huntchic
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Post by huntchic on Feb 14, 2023 7:42:26 GMT -5
I have handloaded numerous calibers for many years. 223,243,30-06, 9mm, 10mm 454 Casual to name a few. I just haven't ever loaded cast bullets before. I'm considering 222 cast bullets to try for squirrels and such in 24V series C. Its a 1 in 14 twist. Anyone here load cast 222 ? advice? problems loading or with leading in barrel. I currently use 45 and 50 grain Speer and Hornady soft points and wondered what bullets you have found that shoot well. I'm not looking for load data just perhaps what bullet you have found that shoots well and isn't crazy explosive.
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huntchic
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Post by huntchic on Feb 16, 2023 13:58:16 GMT -5
I originally got the Idea of cast type bullets when i found a box of old 1960's handloads from grandparents or Father that were loaded with cast bullets. Then after researching 22 cal cast bullets and not wanting to get into casting and everything involved myself think I'm just going to stick with old reliable soft points and head shots when out scouting around and needing something for the pot at camp. Just figured would be someone else here who handloads 222 and might have tried them and had input. I've pretty much just used Hornady 50sp always. Never tried 40's or anything over 45-50 grains. Couple times i considered playing with some V-max 40's or 50's because I've read that they shoot well. I don't shoot much paper, mostly just hunting so 50 soft points have never disappointed me on anything from squirrels to deer. I get stuck in my old ways sometimes. Not sure what advantage shooting a 40 grain would be vs the 50's I've always used.
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Post by vancmike on Feb 20, 2023 15:12:16 GMT -5
Sometime ago, I was given 100+/- 40 gr., .225" lead bullets and decided to load them in my .222. If I recall correctly, I used Unique powder and because they seemed kind of soft, I tried to limit the velocity to around 1300 fps. I also loaded a few .223 Rem as well.
Well, they went bang and hit the target. Not a great group, but within minute of rat at 20-30 yds.
Then I figured out the cost: 1.5ยข ea. for the primer, maybe about the same for powder, I already had the brass, but I suppose one should amortize that cost. At least the bullets were free.
I own at least 6 22 l.r. rifles that shoot cheaper, better. The best I can say is that I know it can be done!
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huntchic
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Post by huntchic on Feb 22, 2023 12:21:29 GMT -5
Thank you so much for responding Vancmike.
After much research and deliberating I've decided going the cast bullet route wasn't going to be worth the time/ effort. I agree with you on powder. Seemed like Unique and trail Boss were two most used powder for reduced loads. I as well have a number of 22lr and a 22WMR that work and shoot excellent if I'm solely squirrel hunting. I just got the idea in my head after seeing some old cast loads in a box. Our small game season overlaps with deer season so at times I carry the 24 222/20 gauge for birds or in case of seeing a deer. thought a light load for a squirrel might be nice. Normally I see bunches of squirrels and just shoot them in the head when they stop moving but thought, Hmm why not make a load down around 22mag for shooting couple squirrels for the camp pot at night. Think ill just stick with the old 50gr soft points because they just cover pretty much anything and shoot same hole pretty much. Have to admit though that after getting into researching I've become interested in trying some 40gr or 55gr bullets out but have no real idea of any reason or advantage they would give me in reality. Except fun of tinkering with the 222 more and trying something new.
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Post by cas on Feb 23, 2023 20:28:59 GMT -5
We shot lots of .222 when I was a kid and IIRC it was mostly 52grain Sierras.
Love the round. Funny how it works, still have that rifle but can't remember the last time I shot it. 35 years or more. Had a Contender barrel in it for a while. And yet, I still surf gun broker looking at .222 rifles, and toy with building a precision rifle in it.
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Post by jrguerra on Mar 14, 2023 5:29:24 GMT -5
Have you considered reloading #4 lead buckshot and using that as your bullet ? I believe the forum Castboolits has some information on reloading the .22centerfire to mimic rimfire ammunition.
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Post by ads on Mar 14, 2023 6:27:22 GMT -5
I have just recently pulled my old 24V out of the safe to start loading for the .222, with cast bullets. I also load for the .223, and spent most of my efforts there; but the .222 has a longer neck & smaller case capacity - better for reduced lead loads. So far, some of the results have me quite hopeful, but I want to do some more testing.
