.222 Rem (5.7x43mm) Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.222 Remington: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Small Rifle |
| Used For | Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1950 |
.222 Remington: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent accuracy for long-range varmint hunting
- ✔ Low recoil, suitable for smaller-framed shooters
- ✔ Flat trajectory for easier shot placement
- ✔ Relatively low noise compared to larger calibers
- ✔ Good barrel life due to moderate pressures
Cons
- ✘ Limited effectiveness on larger game animals
- ✘ Less common than newer calibers like .223 Remington
- ✘ Reduced availability of factory ammunition
- ✘ Lower bullet weight options compared to some alternatives
- ✘ Less versatile than more popular calibers
.222 Remington (5.7x43mm) Ammo: In Depth
The .222 Remington, also known as the 5.7x43mm, is a centerfire rifle cartridge introduced in 1950. It was the first commercial rimless .22 (5.56 mm) cartridge made in the United States. Known for its accuracy and low recoil, the .222 Remington quickly gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters. Although it has been largely superseded by the .223 Remington in many applications, it remains a favorite among benchrest shooters and those who appreciate its mild report and minimal recoil.
History and Development
The .222 Remington was developed by Mike Walker at Remington Arms Company in 1950. It was designed as a new chambering for Remington's Model 722 bolt-action rifle. The cartridge was created to fill a perceived gap in the market for a high-velocity, accurate varmint round that could outperform the existing .22 Hornet and .220 Swift cartridges.
Upon its release, the .222 Remington quickly gained popularity due to its excellent accuracy, flat trajectory, and low recoil. It became known as the 'Triple Deuce' and was widely adopted by varmint hunters and target shooters. The cartridge's success led to its use in benchrest shooting competitions, where it dominated for many years.
The .222 Remington's design features a rimless, bottleneck case with a 23-degree shoulder angle. This design contributes to its excellent accuracy potential and efficient powder burn. The cartridge typically uses bullets weighing between 40 and 55 grains, with 50-grain bullets being the most common.
Despite its initial success, the .222 Remington's popularity began to wane with the introduction of the .223 Remington in 1964. The .223 Remington, which was based on the .222 Remington case, offered slightly higher velocities and was adopted by the U.S. military as the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. This led to widespread availability of rifles and ammunition in .223 Remington, gradually displacing the .222 Remington in many applications.
Today, the .222 Remington remains popular among certain groups of shooters, particularly in Europe where it is still widely used for hunting small to medium game. In the United States, it maintains a following among benchrest shooters and varmint hunters who appreciate its inherent accuracy and low recoil. While not as widely available as the .223 Remington, ammunition and rifles chambered for the .222 Remington continue to be produced by several manufacturers.
Timeline of .222 Remington Development:
.222 Remington Performance
The .222 Remington offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for varmint hunting and target shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,140 fps (50-grain bullets)\n2,860 fps (55-grain bullets) Measured from a 24-inch barrel |
| Trajectory | Flat trajectory at medium ranges Effective for varmint hunting and target shooting out to 300 yards |
| Energy | 1,090 ft-lbs at the muzzle (50-grain bullets) Provides sufficient energy for varmints and small game |
| Recoil | Very low, allowing for quick follow-up shots Manageable in lightweight rifles, ideal for extended shooting sessions |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for precision shooting and benchrest competitions |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .222 Remington loads.
.222 Remington (5.7x43mm): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .222 Remington (5.7x43mm) ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Varmint Hunting | 0-300 | Excellent for small varmints, flat trajectory |
| Target Shooting | 0-400 | Known for exceptional accuracy at medium ranges |
| Benchrest Competition | 0-300 | Popular for its inherent accuracy and low recoil |
| Small Game Hunting | 0-200 | Effective for small game, minimal meat damage |
| Predator Control | 0-250 | Suitable for coyotes and similar-sized predators |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .222 Remington is known for its exceptional accuracy and flat trajectory at medium ranges. To optimize your shooting experience, consider assessing power factor of your chosen load. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .222 Remington (5.7x43mm)
The .222 Remington's performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:
.222 Remington (5.7x43mm) Ammo Comparisons
The .222 Remington, also known as the 5.7x43mm, is a centerfire rifle cartridge. To understand its place in the rifle world, let's compare it to similar cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .222 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .222 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .222 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .222 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .222 Rem (5.7x43mm)
The .222 Remington, also known as 5.7x43mm, is a centerfire rifle cartridge. It was introduced in 1950 and was one of the first rimless .22 caliber centerfire cartridges.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .222 Rem | 50 | 0.142 |
| .222 Rem | 55 | 0.157 |
| .222 Rem | 60 | 0.171 |
| .222 Rem | 65 | 0.185 |
Note: The .222 Remington offers good accuracy and moderate recoil, making it popular for varmint hunting and target shooting. Its sectional density values indicate moderate penetration capabilities, suitable for its intended uses.