.22 br

[S3th]

I went back to the reloading table and wanted to recheck my components, etc. I think I may have been crushing my primers 8 thou... which could be the driver of my low velocities. As I fired the last 225 rounds, the recoil impulse/firing pin to ignition felt weird.

 

[just browsing]

Throwing this out there in case someone else is looking. I’m not sure who else would be shooting 8208 or 77gr projectiles in a 22BR, but I have a ton of these components on hand for 223 and figured I would try to use them for fireforming 22BRA in lieu of Varget, Hybrids, etc.

Barrel specs:
- 28” Brux 1:6.5 twist 22BRA
- Virgin Lapua 6BR brass, necked down with a .249 bushing (false shoulder method)
- 27.0gr 8208
- 77gr SMK seated to 1.858” base to ogive
~3000-3050fps (didn’t actually chrono but this is what the Kestrel told me)

This is a GREAT FF load. No pressure to speak of and super light recoil. It piled 10 rounds into a single hole while zeroing and was very consistent out to 700 yards.

Given the cost and availability of components, I figured there could be a lot more of this coming. Also need to disclose that it’s not a perfect 1:1 comparison given true BR vs. fireforming to BRA, but the data should be similar.

 

[S3th]

First, 5 shots were 29.0gr Varget jumping 0.040" - avg. 2,885fps w/ SD of 24 and ES of 63 (could this be due to the barrel being clean? not really concerned)

Reshot this load and was 8 SD 20 ES.

 

[S3th]

Really great pricing on 90gr SMK

10off556 for 10% off

.224 90 Gr. Sierra Match King Hollow Point Boat Tail Bullets *NEW* | RMR Bullets

These beautiful, sleek SMKs are the bullets to use for reaching out there with your Valkyrie, 22 Nosler, .22 Grendel, .22 Creedmoor, etc. Brand new factory firsts! These will not be loadable in .223 Rem/ 5.56 at magazine length but if you want to single feed them they will work. BC info: .563 @ 2080

www.rmrbullets.com

 

[padom]

Got out to shoot the rest of the 80SMK rounds I had loaded up. 29.5gr H4895, 80SMK......3154

It was windy as hell as you can see in the below video clip. I was banging some steel but decided to shoot 2 groups on paper at 400yds. I was trying to time the luls to shoot these groups. Worked for the one group at 0.178moa..... but the second group not so much.

These little 80SMK really hammer, super accurate but definitely dont buck the wind like my 90smk load does...

 

[Triggerf16]

Here is my result with 22BR. OBW 1:7 barrel, .130” fb, .248” bushing, .220“ mandrel. 20 shot ES 25, SD 7.

Only problem, it was my shooting buddy who shot that 10-shot group. I need to up my game.

 

[S3th]

FYI and for search keywords...

22BR w/ 88gr ELDMs
Zeus
Manners TCS
MDT BR Mag

I was initially having feeding issues; cases were rising on release and jamming into the top of the action. I was able to adjust the front of the mag lips ever so slightly and now have zero feeding issues.

 

[KnowNothing256]

What have people seen with respect to collapsing shoulders when necking down 6BR brass? Got a new Forster FL die and ran a few pieces of new Lapua through, bulged/collapsed all three shoulders and saw significant belling of the case neck mouth too.

Sent the die off to get honed to 0.247” (talked to them on the phone, they said they’ll hone more than their order form says, they just don’t recommend it). Hoping that’ll fix it (I’m necking down something like 30 thou with the raw die, the honing should make that more like 20 thou), but just wondering if I’m gonna need a step-down die. Really don’t want one, since I’m not running a bushing die.

@Birddog6424 you said you neck down in one step, what OD are you going to when you do, and using what die setup?

Update on this for anyone in a similar situation: Got the Forster die back, and tried it out with a good dose of One Shot on a piece of 6BR Lapua range brass I picked outta the grass a couple weeks back. Didn't fully collapse the shoulder, but still bubbled it a bit. Googled sizing down 6BR, landed on the following site: www.6mmbr.com/22br.html

They mentioned chamfering the case mouth before sizing down, so I gave that a whirl. Worked like a charm, I'm about halfway through my 500-case batch and haven't lost a piece yet. So: 0.247" die neck, plenty of One Shot, and inside/outside chamfer is the ticket. The inside's only really for bullet seating and to try to minimize how much brass residue the nitride mandrel picks up, just the outer chamfer is needed for smooth neck-down.

