New owner 22-250 encore bullet problems

[cellar]

I have been lurking on here for a while, I just this weekend picked up a used Encore with a thumbhole lam stock and a new 22-250 barrel.  I got one box of Hornady 22-250 REM 55 GR V-MAX MOLY ammo.  I reload but didn't want to wait to shoot it.  While sighting in at 50yds the gun shot great, nice round holes, but at 100 yds I was getting badly torn targets.  I would think that the encore barrel could stabilize a 55 gr bullet without a problem.  I know the solution is to try some other combinations but that won't happen til this weekend.  Does any one have any insight or thoughts on why?  I just find it odd, and I don't think that this is common.

Thanks

[sweetwyominghome]

Was the backing on the target different at the 50 and 100 yards targets? A harder backing such as plywood can cause frangible bullets to tear a target up in pretty short order.

I believe TC uses a 1:12 for most of the .22 centerfires (I know they do for the .223). If so, that would be ample to stabilize the 55 grainers -- even the longer, boat-tailed versions. But again, every barrel is a rule unto itself.

[cellar]

Thanks for the input...The backing at both ranges was the same, that being plywood.  I will tape a target to a cardboard box on Saturday and see what it looks like.  I will admit that this is the first 22 centerfire rifle I have owned, but i have never had a problem with 55gr Nosler ballistic tips out of a .243 win.  I will try that and see, I already have more to try next time at the range!  Thanks

[sweetwyominghome]

Assuming your plywood setup is permanent, I'd recommend you adhere the target to a piece of cardboard and then staple that to the plywood. This will cushion the splintering effect that you experienced before.

[encore58]

Your bullet is exploding. Nothing to worry about. How is it grouping?

[KN]

I think encore58 has it right. I once shot a small butterfly at 100 meteres with mine using a 55gr Blitz King. Hit it dead center. Made the nastiest hole you ever saw in the target. Looked like you hit it with a 45.

[sweetwyominghome]

The V-Max bullet, even at 22-250 velocities, does not "explode" per se. But like I noted earlier, it's a very frangible projectile. That, combined with the plywood backing, is what is causing the tears in the target as the backwards splash from the bullet path is creating the exaggerated hole in the paper. 

While not the same thing, a lung-shot deer often leaves a large spray of blood and lung tissue where it stood -- sometimes on both the entrance AND exit side. This is not due to a bullet exploding either but simply a by-product of the explosive exhalation of a collapsing wound channel.

[cellar]

Thank you all... I got home just in time to test the theory and you are all right on.  With the target on a cardboard backing no more problems! Wow I feel better, I was worried but never thought about the back splash effect of the small bullet.  Live and learn.  THANKS 

As for grouping... the group I shot last night was 1.5" @ 100 off the bench (not as good as I would like!), so I will be trying some different combos with reloads.