Author Topic: handloading the 22-250. Input welcome (Read 923 times)

vlad · « **on:** February 03, 2005, 06:29:06 PM »

Got me a NEF handirifle, and am having a time of getting the right combo of bullet/powder. Been tryin many different combinations- the best i've come up with is an occasional 1" grp, but usually all over the place with 50gn nosler ballist tips over 37 gns of H380.Customer service says the twist is 1/12 and it should like a 55gn pill. So now i've got that weight of bullets and will get to the reloading bench tonite.
My question: Am i on the right track here or am i getting ready to chase the tail a bit more? Never had such a hard time working up a load before for other calibers. Any help and advice is greatly welcomed. Vlad

bobg · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2005, 10:04:49 PM »

I know a lot of people won't agree with this but the best combo i have tried is Sierra 55 gr. bullet over a charge of IMR3031.
bobg

George Foster · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2005, 01:19:08 AM »

vlad,

The best load I have found for my 22-250 is the 55gr Sierra Spitzer in front of 40.0gr H380. You will need to work up to this load from below.

dave375hh · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2005, 01:56:38 AM »

Two suggestions, try some flat based bullets. Some rifles just don't like boattails. I had a .222 that shot FB bullets into 1/2" or less, but the smallest group I ever got with BT's was 1 1/4". Second be very carefull how you rest the forend when shooting. Mark the forend with a piece of tape so you can return it to the same place on the bags for each shot, and by all means try different places to possibly find a sweet spot.

ricciardelli · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2005, 03:24:48 AM »

First thing you ahve to do is realize the limitations of the gun.

The NEF is not a long-range varmint gun...it is a knock-around gun, basically designed to be shoved in the back of your pick-up or on your boat.

If you are getting an occasionaly 1" group, be happy with it.

As my music instructor used to tell me, "You can't put a pig in a cage and expect it to sing like a canary."

Flash · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2005, 12:10:21 PM »

I agree with ricciardelli in that the NEF's aren't an accuracy piece. I use 38 grains of H380 with a 52 grain BTHP and shoot one ragged hole at 100 yards out of an Encore. My longest shots on ground hogs break the 600 yard mark after the thermals die off in the evening. Try that with a Handi! The Handi cannot be rested on the forearm while sighting in due to the barrel harmonics(vibration). I rested my 243 Handi on the frame pivot and at best, got 1 1/2" groups. I almost left it on the bench for someone who couldn't afford a rifle. The NEF's are better suited to shotguns than rifles........just my opinion.

adirondacker · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2005, 04:25:17 PM »

i have had the best luck using sierra 52 grn hpbt match bullet and 36.2 grains of imr 4064.the overal length of your cartridge can ffect your accuracy.in that single shot you can seat the bullets as long as you want,no magazine for them to get hung up in.i would try adjusting the bullet seat depth maybe setting it right against the lands and grooves.sometimes those bullets don't like to jump to get into the barrel.when working up a new load i always try different lenghts after establishing a powder charge.sometimes you can tighten up a group.
i am using a custom barreled remington action i have never loaded for the nef.you may encounter pressure problems,i have heard that they can be a little fussy.good luck

simplicity · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2005, 06:51:58 AM »

I have a 700 adl in 22-250, I've found mine doesn't like the 3900fps+ loads until the barrel gets warm ( I don't know why ) but one load I found works great is a 50 grain ballistic tip at 3750fps loaded with 40.0 grains of IMR 4350. 3 shot groups at 100 are pretty much one ragged hole. I've been playing with 60 grain partitions at 3600 (40.5 grains IMR 4350), I've wanted to try it on deer. I thought it might work out pretty good to a 200 yrd deer gun according to ballistics but the bullet wieght makes me wonder.

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2005, 09:23:57 AM »

Agreed with Bobg on the IMR-3031 & 55gr as I get honest five shot MOA.
I also use H380 & the 55gr Sierra & get sub MOA.

varmit_master · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2005, 09:16:15 AM »

Try a 55gr BT and 36.5 grs of Varget mine 22 250 loves this load VM

vlad · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2005, 01:22:31 PM »

Just got back from the range, looks like the 55gn Nosler ballist tip over 36.5 varget is the magikal combination for this rifle. Got me a 5 shot grp at 1 3/4"- Dont sound like much to brag about, but it's the best i've seen yet from this gun (the wind was up a bit too). I feel it's very acceptable to hunt with anyway. Many thanks again....vlad