Heaviest bullet to stabilize in 22-250 w/1-14" twist 26" barrel???

[TOWCOBRA1]

I have a Rem 700 varmint w/26" barrel and 1-14" twist.  What is the heaviest bullet that this twist rate will stabilize??  I was about to order a variety to reload--then started thinking about the 68gr and 70 gr and checked the twist rate(an after thought).
Thanks for the help,
John A.

[Graybeard]

Well I see you made it in to the site OK using your original user name. 

There is another discussion on this same basic question going on at the NEF Centerfire Rifle Forum right now. Here is the URL if you want to look in on that discussion.

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,145277.0.html

As mentioned in our phone conversation I know the 55s stabilize fine and plan to try out the new Nosler 60 BTs when I return from my trip. It's really more about bullet length than weight as to what will stabilize and both twist rate and velocity must be considered in determine what length bullet will stabilize. If stabilization is only marginal due to high velocity it could be that the bullet will destabilize at longer range once that velocity drops also.

Around our area I'm not aware of any long ranges available to test out just how long a range it might take for a bullet to lose stability tho. We used to be able to shoot to a bit over 300 yards at Owls Hollow but now that the state has taken it over and moved the shooting stations forward I think 200 is the max and am not sure you can still get that range there. I've not shot there since I built my own range.

[TOWCOBRA1]

Thanks again for the info Mr. Greybeard.  There is a huge pasture that borders the backside of my property in Cherokee Co that I have been given permission to varmint shot across (coyotes, etc).  Shots up to 800 yds are possible there if no cows are present.  That's why I was looking for heavier bullets to carry the distance---then I remembered to check about the twist rate.  I have an AR-15 with an A2 upper and a twist rate of 1-7 or 1-9 twist but it doesn't generate the velocity of a 22-250.  Then again my 6mm Rem varmint will be worth experimenting with also.
Thanks again
It is good to be back.
John A.

[saltydog]

Velocity and length of bullet are key areas - 62 grains max in most 22-250's with slow twist rate. As you seem to be focused on long distance shooting (800 yards) of larger varmits (coyotes) I recommend you move to the 6 mm or 6.5 mm class of cartridge to allow for humane kills. However unless you are able to practice alot and have exceptional glass on rifle plan on missing most of the time.

[rickt300]

My 22-250 has the same twist and it has no problem shooting 60 grain Hornady spire Hollow points at least out to 300 yards. This is a pretty long bullet. In truth though my 22 centerfires are not used much past 350 yards as wind drift becomes an issue and shooting slower longer bullets won't change this.

[JD338]

I have a M700 VLS 22-250, 26" tube with a 1:14 twist. Nosler 50 gr and 55 gr BT's will shoot sub .5 MOA. The 60 gr BT won't stabilize and shoots groups the are 4-5" at 100 yds.

I also found a load with the original 60 gr PT that went under .5". I bought some seconds but noticed that Nosler had changed the ogive of the bullet just enough that they shoot about 3" at 100 yds. I was a little disappointed because the 60 gr PT is one awesome coyote bullet. I did an inverted Texas heart shot on a coyote, the 60 gr PT traveled the entire length of the body!

YMMV

JD338

[TOWCOBRA1]

Thanks for info guys,
When in south west asia 2006-2007, the military brought in modified M-16s with good scopes and 24" match barrels shooting 69 gr seirra hpbt to snipe longer shots. Before I ordered some of the seirras I remembered the twist rate was different on my 22-250 Rem Var.  They will still work on my AR-15--only slower.
Thanks for the info,
Happy holidays everyone
John A.