sierra 45gr in a 22-250

[original]

I loaded several rounds with med load of varget but I do not remember the exact amount since I am away from home for several more weeks and don't have the data.   All of the impacts were keyholes at 50yds.    The rifle was a H&R ultra varmint which I believe has a 1:14 twist and the bullets were the sierra 45grain sp .224      any ideas what would cause the problems?  thanks

[Steve P]

You have a couple of red flags in your post.  First, the light for caliber bullet weight.  Second, the "med load" of Varget.
 
Get one of the 52 to 53 grain match bullets or about any of the 55 grainers.  Get a high book load of Varget and reduce it by 10%.  Use a Winchester primer and seat the bullet no deeper than the base of your neck. 
 
Your .22-250 will like the heavier bullet at a near screaming pace. 
 
Good Luck.
 
Steve

[original]

thanks for the info.   I thought the 22-250 liked the lighter weights.   would bumping up the charge help?  I have some 55gr so I will start with that weight.    after I get the 55s dialed in I will go back and play with the 45s since I already have them.    Thanks again

[cwlongshot]

Most 45g bullets are considered "hornet" bullets. Different manufacturers have different names for there lightly constructed bullets. Try a 60g bullet, there is plenty of case cap to get it moving for flat trejectories.

Let me back up a step here.  22 cal bullets form most manufacturers are made/designed for three different velocities. Slow (hornet/Bee sized), Medium (222,223 sized) and Regular or hi velocity. That's your 22/250 and 220 Swift.

I agree some of my most accurate loads came from match bullets. Hornady makes a excellent 60g HP that's also a tack driver in many rifles.

I don't use Varget in my 22 centerfires. In the 22/250 I load H380 and H 380 alone. It was designed for this caliber. Even the name is the loading for a 55g bullet!!

Good luck,
CW