 

[st1650]

Quick question for the pros
I'm thinking about eventually moving from 204R to 22BR for Yotes. Right now I have a HS DBM Gen 2 for 223. Max coal is approx 2.43in which is perfect for those 75 eld-m/SMK80.

Can I simply open the feedlips and be able to feed the 22BR ? Seems like I would work better than getting a 308SA magazine with a spacer/stop. AFAIK HS doesn't make a dedicated BR magazine. I'd rather not convert to a different BDM/wyatt box.

Here's a pic for reference.

Yes I know it's a retarded choice for a DBM, I was mislead into taking a Manners UC into that dbl inlet rather than M5.

 

[KnowNothing256]

Quick question for the pros
I'm thinking about eventually moving from 204R to 22BR for Yotes. Right now I have a HS DBM Gen 2 for 223. Max coal is approx 2.43in which is perfect for those 75 eld-m/SMK80.

Can I simply open the feedlips and be able to feed the 22BR ? Seems like I would work better than getting a 308SA magazine with a spacer/stop. AFAIK HS doesn't make a dedicated BR magazine. I'd rather not convert to a different BDM/wyatt box.

Here's a pic for reference.

Yes I know it's a retarded choice for a DBM, I was mislead into taking a Manners UC into that dbl inlet rather than M5.

Can't speak to how well the feed lips will work for you, but I can tell you that with 0.130 FB and the 88gr ELD-M jumping 0.050", my COAL is 2.305". You should be good to go from a COAL standpoint unless you go for the 95gr SMK or something, but I bet even that would be fine, sounds like you have like 0.125" to play with beyond my COAL.

 

[st1650]

Can't speak to how well the feed lips will work for you, but I can tell you that with 0.130 FB and the 88gr ELD-M jumping 0.050", my COAL is 2.305". You should be good to go from a COAL standpoint unless you go for the 95gr SMK or something, but I bet even that would be fine, sounds like you have like 0.125" to play with beyond my COAL.

I think I could also weld a lip on the follower to bias the rounds up and with a bit of chamfer in the barrel, I think it could feed reliably. I also think the BRs do better with CRF than pushfeed and I still have a Nuke 1.1 with a 308BF so I might also do that rather than use my Defiance.

 

[sab567]

Personnally im runing the 95gr and got a COAL of 2.355 when im barrely jammed in the land.
Thoses bullets are not usual as they need a good twist to stabilise them, Im runing a Gain twist benchmark 6.75 to 6.25.

Curious about you guys, what is your barrel life for PRS style of shooting ? Just something to dig around, about 1k they still Hammer no issue.

 

[Raufoss]

Personnally im runing the 95gr and got a COAL of 2.355 when im barrely jammed in the land.
Thoses bullets are not usual as they need a good twist to stabilise them, Im runing a Gain twist benchmark 6.75 to 6.25.

Curious about you guys, what is your barrel life for PRS style of shooting ? Just something to dig around, about 1k they still Hammer no issue.

Why are you jamming those?

You’ll get between 2500 and 3000 rounds. That’s what I’ve had in my last one with 85.5’s

 

[sab567]

Why are you jamming those?

You’ll get between 2500 and 3000 rounds. That’s what I’ve had in my last one with 85.5’s

If i get 2500 ill be happy.

I jam because i get really good accuracy there.

 

[Raufoss]

If i get 2500 ill be happy.

I jam because i get really good accuracy there.

Should not be an issue.
You haven’t found accuracy out in the 0.070" jump?

 

[sab567]

To be True I havent test much the OAL. Someone told me to jam it at 0.010, I did it, first group was 1/4moa on 5 shots, so I stopped there. From a day to an other I always get half moa or better so why chasing for better, the rifle have win every PRS matches yet with this.
But if you tell me I should try jumping that much I might give it a try sometime just to see.

 

[Raufoss]

To be True I havent test much the OAL. Someone told me to jam it at 0.010, I did it, first group was 1/4moa on 5 shots, so I stopped there. From a day to an other I always get half moa or better so why chasing for better, the rifle have win every PRS matches yet with this.
But if you tell me I should try jumping that much I might give it a try sometime just to see.

Doing a seating depth test is always worth it. Most of the time there’s some nice spots from 0.050" down to 0.090".

