Randy: I just checked the twist on mine, it's the same as yours 1 in 14" , it's also a Remington 700 action and a 26" barrel. How long have you been shooting yours ? How big of bear? The 250gr loads are more than enough, especially if you are planning on using premium bullets, as I see you are. Swift has them in that weight. I'm not saying not to, but the kick is big time at the "better" velocitys. I've had mine for quite a while and have shot a lot of game with it. A moose from behind the last rib through the off shoulder, stopping just under the hide. What would that be two and a half feet of moose? 225gr Trophy Bonded at 375 yards. The first bullets I used were Trophy Bonded's 240 gr. but they aren't made any more, I shoot 225 Nosler Partitions for deer. These are dependable at all ranges at 3300 ft/sec. As for the heavy weight bullets, I just bought some 300gr Wildcats and shot a few off the other day. Killed my chrony and my shoulder. Now this rifle has a lot of free bore so I would think that is why I'm able to get the velocitys I do, so be very careful trying to get the same as me, and mine are hot loads. I have to be quite awhere of the temperature out side when I shoot. I started at 86 grs of RL-22 and went up to 90grs with no pressure signs. At 88 grains It was pushing 2730ft/.sec with a 1" 1/4 group. Then the chrony went, it was to close to the muzzle, I put it back together but the velocitys were all over the place. One reading was 2775 at 90grs of powder but I'm betting thats wrong too. Best bet I'd say between 2800 and 2850. Now look at the velocity of the 378 Weatherby with 300 gr bullets. 2925ft/sec known to be the hardest kicking rifle built. The Weatherby is a nine pound rifle, I weighed mine when I went out to check the twist, it's nine pounds with scope and sling. Maybe I should have PM you with this information it's a little long but I'm almost done and you can PM me if you want more stuff. Anyways I have the "95 article in Handloader that inspired me to have the rifle built. Most loads at 275 grs ( Barnes softnose) at 2800ft/sec. H-4350 85GR. IMR-4831 85GR. RL-19 86GR RL-22 87GR H-4831 91 GR. With the 300gr in at 100 ft/sec slower.
By the way my chest still hurts and I flinch with my .17HMR now. It will take alot of gopher shooting to get over it .
PM me if you want more.
Jim
Alberta
