It can be a bit hard on cases if loaded to top loads because of case stretching with its relatively shallow shoulder. I much prefer the 22-6mmAI. When I was going to order a big 22 cal reamer for my shop inventory I went with the 22-6mm AI version instead because of better case stretch control with high pressure loads.
One bit of advice, dealing with 22 cal rounds for use on deer size game, the bullet you use is really MUCH more important then the case you shoot it out of. I have seen little difference on this size game using rounds such as the 22-250 up to the 22-284. With proper bullet placement with a quality bullet designed for this use, they all work very well.
With a poor placed shot or when using a varmint type bullet, things can go very bad very quickly, even in the biggest of 22 cal rounds.
If it were me, I would look at the 100 gr or 107 gr Wildcat ULD RBBTs or FB bullets for deer hunting.
A 100 gr 22 cal bullet will do anything a 100 gr 6mm bullet will do and penetrate even deeper and shoot flatter with a higher BC.
You will need a 1-7 twist barrel. I just tested my 224 AM this morning with the 107 gr ULD RBBT in VERY mild fireforming loads and she cut a seven shot group that measured 0.389" ctc and the muzzle velocity was only in the 2750 fps range so stability is more then enough at this velocity.
Even a 22-250 should be able to get close to 2850 fps with this bullet which would be plenty for deer hunting with very low recoil. This bullet should have a BC in the +.6 range so compare that to larger caliber rounds ballistically and even at this relatively low velocity you have great performance.
In the larger 22 cal rounds you will see much more impressive results. I have tested this bullet in the 22-6mm AI and got 3200 fps in a 28" barrel.
Top end loads in my 224 AM will break 3400 fps in a 26" pipe.
These heavy 22 cal bullets offer a totally new relm of performance for the medium game hunter. Again, with a well placed shot, performacne on deer size game will be very good.
Kirby Allen(50)
