Is the .222 Remington still relevant?

[cdb1]

I occasionally peruse a British hunting website and the .222 seems to be very relevant in the U.K.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

It's just as accurate as it was since it's introduction back in the 50's as I recall. Ammo is a little harder to come by, but this old gal refuses to die and for good reason. The first one I shot was 40 or 50 years ago and I was amazed at it's accuracy even with factory ammo.

 

[Anchorite]

As mentioned in previous posts, the .222 was the dominant caliber in benchrest competition for a generation. It set numerous world records and in fact could continue to win matches were it not for a new BR rule that made it and similar .22 caliber cartridges obsolete and favored 6mm calibers like the 6PPC. It was a wise and much needed new rule and broadened interest and participation in benchrest shooting, but killed off the .222 and a few other calibers and rifles like this fantastic .222 BR rifle produced by Ed Shilen about 50 years ago...View attachment 929643 View attachment 929644 View attachment 929645

Beautiful!

 

[Anchorite]

I’m guessing that thing shoots bug holes @Offfhand

Gorgeous Looking rifle to me!

A tuned 222 is a thing of beauty. Probably the most efficient cartridge ever developed. The PPC became popular only because brass quality was ahead of the .222..... but I believe a tuned Deuce and knowledgeable shooter can beat a PPC any day of the week.

 

[teddybear1848]

If memory serves correct, .222 is a big thing in France as calibers utilized by the military are prohibited to own by the peasantry.

 

[Fyrstyk]

I had a beautiful Sako Riimaki with a bull barrel. That gun would shoot 1/2 inch groups all day at 100 yards. I sold it and picked up a 22" carbine barrel for my T/C Contender. I needed a "packable" gun for my hunts in the Adirondacks. I hunt about 5 miles from the nearest road and camp in a tent during the deer season. When i go deer hunting there, I have my 445 Super Mag barrel for deer, and I can switch barrels to the .222 for coyotes.

 

[Tinkerer's_Dam]

I could see building a retro AR-15 in .222 Rem just because that is the cartridge originally invisioned to be used in such a light weight combat arm.

 

[DM~]

I have a o/u, combination gun in12ga. - .222 Remington... I've shot a lot of small game with that gun, for my table and freezer.

I made the bullets for it out of spent 22RF cases, and swaged them backwards, so as to make a "solid", then I loaded them to about 1800 fps, and hunted small game with them.

DM

 

[Varminterror]

I believe this to be true:

The .222 Rem. will always be relevant as long as beautiful .222s like this Ruger #1 and SAKO Vixen with Mannilcher style stock exist, and there are still folks who appreciate them.

But unfortunately that list of “folks who appreciate them,” is shrinking more and more because this is also true:

The only thing the round itself will do better than .223 is frustrate you trying to find ammo or brass, and empty your wallet when you do.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Lapua makes brass for it so is there any other reason not to have one?

A buddy has a Dan Dowling built R700 with a 222 Shilen barrel and it's a literal tack driver.

 

[dieselchief]

oh c'mon any moron with a decent press and imperial die wax can pump out all the 222 brass from once fired 223 you will need.
....powders? 4198 and ballc2 are perfect. it has just a touch less noise and light varmint weight bullets work well with the one and 12 or 14 twist.
...ya sure down load your 223 ammo and it still aint the same. jmho. bob

 

[DM~]

oh c'mon any moron with a decent press and imperial die wax can pump out all the 222 brass from once fired 223 you will need.
....powders? 4198 and ballc2 are perfect. it has just a touch less noise and light varmint weight bullets work well with the one and 12 or 14 twist.
...ya sure down load your 223 ammo and it still aint the same. jmho. bob

Every .222 I've made from .223's. ALSO needed neck reamed or turned, because of the necks being too thick for proper bullet release...

DM

 

[dieselchief]

thanks for the safety minded info. glad you checked that, not necessary with my 840 sav in 222.
....most of the long range accuracy minded reloaders here have been doing that for years

 

[Offfhand]

Lapua makes brass for it so is there any other reason not to have one?

In addition to Lapua, .222 Rem brass is also currently made by Nosler, Hornady, Winchester and easily available from a variety of sources. Plus loaded ammo from US and European manufacturers. There are lots of .222 owners and shooters around, and it is a favorite caliber in Europe and the UK for roe deer. I've taken a couple roe deer in Scotland with a .222.

 

[MarshallDodge]

In addition to Lapua, .222 Rem brass is also currently made by Nosler, Hornady, Winchester and easily available from a variety of sources. Plus loaded ammo from US and European manufacturers. There are lots of .222 owners and shooters around, and it is a favorite caliber in Europe and the UK for roe deer. I've taken a couple roe deer in Scotland with a .222.

I'm a fan of Lapua brass and was trying to be a bit humorous but I appreciate the info! Someday I'd like to pick up an older benchrest gun in 222 just to have fun with and admire.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Lapua makes brass for it so is there any other reason not to have one?

A buddy has a Dan Dowling built R700 with a 222 Shilen barrel and it's a literal tack driver.

Also Starline, Hornady, Nosler, PPU, Norma, and Winchester makes .222 brass. Maybe others too.
https://www.grafs.com/catalog/category/categoryId/634