.220 Howell

The .220 Howell is a relatively obscure yet intriguing cartridge that emerged in the early 20th century during a period of rapid experimentation with high-velocity small-caliber ammunition. Developed in the United Kingdom by G.A. Howell around 1931, the .220 Howell was initially conceived for military and sporting applications, at a time when British shooters and designers were keenly interested in exploring the ballistic advantages of smaller, faster projectiles. The cartridge is based on the .256 Mannlicher case necked down to accept .224-inch bullets, marking one of the earlier uses of this bore diameter in centerfire cartridges. Though the .220 Howell never gained widespread commercial adoption or military acceptance, its development predated and anticipated the rise of more famous .22 centerfire cartridges like the .220 Swift and .22-250 Remington, giving it notable historical importance among ammunition enthusiasts and reloaders.

In terms of application, the .220 Howell was primarily designed for precision target shooting and small game hunting. Its high velocity and flat trajectory made it attractive for varmints and other small targets out to moderate ranges, which was a cutting-edge concept in the early 1930s. Today, those interested in classic cartridges or wanting to recreate historic performance loads often turn to the .220 Howell both for its uniqueness and retro appeal. Though rarely found on modern shooting ranges, the cartridge is valued by reloaders who appreciate its historical context and ballistics, especially those who engage in custom wildcatting or have a penchant for Britain's interwar arms experimentation.

As a small-bore, high-speed cartridge, the .220 Howell is primarily suited to small game and varmint species such as rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, and foxes. Its velocity and energy profile, while less dramatic than later cartridges like the .220 Swift, are sufficient for clean kills on these small mammals and pest species. The high-velocity nature of its .224-inch bullets offers excellent accuracy and minimal drop out to 200 or even 300 yards when loaded properly. Because of its niche status, the .220 Howell is less often used on larger predators or medium game, but it can offer a challenging and rewarding experience for reloaders seeking to hunt classic quarry with vintage gear.

Bullet weights commonly used in the .220 Howell range from 40 to 60 grains, with 45- to 50-grain weights being the most traditional and historically accurate choices. These lighter bullets can be driven at velocities between 2,800 and 3,100 feet per second, depending on load data and barrel length. The caliber demonstrates a flat trajectory and relatively mild recoil, qualities that contribute to its controllability and enjoyable shooting experience. Due to its rarity, modern brass is not readily available, so most reloaders form .220 Howell cases from parent cases such as the .256 Mannlicher. Careful attention must be paid to neck thickness, case length trimming, and chamber dimensions when crafting handloads. Attention to detail with powder selection and overall cartridge length is also essential to maximize performance, making the .220 Howell a truly rewarding proposition for the dedicated handloader.