Before the .223 took over, the .222 Remington was the small-bore round to beat on the benchrest and in the varmint field. It is still loved for mild recoil, low noise and easy accuracy. This guide sets out 222 Remington ballistics for the loads we stock, using the makers’ published speed and energy. It also explains what those numbers mean and which bullet fits groundhogs, prairie dogs and foxes.
What Is the .222 Remington?
Remington introduced the .222 in 1950. It was a new design, not a wildcat. It fires a .224-inch bullet, the same size as the .223 and 22-250. The case is a bit shorter than a .223, and it fits short and mini actions.
In the decades after its launch, the “triple deuce” won a lot of benchrest matches. Many classic varmint rifles were built for it. Today you see it most in older bolt guns and in European rifles.
.222 vs .223: can you swap them?
No. The cases are different lengths. Never fire .223 or 5.56 ammo in a .222 rifle, or the other way around. Use only ammo stamped .222 Remington.
222 Remington Ballistics Table
Muzzle data for our 222 Remington ammo, from light to heavy bullets:
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Superformance 222 35 Grain NTX Lead-Free | NTX polymer tip, lead-free | 35 | 3,760 | 1,099 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Varmageddon 222 40 Grain Polymer Tip | Varmageddon polymer tip | 40 | 3,400 | 1,026 | 20-round box |
| Remington AccuTip 222 50 Grain Premier Varmint | AccuTip polymer tip | 50 | 3,140 | 1,094 | 20-round box |
| Winchester Super-X 222 50 Grain JSP | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 50 | 3,140 | 1,094 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power-Shok 222 50 Grain JSP | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 50 | 3,140 | 1,095 | 200-round case (10 x 20) |
| Remington 222 50 Grain JSP High Performance Rifle | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 50 | 3,140 | 1,094 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Custom 222 50 Grain Ballistic Tip | Nosler Ballistic Tip polymer tip | 50 | 3,025 | 1,016 | 50-round box |
| Hornady Superformance 222 50 Grain V-Max | V-Max polymer tip | 50 | n/a | n/a | 20-round box |
| Fiocchi Extrema 222 50 Grain V-Max | Hornady V-Max polymer tip | 50 | n/a | n/a | 20-round box |
| Nosler Varmageddon 222 50 Grain Polymer Tip | Varmageddon polymer tip (flat base) | 50 | n/a | n/a | 20-round box |
| Lapua 222 55 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed soft point (JSP) | 55 | 2,887 | 1,028 | 20-round box |
| Lapua 222 FMJ 55 Grain | Full metal jacket (FMJ) | 55 | 2,887 | 1,028 | 20-round box |
Look at how close the numbers run. Four 50 grain loads list 3,140 fps. The lead-free Hornady Superformance 35 grain NTX lists 3,760 fps and 1,099 ft-lbs, the fastest .222 load we carry. The Lapua 55 grain loads list 2,887 fps and 1,028 ft-lbs.
How to Read These Numbers
Velocity is the bullet’s speed at the muzzle in feet per second. Energy is foot-pounds, from speed and weight. On a varmint round, energy figures look small next to deer rounds. That is fine. Varmint bullets are built to break apart fast on small animals.
The box does not show how quickly a bullet slows down. Light bullets like the 35 and 40 grain start fast but shed speed sooner and drift more in wind. A 50 or 55 grain bullet starts slower but holds on better. Pick based on your typical range and wind.
Makers test in a set barrel. Your rifle may run a little faster or slower. Altitude and temperature also matter. Thin, warm air gives a flatter path than cold, dense air.
What Is 222 Remington Good For?
Prairie dogs and ground squirrels
Low recoil lets you spot your own hits. Light polymer tips such as the Nosler Varmageddon 40 grain (3,400 fps and 1,026 ft-lbs) and the 35 grain NTX break up fast.
Groundhogs, foxes and coyotes
50 grain polymer tips and soft points work well at normal varmint range. The Remington AccuTip 50 grain lists 3,140 fps and 1,094 ft-lbs. For fur, a soft point may do less damage than a fast-opening tip.
Practice and plinking
The Lapua 55 grain FMJ is a good practice load. It is not a hunting bullet.
Deer?
Many states do not allow .22 centerfire rounds for deer. Where it is legal, most hunters still pick a larger caliber. Check your state and local rules.
Keeping an Older Rifle Fed
Many .222 rifles are decades old. Have a gunsmith check headspace and bore wear if you buy one used. Buy a few boxes of a single lot once you find a load your rifle groups well with, since stock of this round comes and goes. A good chronograph will show you real 222 Remington ballistics from your own barrel.
Want more speed from the same bullet size? Read our 22-250 Remington ballistic data guide.
Shop 222 Remington Ammo
Browse every load in our 222 Remington ammo section. The Federal Power-Shok 50 grain 200-round case is a good pick for high-volume shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 222 Remington good for?
It is a varmint and small predator round. It suits prairie dogs, ground squirrels, groundhogs and foxes, and coyotes at moderate range. Mild recoil and low noise make it pleasant to shoot all day. Many states do not allow it for deer, so check your local rules.
What is the bullet diameter of the .222 Remington cartridge?
The .222 Remington fires a .224-inch bullet. That is the same bullet diameter as the .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO and 22-250. The cases are different, though, so these rounds are not interchangeable. Use only ammo marked .222 Remington in a .222 rifle.
Where can I find .222 Remington ammo?
Several makers still load it, including Hornady, Federal, Remington, Winchester, Nosler, Fiocchi and Lapua. Stock moves in and out because fewer batches are made than for the .223. When you find a load that groups well in your rifle, buy several boxes from the same lot.
What is the effective range of a .222 Remington?
It depends on the bullet, the target and the wind. Light bullets drift a lot past normal varmint range. Most shooters keep shots on small varmints within the distance where they can hit reliably and confirm their holds. Practice at your real hunting ranges before you go.
