reduced loads in 22-250

[JimF1969]

Was wanting to know how much one could reduce a load and still get an accurate load. Lyman book shows reduced load that reduced the velocity by 1000 fps, down to 2400 fps. how low can you go?  Was wanting to shoot bobcats with  no chance of pelt damage. Have seen coyotes torn up from 22-250. so was thinking of slowing it down. Will it help? What do you do for bobcats and foxes?   Other than just... shoot em.     

[Bullshop Junior]

You don't down load a 22/250. That's like having a Ski Doo Summit 800 (Or a corvett) And trying to run it like a Yamaha Bravo 250 SS. It don't work really well and can make problems (Think - In the snow machines it will foul the plugs and make it flood and die)

I vote you get 2 guns. The summit 800 (22/250) and a Bravo 250 single cylinder (22 Hornet or the likes)

My opinion.

[LaOtto222]

It is always good advice to get another gun However if you want to shoot reduced loads and there is published data from a reliable source - try it. Do not go below the published data and do not substitute another powder. there are reasons that a certain powder and load are used so do not go below the published loads. If you are going to shoot at 2400 fps, pick a similar weight bullet with characteristics that you want. Do you want to put a small hole all the way through or do you want an entry wound with no exit? Again do not go below published data. I do not know what kind of accuracy you will get, you will just have to try it. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[roper]

Speer reloading Manual # 14 has reduced loads for the 22-250 their loads start around 1650fps got up to 1900/2000fps.

[gray-wolf]

What do you do for bobcats and foxes?   Other than just... shoot em. 

  It may be a good idea to find out what YOU want to do with Fox and bobcat. Other than just... shoot em.
  You can shoot reduced loads in your rifle, but like it has been said--you must do a little research on your part and find out what bullets and what powders and loads are safe and accurate for your rifle.
  You may find the Lyman books loads for low velocity are for lead bullets (cast lead). I don't have the book in front of me so that is up to you to go back and check.
This is a whole other ball game and may involve a lot of work on your part, to achieve an accurate load
and not get leading in your barrel that is hard to remove.
  I just checked an old Lyman book and the only reduced loads I found were for lead bullets.
Again a whole new ball game--You may want to re think lead bullets unless you are willing to do the work. Lead bullets use a fast burning powder and small charges.
  SIMPLE ANSWER--get some Hornady V-max polymer tipped bullets. They are made with a very thin jacket and a soft lead core. This bullet is made to dump all it's energy inside the body cavity and not exit.  It is used many times when pelt damage must be kept to a minimum. small hole in and no hole out.
  Find out what the rate of twist is in your barrel, probly 1-14. call hornady or find out what weight bullets stabilize best  for the rate of twist in your rifle. Also ask what speed is best for that bullet.
  You want it to react correctly for the size animal you are shooting.
To fast and it may explode on contact and create a large ugly entrance wound, defeating your intended
purpose. to slow and you may get pass through, with a large exit wound.
  Another option may be a 55 grain full metal jacket at the lowest velocity But it may not be accurate at the lower speed.  You will get pass through but the exit will be small.
  As you can see there are many answers to what seems like a simple question.  I hope I gave you some options, I tried.
  It depends on how much work you want to put into getting the answer that works for you.
Your question is a good one, now do a little work and go get your Fox and Bobcat, good luck.

GW.

[PHATINJUN]

Take a look at the 36gr Barnes Varmint Grenade depending on your velocity they may not exit. If it was me I would look at a 22Hornet with a 30gr VG or a 17HMR. But we got very few Fox and even less Bobcats here in N IL. Kurt

[dw06]

I have reduced loads for my 22-250 using IMR SR 4759 which is made for reduced loading.I have the loading guide somewhere, but can't find it right now, but its online to download if you want. I started at 14grs and worked up to 20grs using my rifles favorite case,primer and bullet with only difference being the sr 4759.
At 18grs found my load, which shot right on at 100 yards and same group size as my regular load. That's without changing my sight in which was 1.5 inches high at 100 yards with regular load. I never tried it on paper over that distance, but it does drop pretty fast on out, which you could sight it in higher if you wanted. I just used it for targets and ground hogs in the yard or garden.

[PowPow]

Google "Chuck Hawks Reduced Recoil Loads".
offers a couple of loads for 22-250 using IMR SR-4759.
I haved used IMR SR-4759 for reduced loads in 30-30 and 30-06.
But not in my 22-250; that would be like eating mild salsa.

[huntducks]

Try 55gr FMJ or buy some pulled blk or green tips little hole in little hole out.

[abigdiesel]

Try 55gr FMJ or buy some pulled blk or green tips little hole in little hole out.

I agree with HD here.  I have some 55 fmj's loaded up if I am trying to save pelts.  The hole on both sides is easier to sew up.   I have had mixed success with the varmint grenades, some stay in the cavity and some did not.  Btw, the ones that did exit were a mess.  That factor also has a lot to do with shot placement. 

I get leery about reduced loads.  I guess I would rather play safe than sorry. 

[1sourdough]

 I would look up some data with H-4895 & Hodgdon's "60% rule". That would allow a pretty wide range of speeds. I am also a fan of the 2 hole theory, one in & one out with a firmer bullet.

[PHATINJUN]

bigdiesel did you have 36gr VG's go thru or were they the heavier ones? Just curious for future reference . Kurt

[abigdiesel]

bigdiesel did you have 36gr VG's go thru or were they the heavier ones? Just curious for future reference . Kurt

That was with the 50 gr.  I don't recall if I knew about the 36's when this incident occurred.  I shot a little low on a yote at about 150 yds and basically went in right behind his left front elbow and out his right side belly.  It looked as if it might have hit a rib and deflected most of the shot downward.  It put the dog down immediately, but I quit using the frangible bullets on critters for pelts.  I love the VG for crow!  Just a puff of black...