I jave just got home from the range where I tested some 222 magnum reloads using 28gr of benchmark in remington cases and primers (7 1/2 benchrest) with remington 55 gr powerlokt bullets that i have had moly coated in my Sako L461 with std heavy barrel a 5 shot string averaged 3500fps
this seems a we bit quick there appears to be no obvious pressure signs bolt lift and extraction were normal
I also checked some 6.5x55 loads with 120gr sierra's loaded with 47gn of AR 2209 (similar to H4350 i think ADI make it for Hogdson's) they were doing 2900fps which put them about right according loading manuals in Oz so at least the chrony appears to be accurate
what speeds are people getting from there 222 magnums?
Tah stepchild

[ 10-26-2003, 14:04: Message edited by: smlekid ]

smlekid,
Don't you mean 3500fps? Never used any Benchmark but I would think it would be possible. There are loads listed in my Speer #8 manual that approach 3400. Never chronographed mine, I was more interested in accuracy than speed with that one. Fine cartridge,too bad it is so over looked.
Stepchild

Daddy has a 40X with the 27 1/2 inch bbl.with 52 gr coated Bergers and H-335 I have seen it get close to 3550.

boringest rifle I ever shot.

You might want to throttle back a little with that load, although it's not all that much faster than the original .222 Magnum factory loads at about 3300 fps.

The small head diameter of the .222 series creates so little bolt thrust, and the little head exerts so little torque resistance, that even loads that generate what you might consider excessive pressures may not manifest themselves in heavy bolt lift. Primer pocket life will tell the tale, and as relatively scarce as .222 Magnum brass is, you don't want to wear out your brass prematurely.

I haven't used Benchmark in my Sako .222 Mag, but I do run about 1-2 grains above most published loads with H-335 and get no deleterous results.

I don't use either of the powders you mentioned. Most of my loads with the 52-55gr. bullets are around 3300fps. Seems to me it would take quite an increase in powder to pick up another 200fps in that little case. I don't know that I'd want to risk it. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

30 grains of VARGET and a 40 grain Balistic Tip gets me 3356fps from a 20" 40X barrel. GHD

7 1/2 more inches of bbl wil get you some free speed.

Mr Big, 7.5 inches would definitely speed it up but when it does in the .1's and .2's I think I'll just shoot it that way!!! GHD

that 40X will avg in the .2`s.I saw my Dad shoot 5- 52 gr Bergers into .086 one time.it WONT do that all the time but will always hit low .3`s.

hey'
What fun,to see all the 222Mag stuff.I bought one from a friend of mine.Mint cond.Sako,about a 5 or 6 contour.Got some reloading,components,from Graf.Loaded up some H335,27.5 grains,Rem 6 1/2 Primers.
Nosler 50 Balistic tips.Sighted in last thursday.Shot a buck monday.Nice gun.
P.S. First buck I ever Rattled in.
1geejay
www.shooting-hunting.com

SMLE, you're too warm by probably two grains. Go to the Hodgdon website, and look at their loads with Benchmark in the .223. They don't list loads for the .222 mag, but the .223 is real close. If you want more speed, go to the 35 or 40 grain Hornady Vmax.........Grant.

Nice to see all the talk about the 222 Rem Mag. I have a 700 BDL Sporter enroute to me now,in this cartridge.Complete with 105 factory rounds and 15 once fired brass.Does Rem still offer factory ammo? Who makes dies? I see it as a nice little diversion from my 223's.

[ 11-23-2003, 21:28: Message edited by: rembo ]