reloading with .224 bullets

Grizz12 · November 24, 2013, 09:45 AM

I have, over the years, owned several .223 rifles and handguns in semi-auto, bolt and single shot. This means I have a bunch of .224 bullets to reload with and that got me to thinking about maybe getting another rifle to shoot this bullet out of

This time I am thinking of a larger case but I dont know much about the other calibers that use a .224 bullet. The 22 hornet and 22-250 come to mind but like I said, I dont know much about them.

Does anyone here play around with the .22 caliber rifles? What is the biggest case to push one of those tiny bullets?

Also are the cases readily available or will I need to "manufacture" them myself?

603Country · November 24, 2013, 10:04 AM

Probably the best choice for you would be a 22-250, even though I personally shoot a 220 Swift. The Swift has a big more powder capacity and muzzle velocity, but the 22-250 is the more common caliber these days, with many more rifles available in that caliber.

ligonierbill · November 26, 2013, 07:56 AM

The .22 Hornet is a smaller case, and most bullet makers sell bullets designed specifically for its relatively low velocity. I shoot a 22-250, which I find easy to load and fairly tolerant of different bullet weights. Lots of rifles from low priced to expensive are available. Nothing wrong with the Swift, and there are some wildcats out there reaching "ludicrous speed" if you want to go with a custom.

Rimfire5 · November 26, 2013, 08:24 AM

I load for both CZ 527 Varmint in .223 with 1:9 twist and a Remington 700 Varmint in .22-250 with a 1:14 twist.

Interestingly, they both seem to shoot the same bullets really well - 40 grain Nosler BTs and 52 and 53 grain Sierra SMKs and Bergers.

The .22-250 starts to lose accuracy above 55 grain bullets but the CZ with the 1:9 twist still shoots accurately with 69 grain bullets.

I can buy the same bullets for both if I stay at 55 grains and below.

Both are extremely accurate rifles and keep the 40 grain Nosler BTs and 52 grain SMKs under a 0.39 inch average for all loads and seating depths tested to date.

flashhole · November 26, 2013, 10:53 AM

Look in any of the reloading manuals and you will see the different cases that are standardized for a .224 bullet. I have a 223 and 221 Fireball but the list is extensive.

If you want something ridiculous you can go with a 22-06 and reform your own -06 cases to accept a .224" bullet and have a gun chambered to accept the cartridge.. It's been done before. If you search the net I'm sure you will find something on the subject.

jamaica · November 26, 2013, 08:46 PM

I am still loving my 222 Rem. It is a fine varmint caliber without needing so much powder as a 22/250 or 220 swift.

November 24, 2013, 09:45 AM	#1
Grizz12 Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2012 Posts: 527	reloading with .224 bullets I have, over the years, owned several .223 rifles and handguns in semi-auto, bolt and single shot. This means I have a bunch of .224 bullets to reload with and that got me to thinking about maybe getting another rifle to shoot this bullet out of This time I am thinking of a larger case but I dont know much about the other calibers that use a .224 bullet. The 22 hornet and 22-250 come to mind but like I said, I dont know much about them. Does anyone here play around with the .22 caliber rifles? What is the biggest case to push one of those tiny bullets? Also are the cases readily available or will I need to "manufacture" them myself?

November 26, 2013, 10:53 AM	#5
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	Look in any of the reloading manuals and you will see the different cases that are standardized for a .224 bullet. I have a 223 and 221 Fireball but the list is extensive. If you want something ridiculous you can go with a 22-06 and reform your own -06 cases to accept a .224" bullet and have a gun chambered to accept the cartridge.. It's been done before. If you search the net I'm sure you will find something on the subject. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

November 24, 2013, 10:04 AM	#2
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Probably the best choice for you would be a 22-250, even though I personally shoot a 220 Swift. The Swift has a big more powder capacity and muzzle velocity, but the 22-250 is the more common caliber these days, with many more rifles available in that caliber.

November 26, 2013, 07:56 AM	#3
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	The .22 Hornet is a smaller case, and most bullet makers sell bullets designed specifically for its relatively low velocity. I shoot a 22-250, which I find easy to load and fairly tolerant of different bullet weights. Lots of rifles from low priced to expensive are available. Nothing wrong with the Swift, and there are some wildcats out there reaching "ludicrous speed" if you want to go with a custom.

November 26, 2013, 08:24 AM	#4
Rimfire5 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 923	I load for both CZ 527 Varmint in .223 with 1:9 twist and a Remington 700 Varmint in .22-250 with a 1:14 twist. Interestingly, they both seem to shoot the same bullets really well - 40 grain Nosler BTs and 52 and 53 grain Sierra SMKs and Bergers. The .22-250 starts to lose accuracy above 55 grain bullets but the CZ with the 1:9 twist still shoots accurately with 69 grain bullets. I can buy the same bullets for both if I stay at 55 grains and below. Both are extremely accurate rifles and keep the 40 grain Nosler BTs and 52 grain SMKs under a 0.39 inch average for all loads and seating depths tested to date.

November 26, 2013, 08:46 PM	#6
jamaica Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2006 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 705	I am still loving my 222 Rem. It is a fine varmint caliber without needing so much powder as a 22/250 or 220 swift.