Author Topic: Which powder for 14" 222 Rem? (Read 786 times)

flabbydan · « **on:** September 26, 2003, 06:44:19 PM »

I can't seem to find any load data for the 222 in a 14-inch barrel. Anybody have any advice. By the way, I've got AA2015BR, H4198, and VarGet already on hand.

Bob C · « **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2003, 01:11:24 AM »

I don't have a 14" .222, but in my 10" IMR 4198 is currently my powder of choice.

IMR 4198 was also the best performing powder in two .222 rifles I owned previously.

Nashcat · « **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2003, 03:28:34 AM »

My best load, in my 14" .222, has been 24gr of IMR4895 behind a 52gr Berger bullet. I've shot a few 5 shot groups under 1/2" with this load. When shooting these groups, I mounted a 24X rifle scope and used a home made forend that has 8 ounces of lead inletted into the barrel channel to help keep it steady. It shoots better than most of my rifles.

Nashcat

securitysix · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2003, 05:45:55 AM »

My dad's 14" .222 barrel seems to favor IMR 4198 as well. Might be a good place to start. You mention you have H-4198, give it a swing.

Bob C · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2003, 06:14:52 AM »

I guess it's a coincidence, but about four hours after I posted that I didn't have a 14" .222 barrel, I got one ! :grin:

I will be tying IMR 4198 in it, and perhaps also 4895.

flyfisher · « **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2003, 10:58:15 AM »

I have a 14" .222 barrel. Have tried both IMR 4198 and IMR 4895 in various different loads. I prefer the Hornady V-Max 40 or 45 gr. bullets for whistle pigs. I found that 23.0 gr. of IMR 4895 with 45 gr. V-Max works the best for my barrel (most accurate...have made 3-shot 1/2" groups on occassion). I have also found about 20.0 gr. of IMR 4198 works well, just hot quite as good as the 4895. Hope this helps.

Johnly · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2003, 12:36:41 PM »

If for some reason 4198 doesn't do the magic in your barrel, be sure to try RL-7. I shoot RL-7 in my S-14 223 with excellent results. The powder flows nicely through a powder measure and has minimal muzzle flash.

flabbydan · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2003, 02:20:27 PM »

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try loading up some 40 grain V-maxes with the H-4198 I have on hand. Unfortunately, I won't be able to shoot this barrel until I get a decent pistol scope. But I'm in no hurry.

Ladobe · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2003, 06:19:18 PM »

H-322 works well in the short 222, and if you're not into trying for max velocity, so does VarGet FWIW.

Ladobe :bye:

RoyB · « **Reply #9 on:** October 11, 2003, 11:06:39 PM »

Varget is too slow and 2015 is a bit slow also. 4198 and Benchmark have done wonders in my Bullberry, 16" 222 barrel with 40 grain Noslers.

Bob C · « **Reply #10 on:** November 01, 2003, 08:31:32 AM »

I got out today and tried out my 14" .222 Contender at 100 yards. I have a 7x Burris scope mounted, and was using a G2 action.

My load was 19.5 IMR 4198, WSR primers, and R-P brass.

I fired ten groups, three shots each, and five of the ten were under one inch. The last two groups I fired were 2.1" and 1.6", and by then I was tired and the barrel was pretty dirty.

With the last groups, I averaged 1.1" for the day with this load. Without those two groups, the average was .94".