I bought a 222 used decades ago and reloaded for it. Shot the barrel out. (Noone ever gave me lessons about how hot things should get.) I replaced it with a 223 but that is because of the cheap and various ammo. When I reloaded for the 222 I used the Hornady SX, I recall it was 45 grains. My old rifle was a standard weight barrel. Impressive accuracy, and the inexpensive SX bullet pretty much blew up whatever it hit. Local yote hunters have used 45 grainers with good results. Anyway, I think it is alot of fun to shoot, with a modest report for settled areas.