Results of 22-250 load development so far. What would you do?

[DalesCarpentry]

Hi as most of you know I am new to reloading and loaded my first ammo last night for my Remington SPS Varmint 22-250 with a 26" heavy barrel qith a 1 in 14" twist. I am loading 50 grain V-Max bullets that are Molly coated. The max load with H-380 is 41 Grains. So last night I loaded 4 bullets each from 38 to 41 grains in 1/2 grain increments. The 41 grain load is about all this case can handle to because you have to shake it down while the funnel is on the case to keep it from spilling over. Once shook down it is maybe 1/8" to 3/16" below the top of the case. I was a little concerned about firing this load. I started shooting them at 38 grains and watched for pressure signs along the way just in case one of the loads was to hot. Every round went bang. Today was probably not the best of days to be testing because we have had some wind gusts up to about 30 MPH or so but I had to get out there and shoot my new ammo. I have 2 loads that show promise. That would be the 38 grain load (measuring .400") and the 40.5 grain load measuring .820" but I think I pulled one of the shots. What would you do now? I think I will load 20 of each of those and see how they shoot. After that would you play with seating the bullet out further to see if that tightens things up even more? Here are some pictures of the targets I shot today. Thanks and take care Dale

[DANNY-L]

I would only load up 6 of each and do 2 -3 shot groups with 40.5 ,if that one shot was on  the 40.5 looked to be better. I take it this was 100yd shot group.

[DalesCarpentry]

Yes they were shot at 100 yards. Thanks Dale

[torpedoman]

I would drop to 37 gr and do 5 each in 1/4 gr steps to 38 1/4 and check them for group.

[DalesCarpentry]

I would drop to 37 gr and do 5 each in 1/4 gr steps to 38 1/4 and check them for group.

I am sitting here just about to start dumping powder. I am glad I checked back because that really is not a half bad idea. I hope the tightest group ends up being 37 or 38 grains or so because I would save on powder that way. Thanks and I think I will give that a try. Dale

[Bigeasy]

Dale-

4 rounds with each load is not nearly enough to select an accurate load - Too much chance of a wind gust, or poor trigger release when shooting just 1 group.  I would wait for good shooting conditions, then try, as you suggested, 20 of each load, starting at 38 grains, and moving up in 1/2 grain increments.  That should give you 4 five shot groups for each load.  A lot more likely to show the real accuracy of each load.  When you find the top 2 or 3, then experiment a little in bullet seating depth.  Yea, I know, its not going to be a quick morning at the range, and done process, but its not about rushing things, its about the satisfaction of finding a load that shoots better then factory that you load yourself.  On some rifles, I have experimented for years to find the "perfect load".  Then again, I can think of a lot worse things then having to go to the range, again....

Larry

[DalesCarpentry]

Dale-

4 rounds with each load is not nearly enough to select an accurate load - Too much chance of a wind gust, or poor trigger release when shooting just 1 group.  I would wait for good shooting conditions, then try, as you suggested, 20 of each load, starting at 38 grains, and moving up in 1/2 grain increments.  That should give you 4 five shot groups for each load.  A lot more likely to show the real accuracy of each load.  When you find the top 2 or 3, then experiment a little in bullet seating depth.  Yea, I know, its not going to be a quick morning at the range, and done process, but its not about rushing things, its about the satisfaction of finding a load that shoots better then factory that you load yourself.  On some rifles, I have experimented for years to find the "perfect load".  Then again, I can think of a lot worse things then having to go to the range, again....

Larry

You do have a good point. Thanks Dale

[necchi]

but its not about rushing things, its about the satisfaction of finding a load that shoots better then factory that you load yourself.  On some rifles, I have experimented for years to find the "perfect load".

A big Amen too that Larry,
 I started working my 223 last December, I finally was satisfied with my load about 2 weeks ago, I'll guess 200 rounds or so.

Dale,
 It look's like you found 2 spots where your rifle likes the load. Now for me accuracy is what it's all about, in this case I'd toss the 38grn load simply because of it being a 22-250, you want fast and flat, that's what the gun is for. I'd work around the 40.5. Loading 5 each of say 40.3,,40.4,,40.5,,40.6,,40.7, keeping the seating the same. I have found .10(one tenth) of a grain is enough to change a group.

I'd also mention that record keeping IS important,,log your loading info,,make detailed notes on targets and save them. It might all be freash in your mind now, but in a few months when you gain more experiance and experiment more you'll be glad you keep a record.

Here's a target I made I can run off my printer that works great for me, 1 inch grid, 2" square with a Dime as the center dot;

[DalesCarpentry]

but its not about rushing things, its about the satisfaction of finding a load that shoots better then factory that you load yourself.  On some rifles, I have experimented for years to find the "perfect load".

A big Amen too that Larry,
 I started working my 223 last December, I finally was satisfied with my load about 2 weeks ago, I'll guess 200 rounds or so.