Good luck with your next matches

 

[Baddog 0302]

I just finished processing some 22 BR cases, and was looking here for some 80 SMK loads. I was reading on the 22 BR forum on Accurate Shooter and see where the only load listed with the 80 SMK was 31.5 H 4350 with a listed speed of 3150.
I see where a member here is using 29.5 H 4895 with the 80 SMK and it's going 3150.
After seeing the H 4895 data, I'm thinking the 4350 is on the show side for a 22BR & 80 SMK's ?
My Bbl. has a 1-8 twist and I was able to collect a bucket full of the SMk's from an estate sale.. My range only goes out to 600 , I figure I'll stop there with the 22 BR 80 SMK/ 75 A Max.

 

[jzerfoss]

I just finished processing some 22 BR cases, and was looking here for some 80 SMK loads. I was reading on the 22 BR forum on Accurate Shooter and see where the only load listed with the 80 SMK was 31.5 H 4350 with a listed speed of 3150.
I see where a member here is using 29.5 H 4895 with the 80 SMK and it's going 3150.
After seeing the H 4895 data, I'm thinking the 4350 is on the show side for a 22BR & 80 SMK's ?
My Bbl. has a 1-8 twist and I was able to collect a bucket full of the SMk's from an estate sale.. My range only goes out to 600 , I figure I'll stop there with the 22 BR 80 SMK/ 75 A Max.

Yes H4350 is slow for the 22br but useable. I use varget for heavies(85.5 and up) and I'm sure h4895 will work fine with 75/80s especially in shorter barrels.

 

[Baddog 0302]

26" "bull" contour, Set this up for the grand daughters . Zero recoil and set it up as a single shot to teach them some long range skills

 

[jzerfoss]

26" "bull" contour, Set this up for the grand daughters . Zero recoil and set it up as a single shot to teach them some long range skills

I'd try varget too if you can get some.

 

[Superjet]

Man idk how you guys are having such good luck with varget.

28-29 gr
88 eldm or Berger 85.5
2935-2975 fps

I get sticky bolt lift, expanded case webs (have to use small base die or they won’t chamber) and flat primers with some having extrusion around the firing pin.

I need to pin gauge the bore dia. to confirm its .219, but that’s all I can think of.

 

[Superjet]

This is exactly what I was getting in a 20" barrel. And why I switched to a 22 Creed

Not what I wanted to hear. Maybe I’ll convert it to 22 dasher if I can’t find any 4166 (I get good speed and low pressure with it, but I only have 3#.)

 

[ES 350]

Man idk how you guys are having such good luck with varget.

28-29 gr
88 eldm or Berger 85.5
2935-2975 fps

I get sticky bolt lift, expanded case webs (have to use small base die or they won’t chamber) and flat primers with some having extrusion around the firing pin.

I need to pin gauge the bore dia. to confirm its .219, but that’s all I can think of.

While I run a different caliber I get same performance as guys on here running 22 BR....

Many things or combinations of could be causing you pressure/velocity issue.

What brass you running... I know Peterson 6 BR is several grains less capacity vs Lapua.

How many rounds on your barrel?
I have .218 and .219 bore barrels chambered with same reamer..... .218 (25")takes 29 gr varget for 3000 fps.,219 (28") takes 29.6 gr of varget to reach 3000 fps.
The .218 bore took 180 rds to speed up to that velocity.... it shot great at 28.5 gr/2930's , 180 rnds in was 2960 , redeveloped load ....29.0 gr at 3000 consistent .2's

 

[Superjet]

While I run a different caliber I get same performance as guys on here running 22 BR....

Many things or combinations of could be causing you pressure/velocity issue.

What brass you running... I know Peterson 6 BR is several grains less capacity vs Lapua.

How many rounds on your barrel?
I have .218 and .219 bore barrels chambered with same reamer..... .218 (25")takes 29 gr varget for 3000 fps.,219 (28") takes 29.6 gr of varget to reach 3000 fps.
The .218 bore took 180 rds to speed up to that velocity.... it shot great at 28.5 gr/2930's , 180 rnds in was 2960 , redeveloped load ....29.0 gr at 3000 consistent .2's

Lapua Brass
Cci 450s
500 rounds on the barrel
Bullets are .020 from lands

Barrel definitely sped up around 200 rounds

 

[ES 350]

How much neck clearance , donut in brass, freebore of chamber?

 

[Superjet]

How much neck clearance , donut in brass, freebore of chamber?

