Food for Thought

22 Reed Express

Currently we are doing load development for the .22 Reed Express. Barrels are available initially for the CZ-52 and are a drop-in component. The .22 Reed Express is based on the 7.62x25 case necked down to .22 caliber, and the shoulder blown forward. Applications include target, varmint, and small game hunting. Cost for the CZ-52 barrels is 210.00 We also have barrels for the T/C Contender as well in both blue and stainless steel for 250.00.

*BRASS, DIES, AND BARRELS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE ONLINE STORE

The preliminary load data is done, all the loads are from a 10" Contender barrel 10 shot strings average velocity. All the loads are production loads from a 5" BBL in the CZ-52 10 shot average.

10" BBL 5” BBL
30gr – 2782 2513
33gr – 2733 2500
35gr – 2721 2478
40gr – 2596 2200
45gr – 2470 2170
50gr – 2424 2080
53gr – 2362 2000
55gr – 2302 1985
60gr – 2228 (Too long to fit in the magazine)

The 60g spire point bullets are too long for use in the CZ-52. To get them to fit into the magazine they take up too much space in the case and reduce the volume to a point where only low pressure loads can be used. Load data is available from us and we include a basic copy in the die set. We'll be expanding the load data and sending a revised copy to everyone who purchased the barrels and dies.

What's really impressive to us is that the velocities on the lower weight bullets are running the same as a .22 Hornet out of a 22" barrel.

Point of note: the FN Five-SeveN reports 2200FPS from a 5" barrel with a 27g bullet; the .22 Reed Express is able to push a 45g bullet at the same speed from the same length barrel.

The first production load is the Nosler 45g Solid Base Soft Point. This bullet has a solid band of copper that makes up the base, it increases penetration and prevents the core from separating. The loads have been regulated to shoot point of aim at 25 with all the CZ-52's we tested, and customers report that their pistols are shooting the same. This load was selected as it presents itself as a great load for both varmint hunting as well as self defense. It is very accurate and as you can see from the picture above, it expands great. Penetration was a full 8" through gelatin.

Unfortunately, Nosler has now discontinued this bullet; we have a replacement 50g V-Max ready to go into production and we will have an 45g XTP out just as soon as we can.