I finally got around to loading the 222
I had planned on using the HM˛ 225-62, but the throat or bore was a bit too large on my newly acquired savage 340D. Next I tried the Newest 22 bator that Lee cut for midsouth. The nose of that boolit measures .221 which is a little bigger than the HM˛. When I test cycled a Bator dummy round at the OAL I was hoping to use, I seen the Lands gently scratched the frosty coating of the nose on all sides. I was so happy...it should be a real shooter.
I'm starting out with a Rx7 load (13.6gr) that should get the Bator going to around 2250fps. Now for some better weather.
also, I picked up an older Bonanza benchrest seater die for the 222 at a gunshow last fall. Boy is that the cat's meow for seating a boolit. The sliding case guide is spring loaded. I 'WILL' be looking for more of those in other rifle calibers !