The .17-222 is a wildcat centerfire rifle cartridge, which is a derivative of the .222 Remington case, necked down to accept a .17-caliber bullet. Wildcat cartridges are developed by enthusiasts and are not officially recognized by major ammunition manufacturers, often requiring custom reloading.
Primarily used for varmint hunting and small game, the .17-222 offers high velocity, flat trajectory, and precision, making it effective for long-range shots on small targets. Its performance is characterized by minimal recoil and high accuracy, which are favored attributes in varmint hunting and target shooting scenarios.
Due to its wildcat status, the .17-222 is not mainstream, and cases and reloading data must generally be tailored by the shooter. It requires specialized reloading dies and procedures to form the cases from .222 Remington brass.
Overall, the .17-222 is appreciated in niche circles for its speed and accuracy but remains a specialized cartridge for those who are into custom ammunition reloading.