When I was in my early teens, I would dream of some day owning a 222. But back then, I did not have the means to acquire one. I was an avid small game hunter, and my trusty Remington 22 LR Scoremaster was OK for squirrels at short distance, but I wanted something with a bit more punch and distance for slightly larger game with improved accuracy over longer distances. I was never able to get a 222 when I wanted one. But now, I am in the market for a 222.
Now the question is, should I reconsider the caliber and go for a 223 instead? I have of course Googled this topic and I know that some consider the 222 obsolete. But you can still get ammunition, dies and components. I'd like comments and suggestions from the members here to help me decide. And if you have a favorite brand/action rifle, please let me know. Once I decide on caliber, then the next step will be to choose a brand of rifle and type of action. A few "bullet" points to consider;
+ I am an avid reloader, and I will be reloading for either of these calibers. I am not sure of availability of components, cost, and other reloading issues for each caliber.
+ Because I'm a Western aficionado, lever action would be nice, but bolt action would also work well for me. Nothing automatic interests me.
+ I no longer hunt. The rifle will initially be for range use only. But you never know. Hunting may come into play at some point. Preferences change over time.
+ Cost of factory ammunition should be mentioned. I can not guarantee that I will reload all ammunition, so factory ammunition cost may come into play at some point.
+ Finding a new 222 rifle for sale may be challenging, but I am not opposed to purchasing a used rifle for either caliber.
+ I currently have rifles chambered for 303 British, 357 Magnum, 22 caliber, 9mm and 45 Long Colt.
Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for the help with this.
Now the question is, should I reconsider the caliber and go for a 223 instead? I have of course Googled this topic and I know that some consider the 222 obsolete. But you can still get ammunition, dies and components. I'd like comments and suggestions from the members here to help me decide. And if you have a favorite brand/action rifle, please let me know. Once I decide on caliber, then the next step will be to choose a brand of rifle and type of action. A few "bullet" points to consider;
+ I am an avid reloader, and I will be reloading for either of these calibers. I am not sure of availability of components, cost, and other reloading issues for each caliber.
+ Because I'm a Western aficionado, lever action would be nice, but bolt action would also work well for me. Nothing automatic interests me.
+ I no longer hunt. The rifle will initially be for range use only. But you never know. Hunting may come into play at some point. Preferences change over time.
+ Cost of factory ammunition should be mentioned. I can not guarantee that I will reload all ammunition, so factory ammunition cost may come into play at some point.
+ Finding a new 222 rifle for sale may be challenging, but I am not opposed to purchasing a used rifle for either caliber.
+ I currently have rifles chambered for 303 British, 357 Magnum, 22 caliber, 9mm and 45 Long Colt.
Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for the help with this.
Last edited: