kent Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 I'll go one further on Kent's suggestion... FAC Air 22 - cheap, silent, perfect for paddocks, large gardens, allotments, sunny days lying up, trees and places where you can't use the 22lr / hmr - range out to 60 yards on bunnies no problem. 17 hornet - flat, fast, bunny and (possibly) fox basher. More knock-down and range than the hmr or 22lr. 243 win - as the man say's. A do-it-all round that is super versatile and can be loaded with 55gn - 100gn. that's where I'm headed... I don't really shoot in such areas as you You perhaps have the best for your need To me I like to see enough clear ground between stuff in the steel box - sound like you do to I had an fac rapid but it was just a fun diversion. The lr came out whenever I was serious. My mate has it now but I still have use of it on my ticket. In perhaps 4 yrs? I haven't had need to make the call for bigger than 12 ft lb or less than the lr I might if I shot such land as you describe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Either choice reloading is the way to go and as stated above .222 can be downloaded to hornet cost/power but hornet cannot be loaded to .222 level. 22- 250 is the best choice for hornet type reduced loads and it's also the hottest 22 cf currently easily available It don't do it all though because it's not so easy to quieten down even with those reduced loads it needs a bigger moderator and comes in a deer rifle class package adding considerably to the heft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 At the minuit when i go out on my perm lamping theres normally 2 of us me on the hmr and the other lad on the .22, on the other perm i generally just take the hmr, so im coverd for a close fox in either situation, what i want to do is hmr for solo trips with nv, then somthing bigger to take any fox that maybe present when im out but wont be too much to shoot the odd rabbit with if i go on a solo fox session and nothing turns up i could shoot a few rabbits and it wont be a wasted journey. 22 hornet is that gun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Sounds like hornet will do you bud. A simple Lee hand press, dies, Lee trimmer set. A primer tool and a lb of h110 or A2400 and your away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoorsman Posted February 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 While your on UD is it best to buy factory to sight in and use, then reload the fire formed brass and start working up loads or just dive straight in and try work up loads on fresh components and a fresh gun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 I recomend you start with brass fired one in your own gun Never full length it and use chamber type benchrest hand dies Straightness will prove key to best accuracy in the round and consistent brass I like rws Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 While your on UD is it best to buy factory to sight in and use, then reload the fire formed brass and start working up loads or just dive straight in and try work up loads on fresh components and a fresh gun For my money, I'd go with your first option and get either of the two Winchester offerings. These give you a decent fox round from the off. Dependent upon your usage rate, in this instance I'd differ with UD. I've just been made aware of Kent's post and agree entirely except if you're on a 'production run', I prefer a bench mounted press - the Lee challenger will do nicely. The brass is thin so no effort is required but I find my consistency improves with the press. As said the benchrest dies are better - with a press the Forster Seating Die and the Redding Body Die as and when you do have to resize (just sufficient to enable the bolt to close smoothly and this does not effect the neck and here the Lee Collet Die works well). Re the powder, for 40g and up L'il Gun is worth a look if nothing else because of the pressure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Recent research proved that there is no difference in case life between neck sizing and FL sizing, so the best choice is to full length size every time. Makes for easier chambering of a hunting round. Can't remember where I read that though, probably some bench rest type article somewhere... Anyway, like everything else, everyone has an opinion on anything. That's what makes the world such a rich and varied place and, at times, an utter pain in the ****. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 For what it's worth I've found Winchester brass very good value for money and great case life if you're sensible about loads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 For what it's worth I've found Winchester brass very good value for money and great case life if you're sensible about loads. Henry Krank is selling 100 PPU .22 Hornet cases for £24.00 inc pp. These too, are good quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Recent research proved that there is no difference in case life between neck sizing and FL sizing, so the best choice is to full length size every time. Makes for easier chambering of a hunting round. Can't remember where I read that though, probably some bench rest type article somewhere... Anyway, like everything else, everyone has an opinion on anything. That's what makes the world such a rich and varied place and, at times, an utter pain in the ****. 22 hornet sizes on the rim so pushing the shoulder back means nowt. If your brass don't chamber good chuck it and consider buying a rifle with a tighter / better cut chamber because it's had it imo I always full length size bottle necked recessed rim cases but only using a big enough case holder to get a nice bolt close by feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoorsman Posted February 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Hhmm i think ill have a look at the offerings in both hornet seems enough for what i want really then .243 when its not 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 ".22hornet or .222" drut, on 10 Feb 2016 - 10:38 PM, said: Either choice reloading is the way to go and as stated above .222 can be downloaded to hornet cost/power but hornet cannot be loaded to .222 level. 