Bullet Weight recommendation for a .222 1:12 twst

[dougk]

I have a Valmet 412 in .222 with a 1:12 twist.  I am looking at using both Hornady V-Max and Berger bullets.  Hornady has a 50, 55 and 60 gr V-Max and Berger recommends 60, 62, and 64 gr Match for the 1:12 twist.

I am new to this caliber.  Any recommendations on where the optimal performance is for each?

[1armoured]

Hey Doug,

50 and 55gr are the standard.

I shoot 40gr, 50 and 52 in my .222 with 1:12 twist, but I don't go past 200mtrs.
Sierra MK, Speer, and Nosler Ballistic tips the best so far.
It's a rear locker, so I don't load them hot.

My .223 is a 1:12, and I shoot 55gr GameKings and Nosler Ballistic tips best out to 200mtrs.
I suspect that it would group a bit tighter with the 52gr MK's.

Might depend on how far out you want to shoot ?

A heavier bullet might be better at distance, but you must be careful of pressure, as the .222 is rated at 50,000 cpu and the .223 at 55,000, so you might have to sacrifice speed.

cheers,
Sean in 'Godzone'

[beemanbeme]

50-55grs.   Actually, since mine is a target rifle, I shoot 52gr SMK's and such.

[dougk]

Thanks for the feedback....

I am going with the 55gr Hornady V-max and the 60gr Berger Match. 

I decided on these bullets since I have the 1:12 twist, I prefer to use heavier bullets and this gun will be used for mainly coyote and raccoon dispatching.  The V-Max should work great on both critters and the Berger should produce minimal pelt damage plus I have a feeling that the Berger might be a great long range bullet.

Doug