cast for .222

[tuckerdog]

How 'bout some opinions on using cast boolits in the .222 for squrrils powder and mould design sugestions are welcome.Just thinkin

[DLCTEX]

For squirrels I like the 225348 46 gr. I also have had good results with 22 Bator mould from Midsouth. I used SR7625 powder, but can't find my reloading log book with the amount, so I won't quote from memory. Found it, 4gr. for 1790 fps. with the 46 gr. Book gives 41 gr. for this boolit, but mine drop 46 gr. Sized, lubed, and gas checked. Used same load for the Bator.

[dromia]

Whats the twist?

[tuckerdog]

not sure its a rem mod 788 shoots reeaal good w/50 grn v-max & 22.5 grn 3031

[skeet1]

14 inch

[HORNET]

Eating-type tree squirrels or varmint-type ground squirrels? Big difference in what you use for loads.

[beagle]

I'm shooting a M700 HB .222 with the Lyman 225415 and it's good for blackbirds out to about 150 yards with WC820 powder at around 2,000 FPS.

For squirrels and that twist, I'd use the Lyman 225438 with a fairly light charge of Unique. I run a load like that in the Hornet at around 1800 FPS and it makes a great load for short range BBs and I would guess squirrels as well. I'm using a HP 438 and it's pretty destructive but the solid would probably do nicely on squirrels./beagle

[tuckerdog]

eating tree squrrils.i figured on unique or 2400 thanx for info what dose would u recomend for around 1400-1600fps 22" tube

[Larry Gibson]

eating tree squrrils.i figured on unique or 2400 thanx for info what dose would u recomend for around 1400-1600fps 22" tube

In a M788 with a 14" twist I had really good results with 225415 cast of WWs, sized .225, lubed with Javelina, GC'd with Hornady or Lyman GCs, over Bullseye. No filler was necessary and accuracy was 1 - 1.5 moa out to 150 yards. I used 4 gr of Bullseye for 1525 fps and suspect that may be a bit much for tree squirrels.

I also developed a much quieter load that ran 1050 fps using very soft recovered .22LR alloy. It was very good out to 50 yards for headshots on snow shoe hares and silver grey squirrels (for eating). Suggests you try those for the tree squirrels. Start at 2 gr of Bullseye and work up in .2 gr increments until you get 1050 fps. I tried some without GCs and they did ok for body shots out to 50 yards but the GC 225415s were always consistently more accurate. The flat meplat and soft alloy gave excellent terminal performance while not damaging hardly any meat even with a heart lung shot.

The .222 Rem is a most excellent .22 cal cast bullet cartridge, especially with the 14" twist.

Larry Gibson

[45-70 Chevroner]

A guy here in town has a 600 Mohawk in 222 with a blond stock in near perfect condition. He wants $550 for it. Is that a good deal? That includes a 3 x9 Weaver scope and it is in near new condition.

[DLCTEX]

That's top price IMHO. But you did say near perfect and the 3 X 9 Weaver is worth $75 to 100, so it's a good deal.

[45-70 Chevroner]

DLCTEX: Thanks.

[tuckerdog]

2grn bulseye do u use a filler?! thats a lot of open case ive never used a filler

[Larry Gibson]

2grn bulseye do u use a filler?! thats a lot of open case ive never used a filler

Nope, no filler or wad needed. Bullseye is a very easily ignited powder. 2 gr + in the smaller .222 case is actually quite a bit. Picture 2.8 - 3.2 gr in a .30W or '06 case and you get an idea of small charge in a large case. BTW; I use those charges under Lee's TL 314-90-SWCs in those 2 cartridges with excellent results.

Larry Gibson

[tuckerdog]

thx i'll giver a try