The 222 Remington Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 55,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 222 Remington Magnum with the 223 Remington on the same basis.
222 Remington Magnum ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 55 gr | 3,215 fps | 1,262 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists a single reference bullet weight for the 222 Remington Magnum: 55 grains, listed at 3,215 fps, which computes to 1,262 ft-lb. SAAMI publishes no other weight for it, so the table has one row. For any other bullet weight, use the figures the maker publishes for that item.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 222 Remington Magnum ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 222 Remington Magnum is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in, with a .224 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 55,000 psi. Fire 222 Remington Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
222 Remington Magnum vs 223: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 222 Remington Magnum | 223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 55,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 14.00 in | 1 turn in 12.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .224 in | .224 in |
| Lightest reference load | 55 gr — 3,215 fps / 1,262 ft-lb | 35 gr — 3,800–4,000 fps / 1,122–1,243 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 55 gr — 3,215 fps / 1,262 ft-lb | 55 gr — 3,050–3,215 fps / 1,136–1,262 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 55 gr — 3,215 fps / 1,262 ft-lb | 77 gr — 2,670–2,785 fps / 1,219–1,326 ft-lb |
The 222 Remington Magnum and the 223 Remington share the same maximum average pressure, 55,000 psi. At 55 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 222 Remington Magnum reference velocity is 3,215 fps (1,262 ft-lb computed), against up to 3,215 fps (1,262 ft-lb) for the 223 Remington. On that row the 222 Remington Magnum carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (24.000 in, 1 turn in 14.00 in for the 222 Remington Magnum; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 12.00 in for the 223 Remington), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 223 ammo.
222 Remington Magnum ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 222 Remington Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 222 Remington Magnum at 55,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 222 Remington Magnum?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 222 Remington Magnum is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in. Your own rifle may differ.
Is the 222 Remington Magnum more powerful than the 223 Remington?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 55 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 222 Remington Magnum reference velocity is 3,215 fps (1,262 ft-lb computed), against up to 3,215 fps (1,262 ft-lb) for the 223 Remington.
What is the effective range of the 222 Remington Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 222 Remington Magnum drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 222 Remington Magnum ammunition from Nosler. Browse the full 222 Remington Magnum ammo range.
