Powders for the 222 Remington

Status
Not open for further replies.

jski

Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2016
Messages
2,283
Location
Florida
Looking at reloading the Triple Deuce. Of course, this means selecting a powder (well, initially 1 powder). I’ve looked at Hodgdon’s CFE 223 and Benchmark and Varget plus Ramshot’s XTerminator.

Currently leaning towards Ramshot’s XTerminator. It seems to have the best performance across the widest selection of bullet weights.

I would consider Alliant’s RELODER 10X or Varmint but the reloading data is so limited.

Any suggestions? VihtaVuori?
 
Last edited:
I've tried several powders in the 222, but only Benchmark among those you mentioned. Most have worked well, but my best groups have been shot with Accurate 2015. Bullet selection is likely more important than powder choice.

Also keep in mind that many 222s have slower twist barrels (1 in 14"), and often won't stabilize bullets above 50 or 55 gr.
 
I have old load data from my grandfather where he used 4064, though I'm sure velocity was lower.
 
IMR 4320 is my favorite for the deuce, but unfortunately discontinued. I've had good results from H4895 as well, and have heard good things from others about IMR3031, W748, and H322. I can't tell you anything about any of the Accurate or Vihtavouri powders as I'm unfamiliar with them. What kind of rifle do you have?

Mac
 
Mr. Walkalong's suggestions of 4198 and H322 are long time proven top choices for .222 Rem. Back when the .222 ruled benchrest shooting other popular (winning) choices were Reloader-7 and BLC-1. It's hard to go wrong with the .222, a good one will shoot well with about anything you pour in the case.
 
IMR 4320 is my favorite for the deuce, but unfortunately discontinued. I've had good results from H4895 as well, and have heard good things from others about IMR3031, W748, and H322. I can't tell you anything about any of the Accurate or Vihtavouri powders as I'm unfamiliar with them. What kind of rifle do you have?

Mac
Really, just targets for now. I’ve assumed too that what’s good for the 223 is good for the Triple Deuce.

Just going by what I’ve read about Ramshot XTerminator, it would be first. Seems to get very positive reviews for a lot of bullet weights.

Hodgdon’s Benchmark seems a close second with Alliant RELODER 10X maybe third?
 
Last edited:
Oh yeah, all the powders I’ve mentioned are currently unavailable (“TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK”).
 
Really, just targets for now. I’ve assumed too that what’s good for the 223 is good for the Triple Deuce.

Just going by what I’ve read about Ramshot CTerminator, it would be first. Seems to get very positive reviews for a lot of bullet weights.

Hodgdon’s Benchmark seems a close second with Alliant RELODER 10X maybe third?

What I'd do, were I you, is make a list of what you think you might want to try. Then keep an eye on this thread for availability of them. That's how I scored the powder I got today, as a matter of fact. My deuce likes 'em loaded pretty hot; starting loads won't group for beans.

Oh, and my rifle is a Springfield 840 (made by Savage). It prints nice little groups at just about any range; crows and groundhogs fear it's presence.

Mac
 
Looking at reloading the Triple Deuce. Of course, this means selecting a powder (well, initially 1 powder). I’ve looked at Hodgdon’s CFE 223 and Benchmark and Varget plus Ramshot’s XTerminator.

Currently leaning towards Ramshot’s XTerminator. It seems to have the best performance across the widest selection of bullet weights.

I would consider Alliant’s RELODER 10X or Varmint but the reloading data is so limited.

Any suggestions? VihtaVuori?
Back when 2400 and 4227 were considered "rifle powders" they were great choices for .222Rem. IMR 4227 still is, in my opinion for anything under 55gr., cast or jacketed; however, IMR 3031, IMR 4064, IMR 4895, Alliant Reloader 7, Alliant Reloader 10, Hodgdon's Varget and Alliant Varmint have taken over the reloading benches and such old-fashioned notions as using 4227 and 2400 to load rifle rounds are now anachronistic. :(

I used 2400 and 4227 because my Remington 788 liked them best. Then again, I haven't reloaded .222Rem in a couple of decades. Too small. In today's climate, check a couple or three (dozen) reloading manuals and use what you can find.
 
Oh, and my rifle is a Springfield 840 (made by Savage). It prints nice little groups at just about any range; crows and groundhogs fear it's presence.

Mac
One of the best out there. The 340's in .22Hornet were coveted truck guns where I grew up. Great for deer and pigs at close range and the guys who could really shoot would take turkeys and grouse with them. A .22Hornet will take a gobbler's head clean off. ;)
 
Some years back Accurate had surplus Data powders, 2200 was one of them, it was cheap, like $35 for an 8# jug and free shipping and hazmat on cases of 6 jugs. Turns out it is an outstanding powder in quite a few chamberings I load but especially .222 and .223. I’ve only got 6 or 7 jugs left, but Accurate offered a new manufactured canister 2200 powder a few years back, it works great too. If you can find it, 2200 is worth a try, it’s in that Re7, 2015, 3031, 322, N-130 burn range.
 
Alright guys, enlighten me about VihtaVuori‘a N-130. What bullet weight range is it good for in the Triple Deuce?
 
Alright guys, enlighten me about VihtaVuori‘a N-130. What bullet weight range is it good for in the Triple Deuce?

If you look to the excellent link that you posted above, you will see that N130 is pretty versatile from the lightweight 40s up to 50 grs, where it gets eclipsed at top end velocities by 133. But the most 1:14 twist (usual 222) will stabilize is @ 52-53 grs, although some folks have found 55 grs bullets that will work. So for me, only shooting 52 gr, N133 has the edge. If you plan on using a wider variety of bullets that includes 35-45 grs, N130 is a better choice.
 
If you look to the excellent link that you posted above, you will see that N130 is pretty versatile from the lightweight 40s up to 50 grs, where it gets eclipsed at top end velocities by 133. But the most 1:14 twist (usual 222) will stabilize is @ 52-53 grs, although some folks have found 55 grs bullets that will work. So for me, only shooting 52 gr, N133 has the edge. If you plan on using a wider variety of bullets that includes 35-45 grs, N130 is a better choice.
The only powders that compete with N133 with heavier bullets (50 gr - 53 gr) appears to be Ramshot X-Terminator and Hodgdon CFE 223.
 
Last edited:
XTerminator is a fine choice , it has the .222 bullet range covered well . I have not used 10x in a .222 but have used it in 20 Tac and .223, it does great with light bullets.
 
Joyce Hornady wrote in an early manual that He used BLC2 in a .222 to test bullet production at the plant. Groups at/under 1/2” were the norm.
It’s always worked for me.
Also .223 up to 69gr. 75-80gr I use H4895.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top