.222 Rem.

The .222 Remington, introduced in 1950 by Remington Arms Company, marked a pivotal advancement in small-caliber, high-velocity cartridges. Designed for the then-new model 722 bolt-action rifle, the .222 Rem. filled the niche for precision varmint shooting with a rimless, bottleneck case specifically engineered for accuracy and repeatability. Prior to its debut, shooters and reloaders relied mainly on older rimmed designs or adapted military rounds; the .222 Rem. provided ballisticians and handloaders with a more modern, efficient setup. Its compact, strong case and relatively modest powder requirements contributed to an immediate reputation for superb accuracy at modest ranges. The .222 Remington quickly gained traction in benchrest competitions, and its success inspired the development of subsequent cartridges, including the .223 Remington and .221 Fireball.

Applications of the .222 Rem. have largely centered on varmint hunting and target shooting, both of which benefit from the cartridge’s hallmark precision. For handloaders, the .222 Rem. is revered for its easy-to-work-with brass and consistent performance at the reload bench. The cartridge’s forgiving nature and relatively low recoil also make it an excellent option for new shooters eager to develop marksmanship fundamentals without the unpleasant kick of larger calibers. Many competitive target shooters in the mid-20th century preferred the triple-deuce due to its exceptional inherent accuracy, which set multiple records in its heyday. Though overshadowed somewhat by the .223 Remington in military and police applications, the .222 Rem. remains a classic favorite among those who appreciate fine accuracy in a mild-mannered package.

When considering target species, the .222 Remington’s optimal performance lies with small to medium-sized varmints and predators. Groundhogs, prairie dogs, foxes, and coyotes are all within the capabilities of a well-placed .222 Rem. shot. The cartridge’s relatively flat trajectory and mild report make it ideal for varmint hunters, especially in regions where noise and property boundaries are a concern. However, ethical hunters generally avoid using the .222 Rem. for deer-sized game, as energy transfer and terminal ballistics, while effective for smaller animals, are limited for larger targets. For reloaders and shooters interested in pest control, environmental stewardship, and fur harvesting, the .222 Rem. offers an efficient and humane solution.

Typical bullet weights for the .222 Rem. range from 40 to 55 grains, although some handloaders experiment with lighter or slightly heavier projectiles depending on their target and barrel twist. The cartridge performs best with bullets in the 50- to 55-grain spectrum, offering excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and consistent velocity—usually between 3,000 and 3,200 feet per second, depending on load and barrel length. The standard twist rate of 1:14 favors these lighter bullets, making stabilization and accuracy straightforward. Brass for the caliber is widely available, and the mild case dimensions contribute to long brass life—an attractive characteristic for reloaders seeking economy and maximum reuse. Reliable, accurate, and easy to reload, the .222 Remington remains a classic that has earned its place at the bench and in the field among discerning shooters.