.222 or .223

[dodgyrog]

Definitely unfortunate
even I managed to load sub moa with a lee loader

​semi auto .222 would be awesome !

I have 3 .222 rifles - 1 Anschutz, 1 Tikka 595 and a Tikka T3. The Tikkas shoot sub MOA all day long, on the other hand the Anschutz (bought new, not second hand) shoots the same loads into a 'group' of around 3" at 100yds.
I would not fancy a .223, maybe a .222 magnum though - mmmmm nice.

 

[Lee1972]

I fortunately chose a .223 many years ago as opposed to a .222 which was my original inclination. I have used all types of factory ammo through it (from cheap Chinese FMJ to average priced hollow point and soft nosed) and it's performed very well. Ive culled wild goats, foxes, pigs and wild cattle with it. Factory loads are far cheaper here in .223 than .222 which was fundamental motivation. However, both are great calibre's. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Huntersforge]

My first centrefire was a 222 and can honestly say it was the nicest to shoot and most accurate rifle I have ever had. In fact I may even look out for another

 

[rigboot]

I've recently picked up a minted Sako 75 .222 with a varmint barrel for Fox & Roe and can see it quickly becoming my favourite in the cabinet. A very sweet and unbelievably accurate rifle to shoot.

 

[Nod-1]

I have a Sako 85 varmint .223 and it's great I'm very happy with it.

 

[Rake Aboot]

.222
I have a 595 and it`s the sweetest rifle I've shot. 50`s or 55`s drop Roe where they stand.

 

[jazmin]

like my new cz American .223 shots prvis 55g soft points well cheap to run on crows and foxes.

 

[sir-slots-alot]

Hi fellas,
I just can’t decide between those two cartridges.....in identical rifles let’s say a Sako 85 Varmint....will I notice a difference between the .222 and .223 ? .

In handling you wont notice the difference between the 222 and 223. Both calibres are proven on fox / vermin and are deadly accurate. Both share similar running costs as well as recoil and noise qualities.

Having used both - For me the 223 is the better option - it simply shoots flatter , is less affected by the wind , and hits harder. There are more choices of rifles available and more barrel twist options that allows the 223 shooter to use a range of bullets that the slower 222 twist barrels cant. - This makes the 223 far more versatile.

If you ever wish to sell the 223 - it will probably fetch a higher price in the second hand market or as a px, as they are far more popular.

The problem for the treble is that its main rivals - Similar sweet shooting foxing and vermin calibres such as the 223 - 20 cals and the 17 rem / FB are better ballistically by margin.


ATB
Alan

 

[finnbear270]

In handling you wont notice the difference between the 222 and 223. Both calibres are proven on fox / vermin and are deadly accurate. Both share similar running costs as well as recoil and noise qualities.

Having used both - For me the 223 is the better option - it simply shoots flatter , is less affected by the wind , and hits harder. There are more choices of rifles available and more barrel twist options that allows the 223 shooter to use a range of bullets that the slower 222 twist barrels cant. - This makes the 223 far more versatile.

If you ever wish to sell the 223 - it will probably fetch a higher price in the second hand market or as a px, as they are far more popular.

The problem for the treble is that its main rivals - Similar sweet shooting foxing and vermin calibres such as the 223 - 20 cals and the 17 rem / FB are better ballistically by margin.


ATB
Alan

Alan has a lot of time invested in the cals mentioned, along with some long range varminting to boot, tells it how it is.

 

[Bumble]

Cant comment on .222 as i`ve never shot one, but a have a .223rem for foxing,shoots best with 40gn bullets and have never found it wanting out to 300yds.Flat shooting and hits hard.1 in 12 twist.Mine was never that great with 55gn bullets but its spot on with 40`s.

 

[bewsher500]

For me the 223 is the better option - it simply shoots flatter

really? noticeably so?

Not convinced
a 55gr clocking 3100fps compared to a 55gr clocking 3300fps equates to 0.2" higher at 100yd for a 200yd zero and 0.3" at 300yds

most people couldn't shoot a 0.3"/1cm group at 300yds

so it really is mental masturbation as an advantageous quality. no doubt that heavier bullets deliver more energy though

 

[User00003]

really? noticeably so?

Not convinced
a 55gr clocking 3100fps compared to a 55gr clocking 3300fps equates to 0.2" higher at 100yd for a 200yd zero and 0.3" at 300yds

most people couldn't shoot a 0.3"/1cm group at 300yds

so it really is mental masturbation as an advantageous quality. no doubt that heavier bullets deliver more energy though

your .222 seems to do pretty good with 60g Soft Points as well Ed

 

[sir-slots-alot]

really? noticeably so?

Not convinced
a 55gr clocking 3100fps compared to a 55gr clocking 3300fps equates to 0.2" higher at 100yd for a 200yd
most people couldn't shoot a 0.3"/1cm group at 300yds

so it really is mental masturbation as an advantageous quality. no doubt that heavier bullets deliver more energy though

Ok different tact - I shoot a 55 grn SBK at 3440 fps and a 40 grn Vmax at 3760 fps in a standard 223.

Assuming a 100 yrd zero - The 55 gr SKB fired from my 223 will drop 3 inches less than the same bullet fired in the treble using your figures - it will hit with about 140 fpe more energy at 300 yrds.

If you have a 200 yrd zero - the 223 has a flatter trajectory along its entire flight path and still drops nearly 2 inches less... It will of course move less in any cross wind too.

Is this mental masturbation - IME 3 inches could be a miss, or worse still a wounded animal.

Now my two post aren't aimed to persuade many loyal 222 fans to shift cal - The OP asked a good question regarding which of the two cals he should choose and why. So sticking with facts, the 223 has a flatter trajectory - it hits harder - has a wider choice of rifles and barrel twists and is more versatile.

If that don't float ya boat....get the treble.

Alan

 

[Bugsy]

Ive got a T3 223 and its the most accurate rifle ive ever had and will take it out before my 243 anytime for foxes , had a brn fox 222 years ago and always thought the 223 was better but its probably mind games as im using BT in the 223 which knocks them over where'as the 222 was SP and I used to get a lot of runners.I would say as long as you use BT'S in which ever one you choose both will do the business.