Most of the data I have found is higher velocity than I want or very low load density. 55 grain Lyman 222415 bullets; these particular ones are gas checked but if I could get them to shoot ok I would prefer to shoot plain base.

Unique, 2400, 4227, and lil gun are the fastest powders I have on hand. I will able to buy powder this weekend though.


Any suggestions on starting points? Say 1,400 fps

Cant help you with a load,
but dont you think your kind of defeating the purpose of the 218b by loading it down to velocities that low.
your 55gr@1400 will yield 238ft/lb muzzle energy while a 22 magnum will yield about 300 ft/lb.

5.5 grains of 2400 in a Hornet with a 22 Lee Bator cast bullet gave me good results. Lil gun worked best with full velocity loads. I had to heat treat my bullets to get the best accurcy with both powders. If you can seat the gas check separately trying the bullet lubed but not sized will sometimes help. The Bee case is larger than the hornet so you will probable have to edge up on the load a little.
Good luck

Am with you on this...you already have a high speed load...matching 22mag. would proably be best using a 40gr. jacketed bullet which can dupicate .22mag results pretty well if you pick a very fragile bullet. Bullets made for high speeds generaly perform like game bullets at 2000fps...expanding but not fragmenting. Are both useful hunting loads.

Cast bullet loads in the 1400fps range dupicate the old .22WRF, and taht's a pretty good place to be. I generally work up a .22 cast bullet load in the 1400-1500fps range, and a second one in the 900-100fps range. The second one is for when I really want to be quiet, dupicating .22 LR match loadings. Either are good small game loads...practice loads...and general having fun loads.

Unique should do the trick. About 4.5 to 5gr. should earn about 1400fps.
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Had my problems with the modern #225415. OLD molds were shorter, casting a 45-48gr. bullet. What they've done is lengthen the gas check base, wich give the bullet more like 52-54gr. weight.

Can search the archives...wanted a plain based 45gr. bullet for these kinds of loaqds (not needing the gas check for 1000fps or 1400fps) and needing a SHORTER bullet to work in a 1:16 twist. Took a little bit of doing, but the shortened mold is working greaat.