I 'get' not wanting to become involved in the casting process; but with the cost (and rarity) of components these days, it seems like a fairly reasonable solution. But I started that back in the 80's - even the tools & equipment was cheaper then. Usually you can find published data for reduced loads using 55 gr. FMJ's; I would think that might be a better small-game option than the 50 gr. soft points. I hit a squirrel with 50 gr. 'pointed soft point' just once; and promised myself I would never do it again. (Kind of like deer hunting with a LAW rocket....)
Like the idea presented above by jrguerra too. I may eventually get around to trying that myself. Just another 2-cents worth - which when adjusted for inflation, may be worthless.... :-)
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huntchic
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Post by huntchic on Mar 17, 2023 11:36:01 GMT -5
Thank you both for responding.
hmm, 0000 buck? kinda like small bore muzzeloader. Interesting but have to wonder about accuracy with that.
I guess ads had the same thought of 55 grain but im shooting an sp bullet.
LOL. Law rocket. Ive shot a couple of those and a few AT4 rockets as well. Just werent deer i was shooting at though.
I basically setteled on a 55 grain bullet and a bit lower power load thats still very accurate. I just shoot them in the head when they are sitting still. It basically works easier to carry normal loads and then also carry some "lighter" loads for putting dinner in a pot when needed. Yes SP bullets will blow stuff up but as long as its head shot it doesnt matter.
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Post by ads on Mar 18, 2023 5:34:56 GMT -5
Another possible option are chamber inserts/adapters. The 24V I mentioned was inherited from my grandfather, and he acquired several different variations that allow various other cartridges to be fired. I've continued that trend with the accumulation of other M-24's & currently manufactured units. In the 1970's, we called it "the survival gun", and it was on 'perpetual loan' to me for years until I was old enough to start my own collection. Anyway, he had an adapter made by Walther that would fire .22lr in a .222 chamber. They probably no longer make them, but there's a guy in Alaska.... I got one each for .22WMR in the .222 & .223; I tend to think the accuracy potential is better. [.22lr bullet diameter is .223", .22WMR bullet diameter is .224" - centerfire 22-cal. bores are generally .224"] My grandfather also had inserts to fire both rimfires in the 20-ga. barrel. The guy is Ace Dube. The insert line is called MCA Sports, he also has a cast bullet business that uses his name; hence the name 'MCACE'. mcaceak.com/index.htmlHmm, I looked a little bit - doesn't seem to offer as much he did a few years back. But it might give you some ideas.... |
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huntchic
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Post by huntchic on Mar 22, 2023 12:03:45 GMT -5
I also had that idea and came up with the same company in Alaska.
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Post by ads on Mar 25, 2023 6:47:08 GMT -5
To better answer the original question.... My bullets are my own castings, I don't know how they compare to commercially available lead bullets. I use a Lee mould that is listed as 55 grains (with a specific alloy) and is a gas-check design. I used straight linotype metal and they run 48-49 grains, with gas-check - I call them "50 grains". These are quite hard and don't really 'mushroom'. Don't know the policy of giving out load details here; I'll just say that I'm working from the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 4th edition. For my selected powder, I chose a 'middle-of-the-road' velocity of about 2000FPS & 2100FPS and weighed out corresponding charges - the 2000FPS seems to be better, but one day out isn't a definitive test. The bore was in great shape after, good powder burn, no leading.
I cast some from my "soft alloy" (wheel weights found on the side of the road, range scrap, whatever other lead I scrounge up, etc.) that weighed 57 grains. I fired some test groups from my .223 M-24 without gas-checks. No apparent leading but the target looked more like a buckshot pattern - terrible. Got more acceptable results when I added gas-checks. Looking to try the linotype w/ gas-check in that one.
Loading lead isn't difficult, but it is different from the jacketed stuff. The results of my first attempts had me wondering what I had gotten into, other than an expensive 'big mistake'. But I read a lot, tried some things, and read some more, and I'm getting happier all the time. :-) It does add more versatility to a particular gun/cartridge if you reload. I would highly suggest a Lyman "M" die for loading lead, and limiting bullets to 55 grains or less in the Savages. (Although every rifle can shoot differently, so that's not carved in stone.)
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