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Reliable .222 Ammo Overview

The .222 Remington cartridge was introduced in 1950 as a high-velocity centerfire rifle round. It offers excellent accuracy and moderate recoil, favored by varmint hunters and precision shooters. Today, .222 ammo remains a popular choice for target shooting and small-game hunting.

Why .222 Ammo is a Top Choice

Outstanding accuracy with low recoil
Widely available in various bullet weights
Versatile for varmint and small-game hunting
Compatible with many bolt-action rifles
Good external ballistics for mid-range shooting

Key Variants

.222 Remington Sierra 10 Grain HP — Best for varmint hunters requiring rapid expansion.

.222 Remington Nosler 85 Grain BT — Precision shooting with match-grade bullet design.

.222 Remington Hornady 13.4 Grain V-Max — Ideal for high-velocity varmint control.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.222 Ammo	5.56x45mm	.223 Remington
MSRP	$0.75 - $1.20 per round	$0.30 - $0.80 per round	$0.40 - $1.00 per round
Capacity/Size	Smaller cartridge size, lighter recoil	Higher velocity, NATO standard	Similar to 5.56x45mm, civilian version
Weight	Lightweight loads	Moderate weight, higher velocity	Comparable to 5.56x45mm
Optics-Ready	Compatible with scoped rifles	Designed for modern rifles	Common for tactical setups
Trigger Type	Standard bolt or semi-auto triggers	Often semi-auto triggers	Semi-auto preferred
Notable Pro	Extreme accuracy for varmint hunting	Military standard, widespread use	Civilian-friendly 5.56 alternative
Notable Con	Less powerful than modern rounds	Higher recoil and noise	Can be over-penetrative for self-defense

Best Use Cases

Varmint and small-game hunting
Precision target shooting
Plinking and recreational shooting
Training and practice sessions
Collecting classic cartridges

FAQs

Can I use .222 ammo in rifles chambered for .223 Remington?

No; .222 Remington cartridges are generally not recommended in .223 chambers due to pressure and dimension differences. Always verify firearm compatibility per manufacturer guidelines.

What is the typical velocity of .222 ammo?

Standard .222 Remington rounds typically achieve velocities around 3,000 feet per second, depending on bullet weight and load specifics.

How does .222 ammo compare to 5.56 NATO?

The .222 Remington has lighter recoil and slightly less power compared to 5.56 NATO, which is optimized for military applications and higher velocity performance.

222 AMMO for Sale