.222 Rem: Best powder for 40 grain bullets??

22 November 2001, 15:08

<Jordan>

Gentlemen:

If there are any .222 shooters out there who can speak from experience, what is a good powder choice for the .222 Rem and 40 grain bullets? I am interested in velocity first and foremost because I suspect I will get good accuracy in this particular rifle in any event. Any help is appreciated.

Jordan

22 November 2001, 15:25

<Paladin>

Start with the 4198 loads in the bullet maker's data and see where this leads you...

22 November 2001, 15:44

<Michael Swickard>

23.5 grains of H4198SC and a 40 NBT in my Rem 40XBR 222 Rem w/ 20" barrel will get 3750 fps and no pressure signs. My rifle will shoot in the 3's and 4's no problem.

Ciao

Mike

22 November 2001, 16:40

ricciardelli

RL-7 From 19.5 grains to 23.5 grains - Remington 7-1/2 Primer

22 November 2001, 23:59

<Crow>

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Swickard:
222 Rem w/ 20" barrel will get 3750 fps and no pressure signs. My rifle will shoot in the 3's and 4's no problem.

Wow, that is smoking. I can only get 3720 with a 26" barrel and a case full of 2015. Are you sure of those velocities?

Rich

23 November 2001, 03:47

<Michael Swickard>

Crow,

Those velocities are correct. I worked a load up to 24 grains originally but bolt lift got harder and the cases started to show some signs of pressure. Those loads went across a Oheler Chrono at 3820 fps.

Using the 40 gr NBT I tried h322, AA2015, n133 which all gave great accuracy, but if you want speed and a compromise use H4198SC.

The load I use is around 2 grains over book. However, there are no pressure signs. Bolt opens like there is not a round in it. Primers are not even cratered. The one thing you should know is that the chamber in this duece is a BR chamber. Min spec'd. It has a 0.250" neck that does not require neck turning.

Anyhow 23.5 grains comes up about 1/2 way up the neck. For me this is the load for this duece.

Ciao

Mike

23 November 2001, 09:15

growler

I have had good luck with H322. I worked up to 26gr and load with a 6" drop tube. This gives me 3650fps out of 22" barrel with no signs of pressure. This is over the book values by 2-3gr. but is safe in my gun. What ever you choose do work up slowly.

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Growler

24 November 2001, 16:59

<Reloader66>

Several powders may give you great accuracy with the fantastic 222 cartridge. My 222 likes IMR 4895 24.0 grs. with the 45 gr. MEF Berger bullet. 21 grs. H-322, 22.o grs, Benchmark. BLC#2, IMR 4198 also shoot well in the 222. The 222 is one of the very best varmint cartidges ever developed. I have been shooting that cartridges since 1966 and still shoot it today, it is my favorite.

26 November 2001, 13:10

<BigBob>

Accuracy will not always follow velocities. It is a rare event when the highest velocities are the most accurate. H-4198, Winchester cases, and CCI #BR-4 have always been the best combinations for me, Until Hodgdon very recently brought out a new powder called BENCHMARK. In my Rem. M-700 BDL it improved both velocity and accuracy. You may want to check it out.

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BigBob

[This message has been edited by BigBob (edited 11-26-2001).]