Caliber Description
The .22 BR Remington, often called the .22 BR Rem., traces its roots to the world of benchrest shooting, where accuracy and consistency are paramount. The cartridge originated from an experimental wildcat known as the .22 Bench Rest, created in the 1960s by competitive shooters who sought greater case uniformity than the popular .22-250 and less recoil than the .220 Swift. Remington officially adopted and standardized the cartridge in the 1970s as part of their benchrest series, making minor modifications to streamline case dimensions and maximize performance in both custom and factory rifles. The .22 BR Rem. is based on the .308 Winchester case, necked down to accept a .224-inch bullet, and shortened to maximize powder efficiency and consistency. Its distinctive short, fat case design allows for more uniform powder combustion, making it a darling among precision reloaders and competitive shooters.
For ammunition reloaders, the .22 BR Rem. offers a highly versatile and rewarding option. Its consistent case dimensions make it straightforward to resize and prep, reducing variables that can affect benchrest accuracy. Reloaders can achieve excellent results with meticulous case prep, consistent powder measurement, and the use of high-quality bullets, taking full advantage of the cartridge’s renowned precision. In addition to its benchrest origins, the .22 BR Rem. has found applications in precision varmint hunting and, increasingly, in long-range target shooting. The cartridge’s balanced design delivers superb accuracy out to 300-400 yards and beyond, making it an excellent competitor for precision shooting disciplines where small group sizes and minimal wind drift are the ultimate goals.
When it comes to target species, the .22 BR Rem. is highly effective for small to medium game and varmints, such as groundhogs, prairie dogs, coyotes, and foxes. Its flat trajectory and high-velocity potential make it ideal for shots on wary, small-bodied targets at extended ranges. Hunters and varmint shooters prize the .22 BR Rem. for its ability to deliver explosive terminal performance with minimal recoil—a significant advantage for spotting your own shots and making quick follow-ups if needed. The combination of high velocity and match-grade accuracy also minimizes the risk of wounding or missing small game at range, making ethical, clean kills more reliable.
Typical bullet weights for the .22 BR Rem. range from 40 to 55 grains, though some reloaders experiment with heavier bullets up to 60 or even 70 grains for specialized long-range applications. The cartridge excels with match-grade bullets, such as hollow-point boat-tails and polymer-tipped varieties, which stabilize well in the typical 1:12 or 1:14 rifling twists found in most .22 BR barrels. Muzzle velocities can reach 3,800 fps with lighter projectiles, while heavier bullets produce slightly lower velocities but flatter trajectories at long range. Reloading flexibility is one of the cartridge’s hallmarks: reloaders can tailor loads to their specific rifle and shooting discipline, optimizing for either blistering speed or optimal ballistic coefficient. Efficient powder use, manageable recoil, and exceptional accuracy make the .22 BR Rem. a perennial favorite among reloaders who seek peak performance in both competitive and field shooting settings.
Popular Load Recipes
- 52 gr Sierra MatchKing HPBT, 30.0 gr H322, Remington case, Federal 205 primer, OAL 2.260”, velocity ~3350 fps
- 52 gr Berger HP, 28.5 gr IMR 8208 XBR, Lapua case, CCI BR4 primer, OAL 2.250”, velocity ~3300 fps
- 55 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip, 30.5 gr Varget, Lapua case, CCI BR4 primer, OAL 2.260”, velocity ~3400 fps
- 60 gr Hornady V-MAX, 29.0 gr Benchmark, Remington case, Federal 205 primer, OAL 2.280”, velocity ~3200 fps
- 68 gr Hornady BTHP, 28.5 gr H4895, Lapua case, CCI BR4 primer, OAL 2.290”, velocity ~3075 fps
- 69 gr Sierra MatchKing, 27.5 gr Varget, Lapua case, CCI BR4 primer, OAL 2.290”, velocity ~3050 fps
- 75 gr Hornady A-Max, 26.0 gr Re15, Lapua case, Federal 205M primer, OAL 2.320”, velocity ~2920 fps
- 80 gr Berger VLD, 24.5 gr Viht N550, Lapua case, CCI BR4 primer, OAL 2.420”, velocity ~2800 fps
Always start below maximum and work up carefully in your rifle.
Cost per Reloaded Round
Factory ammunition for .22 BR Remington is extremely scarce as it is primarily a wildcat cartridge and not mass-produced; almost all .22 BR Rem shooters handload their ammo. Pricing for factory ammunition is thus not available from commercial sources.
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Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
Wildcat / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
46 - 85 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
36 Grains of Water / 28.5 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
3232 fps / 1239 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
1.55'' / 2.2''