22- 250 is the best choice for hornet type reduced loads and it's also the hottest 22 cf currently easily available It don't do it all though because it's not so easy to quieten down even with those reduced loads it needs a bigger moderator and comes in a deer rifle class package adding considerably to the heft Walk a little look a lot "22- 250 is the best choice for hornet type reduced loads" OP didn't ask about other comparisons.................................................................................................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outdoorsman Posted February 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Drut i think you might have actually swayed me with that earlier one about being able to down load a treble, then if i do decide i want more i can load standard, it really is a pain to make the decision, what you suggest seems to be the logical thing to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted February 11, 2016 Report Share Posted February 11, 2016 Drut i think you might have actually swayed me with that earlier one about being able to down load a treble, then if i do decide i want more i can load standard, it really is a pain to make the decision, what you suggest seems to be the logical thing to do Personally,although maybe not the best answer to your decision:I mainly shoot rabbits + some fox + longer range crow.Looked at Hornet & .222/.223 etc My take .222 cheaper to buy(unfashionable)but easy to find many accurate reload options. .22 Hornet,on many forums,appeared adequate in all honesty for my needs(max 200yd rabbit/fox/crow)but possibly more difficult to accurately reload for.End of the day,for my needs,.22lr + .222 with normal & reduced(hornet loads)covers all my needs l + Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodlander Posted February 16, 2016 Report Share Posted February 16, 2016 .222,if for no other reason than the cartridge is shaped like a proper cartridge. But seriously,if you're at all interested in getting the most out of your rifle,reload in .222. Lovely to shoot and so,so accurate. Also,I'm selling my Tikka 595 stainless laminate. Have been tempted by a Sako 85,would never be without the Triple. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted February 16, 2016 Report Share Posted February 16, 2016 Personally,although maybe not the best answer to your decision:I mainly shoot rabbits + some fox + longer range crow.Looked at Hornet & .222/.223 etc My take .222 cheaper to buy(unfashionable)but easy to find many accurate reload options. .22 Hornet,on many forums,appeared adequate in all honesty for my needs(max 200yd rabbit/fox/crow)but possibly more difficult to accurately reload for.End of the day,for my needs,.22lr + .222 with normal & reduced(hornet loads)covers all my needs l + When you say "reduced" what is your lower load and what speed does it run at and still be accurate ? I am new to the .222 and keen to learn some more. I currently use 21.3 grn N130 with 52grn AMax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 accuracy has nothing to do with velocity unless you are skating on the edge of instability with long or short for calibre bullets find the most accurate charge levels and stick with it at best you are saving a couple of grains of powder when the bullet is the most expensive consumable and a KG of powder lasts a very long time its false economy choose a bullet construction that works for your application smacking bunnies with 3k fps VMax is not conducive to good prices from the butcher! if you really want to load the .222 on a budget for bunny bashing get a mould and cast your own solid lead bullets and push them at moderate speeds just becomes a hot .22lr then! I shoot 60gr Soft Points for roe, but on bunnies they work well when head shot...don't half spin them on the spot though! not too messy at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 accuracy has nothing to do with velocity unless you are skating on the edge of instability with long or short for calibre bullets find the most accurate charge levels and stick with it at best you are saving a couple of grains of powder when the bullet is the most expensive consumable and a KG of powder lasts a very long time its false economy choose a bullet construction that works for your application smacking bunnies with 3k fps VMax is not conducive to good prices from the butcher! if you really want to load the .222 on a budget for bunny bashing get a mould and cast your own solid lead bullets and push them at moderate speeds just becomes a hot .22lr then! I shoot 60gr Soft Points for roe, but on bunnies they work well when head shot...don't half spin them on the spot though! not too messy at all Or instead of casting, S&B amongst others do full patch 45grn bullets that are ideal for rabbit if you don't want to tear them up. Cheap they are too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 When you say "reduced" what is your lower load and what speed does it run at and still be accurate ? I am new to the .222 and keen to learn some more. I currently use 21.3 grn N130 with 52grn AMax Sorry to be so slow to reply.I use 14gr Alliant 2400 behind Sierra 50gr Blitz for reduced load.Runs av 2360fps through my 527.Just as accurate as my normal load(sub MOA).It seems difficult to make an inaccurate reload for .222.Some good info re: reduced loads on Cast Boolits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Or instead of casting, S&B amongst others do full patch 45grn bullets that are ideal for rabbit if you don't want to tear them up. Cheap they are too. really...now that is interesting where from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 http://www.sellier-bellot.cz/en/product/components/bullets/ you mean a soft point or solid lead? can see the soft points already use Sierra SP in 45 and Hornady SP in 60gr bit of a waste for low load plinking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Top of the rifle bullets list bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 yeah its a soft point, jacketed bullet misread the first post thought you could buy solid lead cheapies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 No matey it is a fmj. I have used them. In fact my friend used my last few in his 22-250. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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