Reduced Velocity Target Loads

superd222

superd222

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Hey Guys,

Just wanted to share a couple of loads I developed for target work. These loads keep the barrel cooler and hopefully provide longer brass/barrel life.

for 222 Rem:
9.0gr Unique + 50gr Hornady SPSX, OAL = 2.155"

This load produces ragged little one hole groups at 50yds. It fills the case by more that 50% so it's impossible to double charge. No pressure signs - works well at all temperatures from -10 to +32C.

for 22 Hornet:
3.5gr Unique + 50gr Winchester PSP, OAL = 1.800"

This load accounted for lots of (quietly taken) cottontails.

These loads worked great in my rifles. Some guys don't believe in Unique loads - I have had good success with these.

My Disclaimer:
Remember to work-up all loads carefully - this is for information only and may not necessarily be reproducible for anyone else. Be Safe!
:dancingbanana:
 
my 222 has cause many sleepless nights trying to figure out how to make it shoot better.

do you have any standard velocity accurate loads to share.

my best so far in 20gr H4198 with 50gr berger hp gives .75 5 shots.
second is same powder charge with 50gr rem. power lokt hollow point .8 5 shots.
 
some 'HOT' 222 loads

I have found BL-C(2) and IMR-4198 to be two great powders for the 222. BL-C(2) meters a LOT better than 4198. I'd have to dig a bit to find specific loads on these.

I have moved to using H-322 exclusively and have recorded some loads that work great in my rifle - perhaps this could be a starting point for your evaluation. All of these loads are from manuals (+/- a grain or so) so I assume these are all safe - pease check before you try - and remember to work-up safely watching for pressure signs etc.

All of the following loads use H-322 powder. I'll leave out the OAL since throat dimensions may vary - you know what your rifle likes to eat - otherwise, refer to the manuals. These loads worked particularly well in my rifle. Oh yes, PRIMERS - I use CCI-400 and sometimes BR-4's.

Bullet ; Charge
50gr Hornady SPSX ; 23.0gr
52gr Sierra Match HP ; 22.0gr
46gr Winch HP (bulk); 23.5gr
40gr Barnes VLC ; 24.0gr
40gr Sierra Blitz King; 24.0gr

Of all of these, the Blitz Kings and the Sierra Match bullets worked the best!

I also experimented with Hornady V-Max bullets (both 40 & 50gr) and Nosler ballistic tips and observed poor results.

That should keep you busy for a while!

Good luck!
 
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thanks for the info. i didn't have any luck with the v-max either. they(40's) shoot stupid good in my 204 though.

i shot about 2 pounds of 322 in my 222. accuracy was about the same as h4198 for me.
 
its a rem 700 BDL, bought new in 2005.

I...
bedded action
floated barrel
honed trigger
tuned trigger to about 2lbs
tried 3 scopes
2 sets of bases

i havn't used a torque wrench on the action screws yet.

before the work a good day was 1.25" groups. after each step the groups slowly shrunk to around .75 average.

i havn't done much shooting with lighter bullets, i am getting some 40's to try. may try the 52 sierras too.

its around -32 now so i won't get any shooting done for a while. i stop going to the range at -20.

thanks for the onfo.
 
Wow !

It sounds like you've done lots to improve accuracy with significant results - and then some. I too have done all of the above. I put in a Rifle Basix trigger (2lbs.) which made a huge improvement for me in addition to all the rest.

I have had good success with 22lr's by adjusting the action screw tension. I think you'd want a good solid connection between the action and stock - especially if it's bedded. I'm sure there's a rule of thumb out there on how much torque is suggested.

My 222 is also a 700 BDL but is from the 70's, I think. I'd like another 222 and will probably try a Tikka T3 Hunter - quite a few guys from the range shoot Tikka's (from .223 to 6.5mm) and are very pleased with the results out of the box.

I don't blame you for not shooting now, -32 is a little chilly :eek: . You've got to be tough to out @ -20 too!

Good time to roll-up a bunch of development loads to shoot in the spring.

Good luck with the 40 grainers and the Sierra 52's !!!!

SD
 
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