Wanted load for 55 gr. bullet in .222 Rem.

Rob

Rob

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 99.8%
547   1   1
Location
Canada
I'm wondering if anyone can suggest a good basic load for the relatively heavy bullet, 55gr., in .222 Rem. Accuracy is more important to me than max. velocity, but it isn't intended as a target load. Thats why I call it a "basic" load. I'll be shooting it out of a light Sako Vixen sporter.
 
Every rifle is different, so what works for someone else won't necessarily work for you. My best advise to you is to look in your reloading manual or online for a starting load for the caliber/bullet you want to shoot, & work up from there. Starting loads tend to be more accurate than max loads IMHO, but you may have different results. Pay attention to things like good brass prep, measure the distance to the rifling for the bullet that you intend to use. Neck sizing fired brass also helps accuracy. Seating distance from the rifling will affect your accuracy also. Good luck on finding that accuracy load for your .222 :)

George
 
20.5 IMR4198/50 grain Sierra Blitz or spitzer. This load was the ringer back in the day but is a tad hot according to my loading data. Shoots .5 any day with my trusty Sako varmint. Is there a reason why you want to shoot 55 grain pills?
 
Check the manuals or powder sites, but consider using Reloder 7, as well as the suggested IMR or H 4198, with the .222 and 55 grain bullets. Depending on your rifle barrel twist, you might not have much luck with 55 grain Boattail, such as full metal jacket military types. I would recommend the Hornady 55 gr Spire Point as it is a flat base and therefore a short bullet. Also, I always found them to be acceptably accurate.
 
I have a Sako Vixen, but my is the heavy barrel version. Mine does better with 50 gr bullets than it does with 55 gr bullets usually. The most accurate one in my rifle that I have found is the plain old Hornady 50 gr SPSX. It's also very destructive at the velocities that the .222 is capable. I think I've shot my best groups with BL-C(2). But like most have already said, your mileage on your rifle will probably vary.
 
Scott_N said:
I have a Sako Vixen, but my is the heavy barrel version. Mine does better with 50 gr bullets than it does with 55 gr bullets usually. The most accurate one in my rifle that I have found is the plain old Hornady 50 gr SPSX. It's also very destructive at the velocities that the .222 is capable. I think I've shot my best groups with BL-C(2). But like most have already said, your mileage on your rifle will probably vary.
Click to expand...

...50 grain Hornady SPSX or the 50 Sierra Blitz. Both shoot like a lazer with my Sako Vixen varmint. Great explosive results on prarie dogs, gophers, crows, etc...
 
My 222 dotes on the 50 grain V-Max and 20 grains of 4198.
The very best shooting load I have in my 222 is with the same bullet and obsolete RL12.[23.5 grains]
The 222 I own [a 700 Classic] shoots everything I have ever put in it well, but certain loads are real zingers.
If I were to suggest a load with the 55 grain pill, I would try 19.0 grains of IMR 4198.
Cheers, Eagleye.
 
My Tikka in 222 loved 55gr VMAX and Win 748. I believe the load was right around 22gr, but consult a loading manual and work up accordingly.
 
Last edited:
i have just worked up a load for my 340 savage in 222.19.7 grains IMR4198 behind a 50 grain seirra spitzer and 20.6 grains of same powder behind a 45 grain seirra hornet bullet.both rounds shoot 5 shot groups sub moa.my rifle really likes the 4198 powder andthe shorter flat base bullets.seemed to group the bullets consistantlly regardless of the powder charge. not sure of thespeeds for theseloads as i have not got a chronograph.the loads should be right around 3000 ft/sec for the 50 grain and 3100-3200 ft/sec for the 45 grain.
 
Thanks

glang1 said:
Every rifle is different, so what works for someone else won't necessarily work for you. My best advise to you is to look in your reloading manual or online for a starting load for the caliber/bullet you want to shoot, & work up from there. Starting loads tend to be more accurate than max loads IMHO, but you may have different results. Pay attention to things like good brass prep, measure the distance to the rifling for the bullet that you intend to use. Neck sizing fired brass also helps accuracy. Seating distance from the rifling will affect your accuracy also. Good luck on finding that accuracy load for your .222 :)

George
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the advice. Much appreciated. Maybe I should have mentioned that I have some previous experience having reloaded (and cast bullets) for many different cartridges (from 45-70 to .22 Hornet) for more than 30 years and I already know most of George's tips. Not that I don't appreciate the advice. I appreciate the time it takes to write a reply.

Its just that serious reloading doesn't interest me much as a "hobby" anymore, at least not enough to spend much time at it and I've been away from it for the last 3 or 4 years (and I sold a lot of my equipment: tumblers, molds, etc.)

I try to keep things simpler these days. I'm really only interested in "quick and dirty" basic hunting loads that work "good enough"...acceptably accurate loads that maybe a lot of guys have already agreed on and since I don't have any lengthy experience with .222. I thought I'd ask. And yes, there is a reason I'm using 55 grain....and no they aren't boat tails. Thanks again for all the helpful advice.

Rob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom