Loads for 222 Rem 10" Barrel

[leapin]

Hi,

I shot my Contender today in 222 Rem with 55 gr reloads. Bullets were key holing the target.
Had very inconsistant results.

I only had 55 gr Vmax bullets available. I tried working up a load from 17.5 gr H4198 to 19 gr
all the bullets key holed. At 50 yards most of my shots were so erratic, I wasn't even
on paper.

Not a good first outing with the Contender. I am optimistic that I can get it shooting ok. Any suggestions on loads?

This is a 10" octagon barrel. According to TC this barrel has a 1 in 12 twist rate. I have some 50 gr vmax coming. I have H4198 and H322 powders.

Pointers would be appreciated.

Leapin

 

[Lone Star]

T/C used a 1:14" twist in all their other .22 barrels of that vintage so I suspect that is your problem.  You can't get enough velocity in the 10" barrel to stabilize these long-for-weight bullets.  It is the length - not the weight - of the bullet that determines how stable it will be.  You are almost max pressure now according to Hodgdon data so you shouldn't load much hotter. 

You may get the 50-grain V-Max bullets to shoot okay, but you will likely have best success with bullets of conventional construction in that barrel.  50-grain bullets like the Speer TNT, Sierra Blitz and Hornady SX all have thin jackets and will expand well at lower velocities....and they are pretty short for their weight.


.

[leapin]

Hi Lone Star,

Yeah, I was wondering why the 55 g bullets wouldn't stabilize. 1 in 14 twist
is probably the answer.

Thanks for the suggestion on the bullets, I'll give em a try

Leapin

[DEACONLLB]

Hi
I had a 222 remington10 inch and with factory loads had no problem. One other thing that could be the problem is undresize bullets or a shot out barrel might check that out.
Deaconllb

[leapin]

Rifling in bore looks sharp... Guess I need to slug the bore

Leapin

[3leggedturtle]

Ive been using 20.4 grs of H4198 with Rem 46gr HP and average  2630 FPS  thru the chrony. It is the 2nd best barrel i have next to the 22LR

[leapin]

Thanks for the recipe 3leggedturtle. I just received some Remington 50 gr HP Power Lock bullets. Hopefully I can work up a load that doesn't keyhole. Plan on trying IMR4227 and H322. I may just have to go to a 45 gr bullet.

I was able to find a TC Contender Loadbook in a local gun store. Its a 2000 edition and covers loads from the 17 Bee all the way to the 45/70 (ouch!)

Thanks again, this forun is a big help for newbies!

Leapin

[3leggedturtle]

Checking my load books there isnt a whole difference in the 45 to 50 grain bullets  Get a Lee or Hornady manual. They list alot of laods for the 222 in both rifle and pistol sections. I also ordered a coupla thousand of the Rem 50gr HP's. Also just bought 2 thousand more from Midsouth  when they ran a special on them. They also work great in my 223AI..

[leapin]

Success!

I tried some 50 gr Rem HP PL bullets with IMR4227 & H322. I was very encouraged when the first shot
hit the 10 ring at 50 yards. Shots became erratic - no keyholes... I had shot most of my test loads when I noticed the scope mount was loose!

Back to the drawing board!

Leapin