.250 Savage "+P" Loads?

[Skeezix]

I'm one of the fortunate few that owns a Ruger M-77R Ultra Light (old model) in .250 Savage.  The only bad thing about it is that all the loading data I can find for it is relatively low pressure that's compatible with the Savage 99.  I was hoping to find some hotter deer loads for it (100gr bullets and above), that are safe in a modern bolt action, that will give usefully higher velocities than what seems to be the norm for this cartridge.

A few years ago, I was at the next bench down from a guy at the city range in Caspar, WY, that was shooting a custom Mauser in .250 Sav that was sending 100 gr Noslers through the chrono screens at an average a little over 3000 fps, with no apparent pressure signs.  

He had a 24" barrel, and my Ultra Light has a 20", so I know that I could expect only about 2900 fps or so with identical loads.  With very careful load development, I know that I could eventually find some loads that are what I'm looking for, but does anyone know of any particular powder/bullet combination(s), or source of loading data, that's what I'm looking for?

Thanks

[jhm]

Skeezix :  I am sitting here looking at the Sierra 2nd edition showing 100 gr, at 3000fps (max) with 32.9 gr IMR 3031 / 35.5 IMR 4895 / 35.3 IMR 4064 / and 35.7 IMR 4320 all of these are MAX repeat MAX so approach them carefully      JIM

[Ron T.]

Below are the loads I found in one of my old reloading books (circa 1970) for the .250/3000 Savage.  There was no mention of any problems with 100 and 117 grain bullets in their test rifle which had a 1:14 twist barrel.

These loads may NOT be safe in your rifle.  Reduce these maximum loads by 10% for use as starting loads.  DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LISTED LOADS BELOW:

CARTRIDGE SPECIFICATION:
Bullet diameter:  .257”
Maximum case length:  1.912”
Trim-to-length:  1.902”
Maximum Overall length with bullet:  2.515
Printer size:  Large rifle

TEST COMPONENTS:
Remington cases
Remington 9½ primers

TEST SPECIFICATION:
Firearm used:  Custom Mauser 98
Barrel length:  24”
Twist:  1 – 14”
Groove diameter:  .257”


75 GRAIN BULLET
IMR3031 – Maximum load = 36.0 grains = 3472 feet/per/second
IMR4895 – Maximum load = 37.0 grains = 3300 fps
IMR4064 – Maximum load = 38.0*grains= 3322 fps
IMR4320 – Maximum load = 39.0 grains = 3427 fps

* =  compressed load
Accuracy load:  IMR4320 powder, 35.0 grains = 2976 fps


87 GRAIN BULLET
IMR3031 – Maximum load = 35.0 grains = 3247 fps
IMR4895 – Maximum load = 36.5 grains = 3194 fps
IMR4064 – Maximum load = 37.0*grains= 3205 fps
IMR4320 – Maximum load = 38.0 grains = 3236 fps

* = compressed load
Accuracy load = IMR4064, 33.0 grains = 2816 fps
Factory duplication load = IMR3031, 32.5 grains = 3030 fps
 

100 GRAIN BULLET
IMR3031 – Maximum load = 33.0 grains = 3010 fps
IMR4895 - “ “ = 35.5 grains = 3000 fps
IMR4064 - “ “ = 35.5 grains = 3025 fps
IMR4320 - “ “ = 37.0 grains = 3113 fps

Accuracy load:  IMR3031, 31.0 grains = 2801 fps
Factory duplication load = IMR3031, 31.2 grains = 2816 fps


117 GRAIN BULLET
IMR3031 – Maximum Load = 31.0 grains = 2672 fps
IMR4895 - “ “ = 33.5 grains = 2750 fps
IMR4064 - “ “ = 33.5 grains = 2712 fps
IMR4320 - “ “ = 35.0 grains = 2795 fps

Accuracy load:  IMR4320, 32.0 grains = 2557 fps


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

[Skeezix]

Thanks guys.     I moved recently and still haven't unpacked some of my old reloading manuals, so I guess I need to dig em out.  This data will give me a good starting point.  

One thing I did find out: this rifle does NOT like 115 gr Nosler Partitions, sprays em all over the target with loads using H4831sc and 4350, but it shoots the 120 gr Partitions into about 1" groups for 5 shots, using the same powders...  :shock:   Go figure.  I'm definitely gonna have to try IMR-4320.

[mulerider]

Lyman also lists 3000+fps loads for the 100gr in the 250 Sav, and I had no problem reaching those speeds in my Rem 700 Classic 250 Sav. Win 760 powder was another good choice, and 120gr would almost reach 2800fps with that powder. But the favorite powder for the 100's has to be IMR 4320, at least for my rifle.
Just last week a local shop had an estate closeout, and I found 2 unopened boxes of Nosler .257 100gr Solid Base. My rifle always shot these great, plus they were $10/box!
The 250 really needs the 1:10 twist for the 100's and 120's, and most Savages and Winchesters are 1:14, even the Mod 70 they briefly sold in the late 80's/ early 90's.
The Ruger RL is a neat package for the 250 Savage, but I'm happy with my Remington.

[Lloyd Smale]

I use to use a siera 100 spitz with 33 grains of 3031 but found that the 117 seira and the old 120sb nosler are better killers at any range out to 200 yards. I load the 117s with 30 grains of 3031 in my ruger international and it kills deer way out of porportion to its size.