Advice on .222 load

[Branxhunter]

I took my Sako A1 .222 to the 2016 Missethon and sent a lot of rounds down range at both gongs and rabbits. The load I have developed up for it is 22.0gn of BM1 behind a 40gn v-max in a Rem case with a Rem BR primer.

The ADI hand load guide gives a starting load of 20.5gn for a velocity of just over 3,100 fps, and a max load of 22.5gn for a velocity of just over 3,400 fps. The load development was only conducted across this range of charge weights. I don't know what charge weight would start to see pressure signs.

At the Missethon I took the opportunity to run 5 rounds through Rod's chrony. The first two shots showed 3,100 fps, while shots 3-5 a little later showed an average of around 3,040 fps.

These velocities seem low -any ideas?

Marcus

[mick_762]

Sounds about right for ADI data.
Always been high on numbers and low on charge weights.

I am away for another 2 1/2 weeks but give me a ring after 9 Oct. and i will grab my reloading book off the shelf for my Tikka .222

Mick

[220]

Does seem slow, will have to check what weight but I know the load I was running with 2207 was over 3400fps. Saw over 3700 trying to find a load with 36gr VG's but never did.
Ive been using noslers online data a fair bit lately, their 240 data has been spot on (within 50fps), they show a 35gr 222 load with 2207 for over 3800fps I will be trying and a swift load with the same projectile at over 4400fps with 06H.

[bimbo]

I would try a few loads around the max and even over max if you are comfortable at looking for pressure signs. For everything load for I have found the ADI max's uite conservative and often get good accuracy about a 3rd above min and then again another node up around the max and as long as there are no/minimal pressure signs I go with the higher charge
But there is also no point having a load that is doing mach 9 but shoots like a shotgun

[kickinback]

But there is also no point having a load that is doing mach 9 but shoots like a shotgun

Hope Trev reads this.


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[stinkitup]

Is it accurate? I would def be trying up around the max a bit further or go beyond looking for changes in primer and bolt lift. I use 2207 in my martini 222rimmed. I pretty much grab a pill and 1.5 gr under max to start at now when trying pills in it. Most cases seem to prefer it fairly warm.

[Branxhunter]

Sounds about right for ADI data.
Always been high on numbers and low on charge weights.

I am away for another 2 1/2 weeks but give me a ring after 9 Oct. and i will grab my reloading book off the shelf for my Tikka .222

Mick

Cheers Mick, will do.

Marcus

[Branxhunter]

I originally tried AR2207 but found the BM1 was a little more accurate in this particular rifle. I will probably try both again with a few increments at and above max listed charges.

Marcus

[Brad Y]

Easy to sort, so long as your not seeing sticky bolt lift, cratered and flat primers and ejector marks on the brass- start adding powder. My tikka 223 shot max load of 8208 with 50gr bullets at 3100fps. Started upping the load til it shot well and about 3400fps. No issues with pressure so I will just put it down to either a long throat or generous bore diameter or a combination of both.

[Waldo]

Thru my Bergara Scout I'm running the 40g Sierra in front of 22g of 2207 for 3520fps, no pressure signs and shoots real sweet

I did have 23g behind the same pill for 3688fps still with no pressure signs, 22g shot better though.

The little scout is no doubt strong as an ox so std. work up there clause applies.

Cheers,
Waldo