate of twist. Your rifle likely has a 1 in 14" rate of twist, which is better suited to bullets in the 50-55gr range, and the TSX is long for the weight, so it requires a faster rate of twist than most bullets of similar weight.
 
223rem and 222rem are both .224" caliber, but what stubblejumper said: The rifling twist in the 222rem is typically 1 in 14" and bullet weights over 55gr probably won't stabilize.
Also a heavier bullet isn't necessarily a larger than varmint game bullet ... not just .224" bullets. While they exist, .224" caliber bullets for large game are not common simply because there's not a large market in North America on account of regulations for caliber use on big game.

Something to peruse...
http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/
 
My 222 will shoot a 60 grain partition ok, but not any boattail bullet of that weight... Mine is a 1-14 twist as well. The partition works very well on thicker heavier game.
 
You might want to try loading some 50 grain GMX's from Hornady.

Every bit as tough as the Barnes (at least if I believe my Hornady rep) and should be more then enough for those dog sized deer in the Charlotte's.
 
Thanks guys, I did some research on the barrel twist 1:14 to the bullet weight and I'll try staying under 55 grains for my first loads.
Even if the bullets aren't heavy I just need them to hold together for penetration. GMX and partitions I'll give a try, those Winchester super X factory loads I'm told break apart very easily on impact much like SST's. Any truth to that?
 
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