Reloading the 22 Jet

[tom32]

I would like to hear from people who reload the 22 Rem Jet for a Model 53.
It looks like Hornady makes a soft point Jet bullet at .222" and a couple manufacturers make a .223" Hornet bullet that may also work. Would anyone like to share their experiences? I will probably experiment with low end H110 loads from the 8th Hornady book.
Do the Smiths tend to favor the .222" bullet more or less than the Hornet bullets? I am not really looking for speed or accuracy, but more into the plinking experience to enjoy the gun more than the round.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Deadeye_Dan]

I have loaded the Jet with both the Remington and the Hornady bullets. It is not a complicated round, aside from proper bullets and brass being a bit hard to come by these days. As I recall, my best results were with H-110 and 2400. Stay away from top loads! They tend to stick in many guns, and they erode forcing cones and top straps fairly rapidly! I see there is a guy on GunBroker, who sells bullets made for the Jet!

 

[Steve K]

I was lucky to find .222 bullets locally and have a good supply. I use 8.5 grains of 2400, but it has been a while since I've shot the 53 so I can't give you any explicit information. I also tumble the rounds to get any left over lubricant off the brass. None of the brass has stuck in the chamber since I began doing it. If you need brass PM me and I'll see what I have.

 

[DWalt]

I do not own, nor load ammunition for, anything chambered for the .22 Jet. It probably makes very little difference if the bullet is .222 or .223 diameter - one would have to test fire both to determine if there is any meaningful difference in grouping performance. One reloading caution always made is to remove any residual case lubricant from resized .22 Jet cases prior to firing them. Most any solvent can be used. For other calibers, my cleaning choice is mineral spirits with paper towels, and I always wipe down loaded rounds, not just the resized cases.