.222 rem/55g SX range report

[remingtonman_25_06]

I was able to get out this morning and shoot a few loads I had loaded up for my .222 consisting around the 55g SX and IMR-4895, Win cases and CCI small rifle primer, OAL was 2.150" I forgot the camera tripod to mount my cronograph, so no numbers...

I loaded 5 rounds each, starting at 23g, going up to 24.5g in .3g increments. I think I have to work a little on my seating depth, but for the first time out, I dont think they did to bad! I should be getting 3000-3100fps, the 24.5g load seemed a bit stout...On 2 of the loads, I had a great 4 shot group going, then blew it on the 5h..The 23.9g load I know I pulled low (its marked), the other (24.5) I was still holding on center, dont know what happened there?? I noted it due to barrel heat as the barrel was heating up some, would that cause a low shot though?? Seating depth could also be a guess. I cant really decipher a node anywhere, can you guys?

[screech]

I can decipher that I wouldnt want to have the quarter on my chest and have you be shooting at the quarter.

[.222]

I tinkered with the.222 for quite a while, have you tried IMR 3031? It has been the best for me, paired with a 52 gn SMK. Just my .02
~z

[uncleB]

My .222 is one of my favorite rifles but does not really like any of the 55 grainers I have tried in it ,on the other hand it likes every 50-52 grainer I have tried. at present I am shooting 52gr Berger's with 21.5gr N130.
UB

[remingtonman_25_06]

Heres an 8 shot group with the 24.5g IMR-4895 load. I cronographed them and this is what I got 3233, 3229, 3231,3244, 3225, 3244, 3236, 3205. So I figure 3225-3230 average FPS. Not bad for a 55g bullet out of a .222! I think I"ll just stick with this load. It'll kill anything I want it to...

[remingtonman_25_06]

Hey uncleB, I"m not real familiar with Viht powders. I've just never really thought of using them. How are they?? Is the N130-133 ball powder?? I was looking at a few 52g berger/brawand loads with N133 that seem to be really good around 23g, shooting anywhere from 3200-3300 in the .250" range. I might pick up a bottle of that N133 and try with some 52g bullets myself...I would personally prefer a 52g bullet that will expand as I would be doing more varminting/coyote hunting then paper shooting. Dont know which 52g match bullet is the quickest expanding, maybe the amax?? At 222 velocity, I think it would be hard to get the effect I'm looking for, but anyways..What are some of your favorite loads with the .222, if you wouldn't mind sharing them? I'm always looking to improve...

[remingtonman_25_06]

I haven't even given 3031 a thougt. Hows it shooting for you, accuracy/velocity?? What kinda rifle? Shot any varmints with the 52g smk or just paper??