Introduced by Remington in 1950, the .222 Remington cartridge quickly established itself as a favorite for precision shooting and varmint hunting. Developed by Mike Walker, this rimless, original design was a scaled-down version of the .30-06, filling a niche for a high-velocity .22 caliber round. While eventually overshadowed by its descendant, the .223 Remington, the .222 Remington retains a dedicated following for its accuracy and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• The .222 Remington was introduced in 1950 by Remington for the 722 bolt-action rifle.
• It gained popularity in benchrest competitions and among varmint hunters.
• The cartridge is known for its superb accuracy and is suitable for various game animals with appropriate bullets.
• While largely superseded by the .223 Remington, it remains a viable option for specific applications.

A Cartridge of Original Design

The .222 Remington stands apart as a cartridge of original design, not merely a necked-down version of an older case. It was developed to fit between the .218 Bee and the .220 Swift, offering a high-velocity .22 caliber option for the average shooter. Its introduction coincided with the Remington Model 722 bolt-action rifle, and it also saw use in the Remington Model 760 pump-action repeater.

Benchrest Prowess and Varmint Hunting

In the 1970s, the .222 Remington became a dominant force in benchrest shooting, earning a reputation for exceptional accuracy. Varmint hunters also appreciated its performance. The cartridge is considered an excellent 200-yard round for varmints, small game, and even some larger game like deer, provided suitable bullets are used. For larger game, specialized bullets like Nosler’s 60-grain Partition or Swift’s 75-grain Sirocco can be effective, though their length may require a faster barrel twist rate for optimal accuracy.

Loading Data and Ballistics

The .222 Remington offers a range of performance depending on the bullet weight and powder combination. For instance, a 35-grain V-Max bullet with 22.0 grains of H4198 can achieve velocities of 3,591 fps, generating 1,000 ft-lbs of energy. Heavier bullets, such as a 55-grain SP with 24.5 grains of H335, can reach 3,200 fps with 1,174 ft-lbs of energy. Factory loads also provide consistent performance, with options like Remington’s 50 HP achieving 3,140 fps and Lapua’s 55 FMJ reaching 2,887 fps.

Considerations for Big Game Hunting

While capable of taking down larger game with the right bullet and sufficient impact velocity (around 2,300 fps for expansion), hunters should be aware of potential limitations. Longer, heavier bullets may not stabilize in barrels with standard twist rates, necessitating a custom barrel with a faster twist for accuracy. Additionally, hunters must always verify their state’s regulations regarding the legality of centerfire .22 caliber rounds for big game hunting.

The .222 Remington’s Place Today

Despite the rise of the .223 Remington, the .222 Remington continues to be a respected cartridge. Its inherent accuracy makes it a compelling choice for reloaders and those seeking a precise, mild-recoiling rifle for varmint control and small game hunting. Its historical significance and proven performance ensure its enduring appeal in the shooting community.