.006 neck clearance
.100 fb
No donut (bullet is not seated bast neck shoulder junction).

I will check for carbon ring tonight, but it has done this since new.

 

[ES 350]

Does it shoot good?
Checking the bore would be the next step I would take. If no carbon build up in throat and first few inches of barrel then inspection of bore for diameter is needed.

Sounds like size die is not sizing brass enough? If case cannot expand at all this will make pressure higher ... expanding case act like a shock absorber ...same as water on rnd or in chamber causes an over pressure condition on upper end loads.

 

[Superjet]

Does it shoot good?
Checking the bore would be the next step I would take. If no carbon build up in throat and first few inches of barrel then inspection of bore for diameter is needed.

Sounds like size die is not sizing brass enough? If case cannot expand at all this will make pressure higher ... expanding case act like a shock absorber ...same as water on rnd or in chamber causes an over pressure condition on upper end loads.

Hammers with 4166 at 2975 and RL 16 (slow, but I haven’t done much load dev).

The sizing die works fine for the 4166 and Rl16 cases.


The barrel shoots great with other powders no complaints, I just wanted to find a way to make varget work because I have a lot of it. After hearing the loads/velocity everyone is getting here, it’s making me scratch my head. Maybe I have a hot lot of Varget.

 

[Raufoss]

.006 neck clearance
.100 fb
No donut (bullet is not seated bast neck shoulder junction).

I will check for carbon ring tonight, but it has done this since new.

Adding an extra 0.001" to the freebore diameter (Not lenght) also help getting rid of any potential carbon ring issues.

 

[padom]

Been a while since I did any shooting with my 22BR, had a baby girl 12/27, wife was in hospital 2x with post pregnancy serious infection. Sleepless nights and slammed busy with work. Thank god thats behind us! haha. Shes 7 months now, everyone is good and getting more sleep these days. Finally a little time to play with some of these projects.

So my custom 22BR reamer came from Manson a few months ago, been sitting in the shop. I have a Bartlein 1:7.5 HV .218 blank that PVA will be chambering this week with my new reamer. Tightened up the neck a little, 0.254 and 0.130 freebore. Also have a 22GT Osprey that Ill compare to the 22BR. So how much faster it is with same bullets and barrel life

 

[Ubaderb]

Originally wanted to go GT but I might just do a BR. Problem is I’m loaded down with H4350. Seems like people are having alright results with it. Anyone having recent luck with 88s and H4350?

 

[towerofpower93]

Never been a BR/BRA/BRX or GT guy, just a 6.5G and 6.5x47L, but the squat little cases with a .224 bullet sitting on top is starting to intrigue me.

Please excuse the JV question, but what would the velocity look like when comparing say the 22 Grendel, 22 GT, 22 BR, and 22x47L?

I know I wouldn't go with something as large as 22 Creed due to the barrel life, but what about the little guys from the Grendel on up? Does the 22x47L also get into barrel burner territory based on the case volume?

Thanks

 

[4O6shootist]

26" 22gt, with 90s and H4350 I never found pressure working up to 3270fps, close tho, alpha brass was just starting to show the ejector slot from the bighorn bolt. I run it at 3100. Good accuracy at 3200 as well, but why burn the throat. I'd think the 22x47 would likely top out 3320-3350. 22creed, mine will push 88s just under 3400......from a 22" barrel. Due to the overbore, i bet a 26" would make near 3500, but jackets may fail. All my fast twist 224 barrels are 219 bore diameter, 8 twist I dont think it matters as much unless you're trying to push lighter bullets at mach speed. If I were to persue a br based variant, I'd go 22 bra with alpha brass. You lose very little to the dasher, but gain fair bit over br. Cases dont grow, they hold pressure very well, long neck is generous for various bullet lengths. I really like my 6bra, stupid accurate rifle.

 

[ballisticdaddy]

Just loaded a dummy round for my smith....Lapua 6BR brass resized with a cheap Redding full length sizing die, expanded with a .223 mandrel and seated a Berger 85.5 LRHT to 2.330" COAL. Can't wait to start load development for this little cartridge!

 

[padom]

Results from taking the new 22BR barrel out. 28" Bartlein 1-7.5 Heavy Varmint with my new 22BR reamer I had Manson make for me. 0.130FB and .255 neck on my TL3.

