Tell me about the .222 Rem

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I just bought one of these in a 340 Savage. I am going to start reloading this in addtion to the other calibers I already do. Any tips, tricks,general info, or recipies about this cartridge would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Josh
 
Extremely accurate. Used to own one chambered in a BSA Varminter and shot the smallest groups from any rifle. Mine liked BL-C(2), and Sierra 52gr. Shot .32" 5 shots @ 100yds. Also a very mild pressure cartridge.
 
It was immediately made obsolete with the U.S. military's addoption of the .223 (later 5.56mm NATO) cartridge?
 
Josh,

I have the same rifle. Mine likes 50gr VMAX, with 20.5 of IMR 4198. Also, if you're scoping it, go with the B-Square mount instead of the Weaver. The Weaver does not align the centerline of the scope and centerline of the rifle - yes the scope is offset. To me it doesn't feel natural.
 
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222 is a really fun little cartridge. They're almost always accurate and they make good varmint rounds out to about 250 yards or so.

I've had good luck with BL-C(2) and Win. 748. My Sako likes the Hornady 50 gr SX and 50 gr Nosler BTs. The Hornady SX blows up gophers real good!
 
The only thing I have found about my 340 in .222rem is that it doesnt like much other than luke warm loads with the bullet seated out as far as the mag will let it.

a 50g Speer Spitzer over 22.1g of h-335 was a nice load for mine but your is probably different.

If you find it shoots good as it likely will leave it be. If it happens to be a little erratic my suggestion would be to take it to a smith and get him to add a second action bolt. (at the rear of the trigger) and then bed it. I recently did that to mine and its the cats ass now.
 
obsolete?

beltfed said:
It was immediately made obsolete with the U.S. military's addoption of the .223 (later 5.56mm NATO) cartridge?
Click to expand...

Actually, it didn't become obsolete--it gained an unlimited supply of cheap brass:p

44Bore
 
i have had best results using H322 and H4198. the most accurate bullets were Berger 50gr and 50gr Remington Power lokt HP. just got some 52gr sierra BTHP to try, they also have good reviews from a 222.

the effective range is as far as you can hit what your aimed at.

list of 222 kills:

Magpie @ 180yds
lost of Beavers from 20 to 200 yards
6 coyotes @ 50 yds
1 cow elk @ 160yds
 
i have a savage 340c......great little shooter.....ive loaded up some40 g of hornady v max,with 20 g of h4198..
only punched hole,s in paper so far...
but its a great toy to play around with..
 
rmkm70 said:
1 cow elk @ 160yds
Click to expand...


Just curious what load you used.

My initial thought when I bought my .222 was that it would be my son's first deer gun. He is 9, and can group well at a 75yds with it. I loaded up some heavier bullets and thought if he kept the shots under 75yds and placed them well we'd be OK. After reading a few posts on this board (re: effectiveness of small caliber rounds), I'm now doubting whether or not I should even attempt this.

But seeing as how you took a cow elk with it, I'm curious as to how it performed and what load you were using.
 
i used 50gr v-max and H322 powder (don't remember the charge) the elk had been hit by a car and was laying down in the field off the road. i passed by on the way out to check traps. and reported it to DNR, they know me well and gave me approval to dispach it.

ethical statement:
i had done alot of shooting and had it sighted perfect dead on at 200 yards. i knew i could shoot just over 1" groups at 200 with this load. it was early in the morning and there was NO wind. with a steady rest i placed 1 shot 1 inch infront of the base of its ear with a broadside shot.

i have a friend that shoots deer strictly with the 222 and hasn't lost one yet. there are many good quality lead soft point bullets available in 22 cal heavier would be good, but don't go more than 60grains so you can keep up speed. make a good broadside chest shot, stay away from head shots and the front shoulder.

its all in the shot placement. take him out and shoot alot so he's comfortable with the gun. i have seen people that could not make a clean kill on a deer with a 338 and i have seen people quickly dispach moose and elk with a 222. it all comes down to the person behind the trigger.
 
"...first deer gun..." Too light for deer. It's a varmint round. Especially if you plan on using factory ammo. Nearly all of it is loaded with varmint bullets. Your son would be better off with a .243 or other mid-sized cartridge.
 
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