Had a relative call me looking for loads using 55 gr Speers in a 222 Rem (NOT mag). I have several manuals, but see no loads using Reloader 19, which is the powder he has in surplus, and would like to use. Also, he lives at least 3 ferry rides from the nearest source of reloading supplies. Anybody have any such loads? I assume there is a good reason for no Re19 being listed in my books, but it is not a cartridge I load for, or have any other experience with.
Reloader 19 for 222 Remington ?
- Thread starter icedog
- Start date
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
I used IMR 3031 behind 50 grain V-Max and was absolutely amazed at the results at 100 yards. Shooting a 1/4 inch dot and touching it every shot field shooting with bipod and shoulder hold. The BSA .222 shot 55 grain bullets "ok" but sure proved itself with the lighter 50 gr. bullet. 23 grains of powder does the job.
Thanks for all of the responses and the good information, which I will definitely pass along. I suspect the family member whom I spoke of, and who is looking to use up some of his Re19, is pretty intent on loading some of it into .222 cartridges. Is there a benchmark where he can safely start? Is the "too slow" powder most likely to create high/erractic pressures? Will its major impact be a compromise of accuracy/consistency? I just want to ensure that he is well advised, and does not proceed with something which has some real inherent dangers.
1) Quickload says a 100% filled case with 40gr Sierra is 24.25 grains of RL-19. Velocity in a 24" barrel is 2504fps. Barely half of the propellant is burned in the barrel, the rest will spit out the end or sit in the barrel and brass. This is a silly thing to do, but it might be safe, or it might not.
2) Every time I've tried a radically too slow powder, that's what happened, leading to my "might not" comment above.
3) Yes, and mess in the gun as unburned powder migrates into the action, and pathetic velocity.
You could scoop that 222 case right full to the mouth of the case, seat any weight .224 bullet, and be underloaded. I'm positive it is safe, but why do it? Velocities will be very low, and the powder will not burn efficiently due to such low pressures. Eagleye.
