Load development for .22-250

[Irelander]

I have talked to a few varminters around my office about loading for my Handi 22-250.  This is my first time reloading for a rifle.  I have done some reloading for my .45 ACP.  I have 60 some Remington once fired cases, Winchester primers, and 55 gr. V-Max bullets.  My buddies are telling me to first try IMR748 for reloading.  I was going to try Varget but was advised against it until I try the 748.  Just wondering if any of you have any sweet loads for your Handi SB2-2S5 (stainless bull 22-250)?  I can't wait until the weather gets better to get out and work up a load.  Just looking to get a good starting point.  

Also curious about overall case length and seating depth for the 22-250.  Pretty much looking for as much reloading data as I can find for the 22-250 Handis.

Irelander

[quickdtoo]

ummm, IMR doesn't make a 748, maybe Win748?? :?  I'm working with Hodgdon BL-C2 and the 50gr Vmax, I prefer their Extreme powders that are temperature insensative, I've read of too many problems with loads that shoot real good when the weather is cool, then have problems or are inaccurate when actually using them on a hunt in warm weather. I have enough problems without the powder changing properties on my!! The BL-C2 shows good velocity, but the pressures are considerably less than some of the other powders, and that's good in an Handi/Ultra frame......right Fred!! :wink:

Tim

http://imrpowder.com/pp.html

[McLernon]

I have used the extreme powders and found that I don't get as consistant accuracy with them(Varget, Benchmark & H4895)). I don't think you can beat IMR4895 and 4064 in the 22-250 for the Nosler 50 gr. NBT. Just make sure you vet the load at the temperature that you expect to use it. So you'll end up with a cold weather load and a hot weather load. I would avoid ball powders like H380 because of barrel heating problems in the summer and poor ignition in the  winter.

Regards

McLernon

[218Bee]

Hey Irelander,

I finally settled on 32gr of Varget under a 55gr.Vmax. It chrony'd at 3255fps.

Kinda slow, I know, but accurate and will hit the same spot at -10° for coyote or 87° for woodchucks.

COAL is 2.385.

As alway, this is my load and safe in my gun, but you should start low and work the load up.

Good luck :toast:  :toast:  

Rick

[mitchell]

might help might not

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=83074


i ended up using a 45 grain remington HP and BL-c2

[Irelander]

Well I am finally getting some loads cooked up.  I'm starting out with 34 gr. RL15, 55 gr. V-MAX bullets, Remington once fired brass, with WIN LR primers.  I should get to try them out tonight so I will let you all know how they do.

[45/70fan]

I guess I lucked out. My first loading was a max charge of Varget (36.5) with Rem 55 PSP and  Rem 55 PLHP. I'm getting 3 shot 100yd groups around 1/2" - 3/4". I haven't bothered to try anything else since.

[Fred M]

Tim.

The BL-C2 shows good velocity, but the pressures are considerably less than some of the other powders, and that's good in an Handi/Ultra frame

To a point your are right. Also BL-C2 is not the best powder for the 22-250.

The SAMI pressure for the 22-250 is 65k. So the way I go about it is to find a powder that fills the case to the underside of the bullet developing a pressure 10% less the Pm-max. Filling ratio of 100 to 102% is good.

Say 58K, H414 and IMR4895 will do that. That is why these two powders are ideal with 50gr bullets, and most of the time produce the best accuracy. Partially filled cases produce large SD,s. This is old hat.

To use any lighter bullets is a waste of good barrel steel with no ballistic advantage. Many years ago I used a 22 Varminter now called the 22-250 and I only used 55gr bullets.

[quickdtoo]

Fred, that makes a lot of sense, max load for BL-C2 is 34.5gr, 40gr for the H414 according to Hodgdon, I'll have to give it a try, pressure is about the same for both.  IIRC, that's the powder I was working with in my .243 Ultra Varmint.

Thanks!! :wink:

Tim