Author Topic: Anyone shooting a 222 & 223 in a Contender? (Read 858 times)

Bullseye · « **on:** March 13, 2004, 01:14:28 PM »

In a 14" barrel, is one generally any more accurate than the other? I have a 223 and was thinking of trading for a 222 to have something different (I have a 223 carbine barrel). However, if the 223 is generally a more accurate round then I would just keep what I have. I know the 222 was tops in rifles for years, but I do not hear much about them in the Contender.

jhalcott · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2004, 02:32:50 PM »

I have a 14" and a 21" barrel in 223 .I think 223 ammo is easier to find than 222 but I might be wrong. Either round is accurate enough for ground hogs . Depending on powder you can get a couple hundred fps more from the 223 than a 222. But with in reasonable ranges the critters won't know the difference.Accuracy is a function of to many variables to say which is better till you shoot them.I believe the reason you don't here about them is most folks go for the bigger bang and more available ammo. jh

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2004, 03:21:36 PM »

Six of one , half a dozen of the other. The 223 will edge out the 222 for velocity, but in a pistol configuration I doubt you'll see much difference. 223 is much more common but 222 brass is still easy to find. I don't think I would trade a 223 for a 222. Theres not that much difference and you would be trading down so to speak. KN

larry223 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2004, 05:52:12 PM »

i have to say that i would not trade a223 for 222 i have shot both
and like was said they are pretty much the same but i like the 223
better. i do my own reloading so that is not a problem for me as
far as getting brass. dont trade down.
larry

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2004, 06:18:45 PM »

I have a 10" octagon .222 and .223's in 10, 14 and 21" lengths. I have shot the 10" .222 along side the 14" .223 and there was not difference in accuracy. Haven't done it recently, but from memory they were both very accurate.

Differences are greater availability of brass, particularly military for the .223. But the .222 has a longer case neck and depending what bullet you are shooting, that may have some value. Performance wise I don't think it is enough difference to matter in pistol barrels.

myronman3 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2004, 05:47:13 AM »

i cant disagree with the above replies. that only thing i think you would accomplish is spending money (new barrel, brass, etc.) and you could save yourself the agravaition of all that and time and just cut me a check instead.

really, though, you have the better of the two calibers. good shooting.

skb2706 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2004, 03:26:15 AM »

Actually in a pistol configuration a .221 is far more efficient than either the .222 and .223. Remington figured that out in 1962. I've owned both a 14" .222 and a 16" .221 and the Fireball will beat in every way.
Once you intially buy the brass it lasts a very long time so availability is way over rated.

myronman3 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2004, 08:35:33 AM »

well that may be, but he asked about a 222 and 223. :bye:

Bullseye · « **Reply #8 on:** March 15, 2004, 12:01:32 PM »

Thanks for the reality check folks. I just get these crazy ideas and I know down deep that it is probably not a good plan.

I cured my need for a new barrel today anyway. Ordered a Super 14 (no muzzle tamer, with sights) in 45-70 from Ed today. I always wanted one of these kicking suckers, I just never wanted a muzzle tamer.

skb2706 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2004, 08:21:48 AM »

The real reality check comes when you go to touch one of those bad boys off...........lol !!

Bullseye · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2004, 12:54:35 PM »

Got that 45-70 barrel today. Don't know what you are talking about skb2706, figure it will kick about like my 17HMR!

I do know that barrel does not weigh much with that big ol hole down the middle.

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2004, 12:52:29 AM »

Way to go Bullseye. I knew you was trying to fake us out with that 222 stuff. Now you got a REAL gun. Seriously, I think you'll love it. I would reccomend starting off w/ 300 gr'ers. Funny you should mention the 17HMR as well. I think of all the barrels I've had, the 45-70 and the .17HMR are the most fun!!! Enjoy Buddy, Walt :grin: :grin:

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2004, 03:43:03 AM »

I use it mainly for plinking as I don't really have the places to use it for varmit hunting. but for power plinking its a lot of fun. I find the 223 ammo cheap and easy to come by much easier than the 222. I am very happy with my barrel its a older barrel with the fixed (non-removable) front sight and it has a burris pistol scope on it lots and lots of fun to shoot at 100 yards at steel. great barrel.