Loading 722 ln 222

M

Michael Sears

New member
I have a Rem 722 that looks like new. I have never gotten this rifle to shoot under an inch. I I havesnoticed it has a long throat and if If is load to the specified aol I am quite short. Is a long throat normal for the 722? Anyone have expierence with a 722 in 222 they would pass along.
 
Ok, have you bedded the action and free floated the Barrel? Start at the start.

Now, in just about any 222, 19.5g-22.0g of IMR 4198 with a 7 1/2 primer, with a 50-52g bullet should shoot bug holes.

Have you looked at the crown with a magnifying glass? The eye piece on a junk scopes makes for a great magnifying glass for this use.

Also, I shot 222's red hot on p. dog towns. As the leade got very long, I went to a Sierra 50g Semi point, then a 55g Sierra Semi point, both of which are extremely accurate bullets and kill real good.
 
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I got a 722 in .222 from an estate sale, I have no idea how old in is. the bolt face looked like he used it to drive nails with, because of blowed primers from to hot loads. remington installed new short 700 bolt it still shots bug hole groups. likes 24.5 grains of varget, sierra 53 grain hpmk, & fgm primers. bullet is set to touch riflings when they do i get pressure signs. I just back it up till pressure goes away.
 
I have bedded and free floated. I am getting ready to test loads with Mir 4198 and Benchmark. I will try seating longer, but with some bullets, there isn't much left in the case.

Thanks for the suggestions.
 
I have an older 722 in the 222 caliber and mine is also in pristine condition. I will give you two loads that for me, shoot absolutely lights out and drive tacks!

222 Remington
Nosler 40 gr BT
H322 - 24 gr (this is max load so be very careful in working up to it in your rifle)
CCI 450 magnum primer
2.194" COAL
Velocity - around 3500 fps


222 Remington
Barnes 36 gr Varmint Grenade
H322 - 23.1 gr
Federal 205 primer
2.150" COAL
Velocity - around 3500 fps

I absolutely love this gun but it is so nice looking that I usually don't carry it with me out in the field. Unless I am shooting from the truck, it usually stays in the safe.
 
i have used RL 7, 4198 and now mostly exterminator(flows through powder measure great)...7 1/2s or wsr.... all were good in my 722-222. mostly use 40 gr bullets..... use loading data loads from powder or bullet companies. often have 3 touching at 100 yds.... if you ever want to sell the 722, I would be interested......
 
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I have one, but I'm a long ways from my load data. It is an exceptional shooter, well under half inch at 100. It was my grandfather's, and it's bedded in a mesquite stock.

I do know that the load uses a Winchester case, 50 and 55 Speer soft points, and IMR 4320.
Both loads shoot the same POI and shoot just as well as the other.

I want to say 25 grains but IM NOT POSITIVE so VERIFY.
 
I have a mod 721 Imr 4198 rel 7 and h322 behind 50 gn bullet hornady,speer and sieara. They all shoot 1/2 inch or under when I'm in the groove. The only bullet that would not shoot was the hornady 40gn it would group at around 1.5 inches.
 
What bullet are you trying to shoot out of it Usually they shoot best with FB bullets under 55gr due to the 1-14 twist. The gun I shot at the egg shoot(1-14) likes the 52 gr Speer HP bullet the best but it doesn't feed well in my converted 223. The 40 gr NBT shoots very well also and feeds well. 50gr NBT's and V-max wouldn't shoot as well.
 
I have been shooting 50 gr ,52 and some flat based 55! Tried 4198,ball C 2, Benchmark, 748. I have been loading then long maybe I should try shorting them a little. Will be at thr range again soon.
 
My 722, 222 was an absolute tack driver. For hunting I used a 50 grain Sierra Spitzer Blitz bullet. That projectile was accurate but for even better accuracy I used a 50 grain Sierra HPBT. My 722 was fully bedded, not free floated. From what I've heard the smaller cartridges shoot better with the barrel fully bedded. I'm not looking for an argument, I'm just telling you what I heard and my experience goes along with that. Ii used Dupont IMR 4198.

If you haven't already done this try cleaning the barrel with a copper removing agent. If it hasn't had the copper fouling removed in a while I'd use something aggressive like Sweets but follow the directions closely. If it still shoots below your expectations find someone with a bore scope to see what's wrong.
 
Barsness author of " optics for the hunter" says in his book that scope paralex is often the culprit for issues as you mentioned. As for me the owner of several junker scopes on goood rifles I have yet to really understand paralex! Only a suggestion as I am no authority !It does give me a excuse when I miss or shoot something in the foot or tail ! Tally Ho Lodgepole
 
Originally Posted By: Michael SearsI have been shooting 50 gr ,52 and some flat based 55! Tried 4198,ball C 2, Benchmark, 748. I have been loading then long maybe I should try shorting them a little. Will be at thr range again soon. there is always a first time for everything, but I have never known anyone who had one that would not shot. I believe I would try another scope. mine had so many blown primers i had to replace the bolt, still shots small groups.
 
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Originally Posted By: pk1My 722, 222 was an absolute tack driver. For hunting I used a 50 grain Sierra Spitzer Blitz bullet. That projectile was accurate but for even better accuracy I used a 50 grain Sierra HPBT. My 722 was fully bedded, not free floated. From what I've heard the smaller cartridges shoot better with the barrel fully bedded. I'm not looking for an argument, I'm just telling you what I heard and my experience goes along with that. Ii used Dupont IMR 4198.

If you haven't already done this try cleaning the barrel with a copper removing agent. If it hasn't had the copper fouling removed in a while I'd use something aggressive like Sweets but follow the directions closely. If it still shoots below your expectations find someone with a bore scope to see what's wrong.


I second the above comments. I have my Grandpas 722 that he gave me and it shoots lights out with 50gr Blitz Kings and 8208... If you end up not liking the gun and want to part way's with it let me know...
 
Thanks for all the advice. I have all the copper out, wasn't much. I have an older Leupold 7.5 that has had a very easy life. I have an extra Leupold 3x9 but nothing better that is not being used. I will follow up with a range trip this week.
 


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