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The .222 Remington A Cartridge to Rember
The .222 Remington is more than just a footnote in firearms history. Despite its waning popularity in the US today.
Introduced in 1950 and designed by Mike Walker for Remington’s Model 722 rifle, this small-bore cartridge quickly became a favorite among benchrest shooters, varmint hunters, and anyone looking for accuracy without heavy recoil. Over time, it inspired a remarkable family of cartridges—including the now-ubiquitous .223 Rem.—yet many shooters still appreciate the .222 Remington for its easy handling and exceptional precision.
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Origins of the "Triple Deuce"
When the .222 Remington appeared in 1950, it debuted on Remington’s Model 722, which was only a few years old at the time. Early adopters included major rifle manufacturers such as Sako, whose L46 rifle in .222 became popular for varmint hunting. These rifles, along with the Model 722, were known for tight shot groups and mild recoil—ideal for small-game use and emerging benchrest competitions.
While some may point to the cartridge being a scaled down 30-06, in terms of dimensions it is closer to being a scaled down 7mm Mauser. Looking at the cartridge, it is identifiable by the long neck, supporting the bullet in the case mouth.
Accuracy was one of the key reasons so many shooters fell in love with the .222 Remington. Although it launched a 50-grain bullet at around 3,200 feet per second—moderate compared to faster .22 centerfires—it delivered excellent on-target performance. That balance between velocity and barrel life made the Triple Deuce a standout choice for sport shooters, especially before the widespread popularity of the .223 Rem.
The .222 Remington is also very efficient in terms of the amount of powder used compared to the bore size to produce its speed and accuracy. This makes it stand out from other calibers.
Another point to note is that it, unlike many other calibers that have come and gone is that it was developed with no parent cartridge. Walker was able to design a cartridge that started from scratch to meet his expectations since he was working at the Remington factory.
Record-Breaking Benchrest Star
Benchrest shooting was still developing as a sport when the .222 Remington took center stage. Mike Walker, one of the founders of modern benchrest competition, used an early version of the cartridge in the summer of 1950 to shoot impressively small groups.
The “one hole group” (Via AmericanRifleman.org)
5 Shots, One Hole
In 1973, Mac McMillan cemented the cartridge’s legend by firing a five-shot group at 100 yards that initially measured a mind-boggling 0.0000 inches with a special microscope. Officially recorded at 0.009 inches, this world record stood for 40 years before it was finally surpassed in 2013. Throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, the .222 Remington dominated benchrest tournaments until custom actions and new cartridges, especially the 6mm PPC, started to take over.
Influence on Modern Cartridges
Although the .222 Remington eventually surrendered center stage to its offspring, it gave rise to an entire family of successful rounds. The first was the .222 Rem. Magnum, introduced in 1958, followed by the .223 Rem. a few years later. Other calibers that trace their lineage back to the Triple Deuce include the .221 Fireball, .17 Rem., .204 Ruger, and .300 Blackout. Today, the .223 Rem. reigns as one of the world’s most popular cartridges, largely because of its widespread military and law enforcement use. Yet none of those might exist without the innovative design that Mike Walker perfected more than 70 years ago.
Varmint Hunting and Beyond
When it comes to hunting, the .222 Remington excels at taking down small to medium varmints—like foxes and coyotes—within moderate shooting distances. Its light recoil encourages precise shot placement, a vital factor when you need clean, ethical kills. Smaller game is where this cartridge truly shines, and for many hunters in the 1950s and 60s, the Triple Deuce was a go-to option for varmints from groundhogs to prairie dogs.
Some shooters tried using the .222 Remington on deer or feral hogs, but its power is quite limited for larger game—especially when compared to bigger calibers. Modern hunting regulations often dictate minimum energy requirements that the cartridge can’t easily fulfill. Nevertheless, in regions where small game is the main target, the .222 Remington remains a respected, if somewhat nostalgic, choice.
Competitive Use and Military Experiments
The .222 Remington even found its way into specialized competitions beyond benchrest shooting. In 1960, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning used pump-action rifles chambered in .222 for international running-deer events, where soldiers had only seconds to fire at a moving target. The Army’s success in these matches underscored the cartridge’s reliability and precision, further cementing its place in shooting history.
Handloading and Ammunition Availability
Although the Triple Deuce is no longer the mainstream cartridge it once was, several companies still produce factory loads, including Federal, Remington, and others. Serious shooters often handload the .222 Remington for optimal performance. Powders such as IMR-4198, H322, and Reloder 7 have proven effective, while bullets in the 40- to 50-grain range typically deliver the best accuracy. The Nosler 6th Edition Reloading Guide notes that most barrels for this round are 1:14 twist, making anything heavier difficult to stabilize, with Speers 1987 reloading guide making similar remarks.
One reason the .222 Remington is so beloved among handloaders is its modest appetite for powder, making it both economical and gentle on barrels.
When factory ammunition is unavailable, some reloaders form .222 brass by running .223 Rem. cases through a .222 resizing die. This minor conversion works best with once fired or virgin brass, though neck thinning or outside turning is sometimes necessary.
Outside the US, the .222 Remington is more popular since it is not a “military cartridge”. Shooters in countries with restrictions on civilian ownership often favor calibers like the .222 due to these restrictions. However, this has not kept the father of the current most popular rifle round from fading into the background.
The Legacy Lives On
To many shooters, the .222 Remington stands as a timeless piece of firearms history. From benchrest championships and varmint hunts to specialized Army competitions, it has proven itself a versatile performer. While overshadowed today by the .223 Rem. and other newer cartridges, the “Triple Deuce” remains a cult favorite. Collectors seek out classic rifles like the Remington Model 722 and Sako L46, while handloaders craft custom loads in pursuit of the near-mythical one-hole group.
So, if you stumble upon a well-tended rifle chambered in .222 Remington, consider yourself lucky. You’ll be handling a piece of shooting lore that spawned some of the most popular calibers of our time. Whether you use it for pest control, punching paper, or simply reliving one of the greatest eras in varmint hunting, this small yet mighty cartridge still has plenty to offer.