Dale,
 It look's like you found 2 spots where your rifle likes the load. Now for me accuracy is what it's all about, in this case I'd toss the 38grn load simply because of it being a 22-250, you want fast and flat, that's what the gun is for. I'd work around the 40.5. Loading 5 each of say 40.3,,40.4,,40.5,,40.6,,40.7, keeping the seating the same. I have found .10(one tenth) of a grain is enough to change a group.

I'd also mention that record keeping IS important,,log your loading info,,make detailed notes on targets and save them. It might all be freash in your mind now, but in a few months when you gain more experiance and experiment more you'll be glad you keep a record.

Here's a target I made I can run off my printer that works great for me, 1 inch grid, 2" square with a Dime as the center dot;

It is all about the accuracy for me also. Nothing feels better than shooting a one hole group at 100 yards. You are also right about fast and flat I do like it that way. I loaded 50 more rounds up tonight and hope to get to the range soon to give them a test. On my next batch I will do what you have said and load from 40 grains on up and see how that goes. I did load 15 rounds at 40.5 grains tonight and am looking forward to seeing what they do. Thanks and take care Dale

[securitysix]

the 38 grain load (measuring .400")

If it will do that consistently, I think you've found an excellent load.  Can you do better?  Maybe, maybe not.  I'd load 20 of that one and shoot 4 5-shot groups.  If they're all in that neighborhood, I'd consider one of two things:  1) leave it alone, or, if you must tinker, 2) play with primer (magnum or not, different brands, etc.) and/or bullet seating depth.  Primers may or may not make a difference.  Changing the bullet seating depth may or may not help.

Then again, what are you doing with this gun?  If you're just punching paper and all you care about is accuracy, then what I said is fine.  If you're going to hunt with it, you're giving up a lot of velocity and potential maximum range by only running 38 grains of powder.  If you're hunting or shooting prairie dogs, do as necchi suggested and play around with the 40.5 grain load.

[Spanky]

Tell 'em Dale... it's a chuckbuster.   And when you find the load that works best PM me the info will ya? I've got a 22-250 to feed too ya know.
Good luck with the development... it looks good so far.



Spanky

[DalesCarpentry]

Tell 'em Dale... it's a chuckbuster.   And when you find the load that works best PM me the info will ya? I've got a 22-250 to feed too ya know.
Good luck with the development... it looks good so far.



Spanky

Yest it is a Groundhog buster for sure. I have taken 3 with it so far this year. I will let you know what load works for me but it may not work for you. Take care Dale

[john keyes]

Dale,
congratulations on shooting your first loads.   May you enjoy a long and rewarding career at the bench and in the field.


 

[DalesCarpentry]

Dale,
congratulations on shooting your first loads.   May you enjoy a long and rewarding career at the bench and in the field.


 

Thank you. I have pretty much settled on the load of 40.5 grains of H-380 after a trip to the range today. I shot three 5 shot and two of three groups produced groups that were very tight with a flyer in each. When I say flyer I think I just pulled the shot and opened up a group that would have been under a half inch to a little more than an inch. I am having fun and shooting a lot more. Take care Dale

[DalesCarpentry]

Ok here is my load. I just got back from the range and shot a couple 4 shot groups at 100 yards that measure less than a half an inch. I am using 40.5 grains of H-380, Winchester brass, CCI 200 primers and Hornady 50 grain V-Max BT Molly coated bullets. The COL is 2.460". I tested other lengths and this one produced the tightest groups. Oh I almost forgot. Can you guys believe while I was sitting there waiting for my barrel to cool that a Groundhog popped out on to the range at 75 yards. I quickly loaded a bullet and made a head shot on him. It really was a pretty good mess. Those V-Max bullets really are destructive. That makes my 6th one of the season and the 5th with this rifle. Well guys there it is. Now I need to get some 55 grain V-Max bullets and some 4064 powder and give them a try. Take care Dale

[Lloyd Smale]

take the best load you have to date and try a couple differnt brands of primers with it.

[DalesCarpentry]

take the best load you have to date and try a couple differnt brands of primers with it.

I thought if I did that I would have to work up from the smaller powder loads again. Am I wrong about that? Dale

[Lloyd Smale]

if your not right on the ragged edge of high pressures and you stay away from mag primers you should be fine.

take the best load you have to date and try a couple differnt brands of primers with it.

I thought if I did that I would have to work up from the smaller powder loads again. Am I wrong about that? Dale

[Steve P]

You have found a similar result that I have found with my .22-250 experience.  A couple of "sweet" spots that are close together.

38.5 grains and 40.5 grains of H-380 seem to be yours.  My last gun was 38.0 and 39.5.  Both shot equally well at 100.  When I went to 200 and 300 and beyond is when I found out where my gun really performed.  My old gun liked the 38.0 better at long distance.  The gun I have now I have shot the 38.0 and 39.5 that I have left from my last gun.  Both shoot well at 100, but neither keep up with my last gun beyond that.  I have not worked with it for a while, but I am thinking of going into that 40.0+ range to see how well it will group. 

Nice shooting!!   Soon you will be taking those 400 yard head shots where the chuck drops like a rock and you have to make a hike to confirm your hit!!

Steve