Loaded up 100pc of brass with a mild load from my other 22BR barrel...29gr 4166, CCI 450, 1xLapua, 88 ELD 0.015 off lands.

Chrono 10 shots 3020.... SD6





After 6 shots zeroing I shot this 1st 5 shot group. Good start.



0.274"




300yd

0.952"



0.604"




0.600"





400yd

0.707"




1.296"

 

[4O6shootist]

Results from taking the new 22BR barrel out. 28" Bartlein 1-7.5 Heavy Varmint with my new 22BR reamer I had Manson make for me. 0.130FB and .255 neck on my TL3.

Loaded up 100pc of brass with a mild load from my other 22BR barrel...29gr 4166, CCI 450, 1xLapua, 88 ELD 0.015 off lands.

Man that's so sweet. Good shooting! Makes me want to put a 22bra reamer together. Get away with a lil slower burn rate, run a tad bit more velocity. Plus I already have the dies for 6bra.

 

[Raufoss]

Results from taking the new 22BR barrel out. 28" Bartlein 1-7.5 Heavy Varmint with my new 22BR reamer I had Manson make for me. 0.130FB and .255 neck on my TL3.

Loaded up 100pc of brass with a mild load from my other 22BR barrel...29gr 4166, CCI 450, 1xLapua, 88 ELD 0.015 off lands.

Chrono 10 shots 3020.... SD6





After 6 shots zeroing I shot this 1st 5 shot group. Good start.



0.274"




300yd

0.952"



0.604"




0.600"





400yd

0.707"




1.296"

Good stuff! What's the color of that chassis?

 

[padom]

Good stuff! What's the color of that chassis?

Its the Ridgeway Blue option XLR offers...... I have XLR Envy's in Black, Tungsten Grey, Burnt Bronze and Ridgeway Blue... I think Tungsten Grey is my favorite.

 

[Trever]

Since the dasher is in the br family, would this thread be helpful in load dev for a 22 dasher?

 

[Shoots 700's]

What size bushing are most using to neck down 6 br brass ?

 

[padom]

What size bushing are most using to neck down 6 br brass ?

A lot of guys neck straight down with .249.....but I do it in 2 steps...neck down half way the finish sizing down with .249 then run it through a mandrel

 

[Shoots 700's]

Padom, any benefits you see doing it this way? Getting ready to have a barrel spun and have the 85.5’s ready to go.

 

[padom]

Padom, any benefits you see doing it this way? Getting ready to have a barrel spun and have the 85.5’s ready to go.

I do it this way for better concentricity, less chance of collapsing shoulder or splitting necks....I had 100% success rate on 500pc of Lapua....

 

[KnowNothing256]

One thing that cost me a few pieces of brass was insufficient outside chamfer. Once I put a good chamfer on, I did all my necking down in one step. Used a honed Forster die, went straight to my target neck OD (0.004" under loaded).

 

[NFshooter150]

Worked up 88 eld's with varget and reloder 16 in a 21" Shilen 1-7".

Varget didn't seem to wanna shoot good anywhwere near like 16 but velocity was a little better.

2,950 with a case load of 16.

Need to chrony and check es/sd

Have you ever tried n150?

 

[4O6shootist]

Anyone have a JGS 255nk 130 freebore(225 diameter) they'd be willing lend to Manzella Precision to chamber my new barrel? I'll pay a wear/tear fee and all shipping.

 

[KnowNothing256]

Pretty sure I do, let me get back to you tomorrow.

ETA: It’s a Manson though

 

[4O6shootist]

@padom are you neck turning on the new 254 nk chamber? Seems like most are using 255nk.

Curious what loaded neck diameter you guys are getting with necked down unturned lapua? I figured it'd be around 0.250", speccing out a reamer for order right now.

I don't have br dies, so I'm looking at Wilson or Harrels FL bushing dies. Might as well go with the a 6br die, as it's multi use over the 22br available from Wilson.

 

[padom]

@padom are you neck turning on the new 254 nk chamber? Seems like most are using 255nk.

Curious what loaded neck diameter you guys are getting with necked down unturned lapua? I figured it'd be around 0.250", speccing out a reamer for order right now.

I don't have br dies, so I'm looking at Wilson or Harrels FL bushing dies. Might as well go with the a 6br die, as it's multi use over the 22br available from Wilson.

Nope and have plenty of clearance. I tightened my neck up a hair because of my fired vs loaded neck diameter difference. Leaves me .002 per side