 As such, it was an entirely new design, without a parent case.The .222 Remington was a popular target cartridge from its introduction until the mid-1970s and still enjoys a reputation for accuracy.It remains a popular vermin or "varmint" cartridge at short and medium ranges with preferred bullet weights of 40–55 grains and muzzle velocities from 3,000 to 3,500 ft/s (915–1,067 m/s).