.222 loads - what is hot and what is slow?

[malkiserow]

There seems to be talk of running the .222 slow and down to hornet levels..... what is your "soft" load?

 

I also saw one fella was saying he only has a slight drop out to 200 metres but i've noticed a 3 inch drop running at top weight for my N130 powder. What is this hotter round and other than flatten out the trajectory what do you really gain?

 

I am not inclined to load hot loads but interested to know more .......

 

 

[colin lad]

empty your inbox bud so i can send a message

 

colin

[malkiserow]

empty your inbox bud so i can send a message

 

colin

 

Try it now ........ or just email me

[Underdog]

Book data holds the pressure down a touch for 222 in favour of some weaker actions.

The 223 uses the same brass head but they started with higher pressure specs from the get go and hence the weaker actions you don't see in 223.

 

In a strong action you can wind 222 up a bit. I always did and had no issues.

I must add though, before I did wind it up it was perfectly fine, I was younger and use to think more is better and never really gained much more at all!

[casts_by_fly]

There seems to be talk of running the .222 slow and down to hornet levels..... what is your "soft" load?

 

I also saw one fella was saying he only has a slight drop out to 200 metres but i've noticed a 3 inch drop running at top weight for my N130 powder. What is this hotter round and other than flatten out the trajectory what do you really gain?

 

I am not inclined to load hot loads but interested to know more .......

 

 

 

you should be able to do better than a 3" drop (presumably from your zero) by adjusting your zero. With a nominal load for the 222 (50 grains a 3300) zero at 200 and you're +/- 1" out to about 225-250. These are off the top of my head as my 221 was running 40's at 3350 with a 200 yard zero so 50's from a 222 should be eminently achievable.

 

rick

[kent]

As above drop is a function of zero. I zero a .22 hornet at 130 its then on a bunny head from virtually point blank to 160 and 2 moa low at 200 or 4" if you like. running a 45 grn sierra at 2800

 

with a triple running say a 40 grn v-max (which has a better bc than the above) your going to get another 2-400 fps? I should have thought you might get to a 200 yard zero or near enough without being too high at peak trajectory over. but somewhere between 150-160 might well get you what you need with minimum 200 drop below your aim point

hot by the way infers a somewhat high pressure load over book not fast. you don't particularly want to run a hot load

[casts_by_fly]

In the 221 I was pushing 40's at 3200. In the 223 they are running 3600. The 222 will be between and probably closer to the 223. I'd expect 3400 from handloaded 40's.

 

rick

[Bewsher500]

see no point at all measuring MV unless it is your most accurate load that you are measuring

 

I have had three triples now and over the years run 40, 45, 50, 52, 53, 55, and 60gr

to seek velocity over accuracy is futile in my opinion

 

my 60gr SP load is and always has been my roe load

20.8gr N133 (96% book max, book data shows around 2900-3000fps)

zeroed an inch high it is 1/2" low at 200yds

Have flattened roe at 200 yds with it and it carries more energy downrange than the fastest, hottest 50gr load, they need to be pushing 3250 to beat the ME and then it tails off,

 

I now have a 40gr SBK load for foxes with 24.6gr H355 (98% book max) as well and swapped scopes to a turret scope so all are zeroed at 100yds

4 clicks and 6 clicks for 40 and 60 gr at 200yds on actual drop

 

couldn't really give a toss how fast they are going, best thing is they are both on the money at the same POI at 100yds

[kent]

It's worth measuring muzzle velocity when your working up a load and recording the variation

Shot to shot variation in speed is very linked to accuracy

In many cases more powder just means waste as it exists without being burned at the correct time

[Underdog]

see no point at all measuring MV unless it is your most accurate load that you are measuring

 

I have had three triples now and over the years run 40, 45, 50, 52, 53, 55, and 60gr

to seek velocity over accuracy is futile in my opinion

 

my 60gr SP load is and always has been my roe load

20.8gr N133 (96% book max, book data shows around 2900-3000fps)

zeroed an inch high it is 1/2" low at 200yds

Have flattened roe at 200 yds with it and it carries more energy downrange than the fastest, hottest 50gr load, they need to be pushing 3250 to beat the ME and then it tails off,

 

I now have a 40gr SBK load for foxes with 24.6gr H355 (98% book max) as well and swapped scopes to a turret scope so all are zeroed at 100yds

4 clicks and 6 clicks for 40 and 60 gr at 200yds on actual drop

 

couldn't really give a toss how fast they are going, best thing is they are both on the money at the same POI at 100yds

That 60 grainer sounds great. Good for you.

[Woodlander]

I've loaded for 2 triples,both tikka 595s.

It's all about the accuracy,nothing else matters.

I Used 50gr Blitzkings and N130

Seemed to me 3050fps gave me the best accuracy 20.5 grains in the 21 inch barrel

21 grains in the 20 inch barrel,both capable of 1 hole groups out to 150yds and tuppence size groups out to 270 on a calm day.

What more can you ask for. Forget about the speed.

[AlanJS]

Hello,

I am new to this group but have been developing a load for my tikka t3 lite 222 which turned out to be far better than I hoped. I worked up-to 23.8gr of N130 pushing a nosler 50gr silver tip.This load chrono'd at 3485fps and shot about 1/3" MOA groups. Was very pleased with it. I appreciate that this is an old thread but thought it may be of value to someone. This load is over the books Max load, but was worked up and gave no pressure signs. Naturally, anyone who wants to use this must work upto it in thier own rifle.