Anyone loading 222 with Speer 70gr semi Spitzer ?

[Huntchic]

I’ve loaded thousands of Speer 70 gr semi spritzers in 223/5.56 with TAC and X-Terminator powders. I’ve seen references in a number of places of folks using that 70gr bullet in 222. However I can’t find any kind of load data or where anyone gave reference to powders or loads.
I’m going to give them a try in 222 but not sure if I should use TAC or X-Terminator. TAC is slower burn n what I use in heavier 5.56 loads where X-Term I use for lighter 5.56 and all my 222 loads.
Anyone have any idea of which powder or a low end load to start at with this 70 gr in a 222 ?

 

[rcook10]

They are pretty slow out of my 223's as the bearing surface is painfully long. Poor bc but stabilizes in a 9 twist.

 

[fshaw]

I have an old Speer manual that may have load data for older type powders. PM me if you want me to dig it out.

 

[TaperPin]

Wow - I can’t ever remember even hearing of a 222 with a fast enough twist for anything over 55 to 60 gr. That’s cool.

 

[Huntchic]

Well the length of that bullet seems to allow it to stabilize in some rifles.

 

[FLS]

I’ve got an old Savage 112J in 222. Beautiful rifle BTW. All the Triple Deuces I’ve ever seen have 1-12” or 1-14” barrels. I don’t think that will stabilze that 70 grain bullet. My 20 year old Speer manual only goes to 55 grain bullets.
My Sierra data goes up to a 63 grain bullet.
Western Powders data only goes up to 55 grains.

 

[Huntchic]

I have looked back through manuals to as far back as the 1970’s era. Nothing found either. Guess I’ll just have to try a few.

 

[49ereric]

Speer #9

 

[Huntchic]

Thanks ,49ereric
I developed a load using x terminator powder.
shoots accurate but not a long range loading at all. going to stick with 55gr soft points.

 

[Castle Rock]

Wow - I can’t ever remember even hearing of a 222 with a fast enough twist for anything over 55 to 60 gr. That’s cool.

Old data but you can cross reference to newer powders
I used a lot of these back in the day in an old BSA Majestic with a 1 in 14 barrel
Edited to add that old Nick that wrote this book was a disciple of PO Ackley proceed with caution at the top end

 

[Huntchic]

That’s very helpful. I came up with couple loads with the 70gr sp using TAC and Exterminator powders. Had a lot of people till me 70gr won’t work or stabilize in a 14 twist 222. I’m older n remember my father n grandfather shooting them in the 1970’s so worked on it till I found loads that worked wonderful. Of all my time loading, shooting and hunting I believe the 222 is the most accurate caliber n cartridge.

 

[49ereric]

That’s very helpful. I came up with couple loads with the 70gr sp using TAC and Exterminator powders. Had a lot of people till me 70gr won’t work or stabilize in a 14 twist 222. I’m older n remember my father n grandfather shooting them in the 1970’s so worked on it till I found loads that worked wonderful. Of all my time loading, shooting and hunting I believe the 222 is the most accurate caliber n cartridge.

50 years ago the older guys told me buy a 222 and put a fixed 10x scope on it.
No money then naturally.

 

[Huntchic]

lol. I still remember when I was little telling my mom “When I grow up I’m going to make $7 an hour!” lol. The only 222 I still have is an old Savage 24 over under. 222 rem on top 20 gauge magnum on bottom. It still shoots same hole groups. Squirrels pass out and fall from the trees turkeys and grouse just fall over when they see it.

 

[49ereric]

lol. I still remember when I was little telling my mom “When I grow up I’m going to make $7 an hour!” lol. The only 222 I still have is an old Savage 24 over under. 222 rem on top 20 gauge magnum on bottom. It still shoots same hole groups. Squirrels pass out and fall from the trees turkeys and grouse just fall over when they see it.

Nice combo for certain!

 

[Huntchic]

Here’s that savage 24 over under.
222 top 20 gauge mag on bottom.

 

[Castle Rock]

Very handy gun

 

[Huntchic]

Thank you. It’s taken a truckload of various critters, from squirrels to deer.

 

[49ereric]

Here’s that savage 24 over under.
222 top 20 gauge mag on bottom.

scope mount?

 

[Huntchic]

I honestly don’t remember what mounts. Likely vortex, Talley or maybe Warne. Pretty much only ones I buy. I’ll try to remember to look at them later. I put a strike eagle 1-6 on it so I can put it on 1 for grouse n birds that I kick up. At 6x its fine for 222 shots.