As a long-time shooter and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve spent years exploring the nuances of various rifle cartridges. One family that consistently sparks interest – and often confusion – is the .222 Remington and its derivatives. The question "who makes a 222 rifle?" is a common one, and it’s a great starting point for understanding this versatile group. We’ll dive deep into the .222 Remington, its history, the related cartridges like the .221 Fireball and .223 Ackley Improved, and help you determine which option best suits your shooting style and intended use. This guide will cover everything from rifle manufacturers to .222 rem ammo availability and ballistics.
The Legacy of the .222 Remington
Introduced in 1950 by Remington, the .222 Remington was a groundbreaking cartridge. It was designed to deliver flat trajectories and excellent accuracy, primarily for varmint hunting. Before its arrival, varmint shooters often relied on slower, more arcing cartridges. The .222 Remington, based on the .218 Bee case necked down to accept .22 caliber bullets, quickly gained popularity. It offered a significant improvement in range and precision. Early rifles were often chambered in Remington Model 722 and 760 actions. Finding a Remington 222 rifle today can be a rewarding experience for collectors and shooters alike.
Why the .222 Remington Remains Relevant
Despite the later introduction of the .223 Remington (which we’ll discuss shortly), the .222 Remington hasn’t disappeared. It continues to be a viable option for several reasons:
- Accuracy: The .222 Remington is renowned for its inherent accuracy, making it ideal for precision shooting.
- Flat Trajectory: It offers a very flat trajectory out to 300 yards, minimizing holdover for varmint targets.
- Moderate Recoil: Recoil is minimal, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
- Ammo Availability: While not as ubiquitous as .223 Remington, .222 rem ammo is still produced by several manufacturers.
Exploring the .222 Family: Variations and Alternatives
The .222 Remington served as the foundation for several other cartridges, each with its own unique characteristics. Let's explore some of the most notable.
The .221 Fireball vs. .223 Ackley Improved: A Detailed Comparison
These two cartridges often get compared, and for good reason. Both are derived from the .222 Remington case, but they differ significantly in their design and performance. The .221 Fireball, developed by Jim Carmichael, is a shortened .222 Remington case. This results in a higher case-to-bore ratio, increasing powder capacity and velocity. It’s a fantastic cartridge for short-range varmint hunting and competition.
On the other hand, the .223 Ackley Improved, designed by P.O. Ackley, features a sharper shoulder angle and a longer case body than the .222 Remington. This also increases powder capacity, leading to higher velocities and flatter trajectories. It’s often favored by long-range shooters and those seeking maximum performance from a .22 caliber cartridge. Remington and other manufacturers offer both cartridges, though availability can vary.
| Feature | .221 Fireball | .223 Ackley Improved |
|---|---|---|
| Case Length | Shorter than .222 Rem | Longer than .222 Rem |
| Shoulder Angle | Similar to .222 Rem | Sharper than .222 Rem |
| Powder Capacity | Increased | Significantly Increased |
| Typical Use | Short-range varmint, competition | Long-range varmint, competition |
The 7mm TCU Cartridge: A Stepping Stone to Magnum Performance
The 7mm TCU cartridge is a fascinating example of case modification. Developed by Tracy C. Underwood, it’s created by re-chambering a .223 Remington (or .222 Remington) barrel to accept 7mm bullets. This allows shooters to achieve higher velocities and greater energy transfer, making it suitable for medium-game hunting and longer-range shooting. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to gain magnum-like performance from an existing rifle. However, it’s important to note that re-chambering a barrel requires a qualified gunsmith.
The .204 Ruger: A Modern Varmint Cartridge with .222 Parentage
While not a direct derivative, the .204 Ruger owes its lineage to the .222 Remington. The .204 Ruger is based on the .222 Remington Magnum case, necked down to accept .20 caliber bullets. It’s a modern, high-velocity varmint cartridge known for its exceptional accuracy and flat trajectory. It’s become incredibly popular among varmint hunters and competitive shooters. Ruger heavily promotes this cartridge and offers rifles chambered for it.
Finding a .222 Rifle: Manufacturers and Options
So, back to the original question: who makes a 222 rifle? While production has decreased over the years, several manufacturers have produced rifles chambered in .222 Remington. Here are some key players:
- Remington: The original manufacturer, Remington produced the Model 722 and 760 in .222 Remington. These rifles are highly sought after by collectors.
- Savage: Savage Arms has offered .222 Remington chamberings in various models over the years.
- CZ-USA: CZ-USA offers bolt-action rifles that can be found in .222 Remington.
- Custom Rifle Builders: Many custom rifle builders can chamber rifles in .222 Remington or its derivatives.
When searching for a .222 rifle, be prepared to explore the used market. Online auction sites and gun shows are excellent places to find these classic rifles. Always have a qualified gunsmith inspect any used firearm before purchasing it.
Ammo Availability and Considerations
.222 rem ammo availability isn’t as widespread as .223 Remington or .22LR. However, several manufacturers still produce it, including:
- Federal: Offers a range of .222 Remington loads for varmint hunting.
- Remington: Continues to produce .222 Remington ammunition.
- Winchester: Offers some .222 Remington options.
It’s always a good idea to check online retailers and local gun stores for current availability and pricing. Consider purchasing in bulk when possible to ensure you have a sufficient supply of ammunition.
Responsible Shooting and the Importance of Leave No Trace
As responsible outdoor enthusiasts, we must always prioritize safety and environmental stewardship. When shooting, adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations. Always practice safe gun handling procedures. And most importantly, follow the principles of Leave No Trace (leavenotrace.org). This includes packing out all spent casings, targets, and trash. Respecting the environment ensures that future generations can enjoy the same outdoor opportunities we do. The National Park Service (nps.gov) and USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) provide valuable resources on responsible shooting practices in public lands.
I hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the .222 Remington and its fascinating family of cartridges. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, understanding these options can help you make informed decisions and enjoy a rewarding shooting experience. For more information on cartridge selection and rifle maintenance, check out REI Expert Advice.