Dossa456 wrote:Cheers zaid great advice,
Some reasons why I haven’t really got into it yet and some reasons why I want to.
My main issue is were I live there is only 1 LGS which is 100km round trip. I Went in to grab some ammo for the 222 what I usually get wasn’t in stock either was the normal bloke I deal with. There was only one option as I needed 50grainers. (Winchester super X) So basically had to buy these to see how they go. The stuff was Terrible and one round wouldnt chamber properly. On close inspection It was deformed slightly.
I’m after more variety so when I go into Adelaide I can load up on various projectiles and powders then when ammo is getting low I can walk to my garage not do the round trip.
It also another skill I would like to have up my sleeve.
I did struggle to group the Winchester super x at all. Then I shot down a few federal they grouped much better.
I loaded several thousand rounds of .222Rem on my Lee Loader (which I still have) in a vice, with a scale, a case trimmer, a FLS die, and a caliper for measuring. Perfectly adequate if you want to dip a toe in to see if you'll enjoy it, and handy to take to the range or field for loading on the fly.
I'd recommend the Lee Breechlock kit with the hand primer. You'll also want Lee Ultimate Collet neck die set, a Quick Trim Die and a caliper for measuring case length.
.222Rem restricts your bullet choice due to the 14"-twist rate of the barrel (do you know what your twist rate is?), so probably 30gn up to 52gn or 53gn, although it might be possible to get a blunt 55gn SP to work. The 50gn ZMax would be a great choice if it shoots well for you, but you could order a few boxes of different types to try, or order some sample packs from Projectile Warehouse.
You can also make .222Rem brass from bulk .223Rem brass if you wanted to, but you'll need a .222Rem Full-Length Sizing die (you can't form it with a neck die).
I would go with AR2206H or BM8208 powder. AR2206H is available in 4kg bottles significantly cheaper than buying 500gn ones.