New to forum! Hello and thanks in advance. I want to start with 60 grain bullets that can be benchrested to 300-400 yards. The reloading bench will soon be finished, and my buddy has been loading for 30 years, so getting his expertise involved with the equipment and best practices. No one I know has loaded for 22-250, however, so does anyone have any bullet, powder, and/or primer recommendations to start the work-up process? (Gun specs are in my sig.)
What to start loading/testing for new 22-250?
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WELCOME
My 1:14 twist Tikka won't shot 60 grain bullets so can't help you there. 50gr Nosler Varmint Ballistic tips shoot extremely well in mine. 1 inch groups at 400 yards are very normal, some a little smaller, some a little larger. Mine does not even like the 55 grain Hornady's I've tried but 52 grain Sierra's do well also.
There are going to be as many powder recommendations as there are shooters so good luck on that one also.
I will be the first and say mine shoots extremely well with Varget.
I will say, I've found the 22-250 a very easy cartridge to develope a fairly accurate load for. That's probably why you will get bunches of different recommendations.
My 1:14 twist Tikka won't shot 60 grain bullets so can't help you there. 50gr Nosler Varmint Ballistic tips shoot extremely well in mine. 1 inch groups at 400 yards are very normal, some a little smaller, some a little larger. Mine does not even like the 55 grain Hornady's I've tried but 52 grain Sierra's do well also.
There are going to be as many powder recommendations as there are shooters so good luck on that one also.
I will be the first and say mine shoots extremely well with Varget.
I will say, I've found the 22-250 a very easy cartridge to develope a fairly accurate load for. That's probably why you will get bunches of different recommendations.
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205 Posts
I have yet to find a good load for my .22-250 but I just started to really try and find an accurate load for it. Here are some powders you may want to consider.
4895
3031
4064
Varget
H380
These are some of the more popular ones that I can think of. As far as bullets I think it depends on what you want to do with the gun. Hunting or targets or both. Then find out what your twist rate is. Then look at some bullets. I don't really know to much about the differences in primers. I just picked one and went with it. I am sure others that have more experience with the 22-250 will be able to help.
Good Luck
4895
3031
4064
Varget
H380
These are some of the more popular ones that I can think of. As far as bullets I think it depends on what you want to do with the gun. Hunting or targets or both. Then find out what your twist rate is. Then look at some bullets. I don't really know to much about the differences in primers. I just picked one and went with it. I am sure others that have more experience with the 22-250 will be able to help.
Good Luck
It's not just the load. There's a lot of involved in making one shoot those kind of groups. Brass sorting, bullet sorting, brass prep, seating depth. For instance, after sorting new brass. Here's a process I go through
Part of sorting is measuring the primer flash holes. I use two groups, ones that a .081" guage will go in but not a .082" and ones that a .082 will go in but not a .083. Anything the .083 will fit in does not get used for load building and accuracy testing.
Uniform primer pocket
slightly chamfer flash hole after doing uniform cut
debur inside of flash hole
neck size brass
neck turn brass
Trim all cases to the same length. I measure my chamber and use that measurement for case length, not what the posted recommended trim to length is said to be.
Use VLD tool and bevel the inside of the neck.
Slightly bevel outside of neck
Use 0000 steel wool on bore brush to mildly polish inside of neck
When loading, I weigh every load.
I start with a seating depth of .020" and work in and out .005" to find best depth.
I measure the base of each piece of brass before and after shooting it. If it increases by .0001" or more, I know I'm too hot (that is one ten thousandths of an inch) . I also examine the brass for stress marks and primers for flatning and cratering. This is all very critical to keep from over pressuring. (measure the same spot on each brass, brass in not round)
I chronograph any new loads or changes I make to a load.
I keep a note book with all my records and data, never go the the range without it.
There is other stuff involved also, but this should give you and idea of what I do to get those little groups.
About 50 years of trigger squeezing also helps.
I don't like giving out actual loads because they are developed in my rifle, for that rifle, and may be dangerous in someone elses. As you can see, I do a lot of specific tuning just for the rifle I'm loading for and this could create problems in someone elses.
Part of sorting is measuring the primer flash holes. I use two groups, ones that a .081" guage will go in but not a .082" and ones that a .082 will go in but not a .083. Anything the .083 will fit in does not get used for load building and accuracy testing.
Uniform primer pocket
slightly chamfer flash hole after doing uniform cut
debur inside of flash hole
neck size brass
neck turn brass
Trim all cases to the same length. I measure my chamber and use that measurement for case length, not what the posted recommended trim to length is said to be.
Use VLD tool and bevel the inside of the neck.
Slightly bevel outside of neck
Use 0000 steel wool on bore brush to mildly polish inside of neck
When loading, I weigh every load.
I start with a seating depth of .020" and work in and out .005" to find best depth.
I measure the base of each piece of brass before and after shooting it. If it increases by .0001" or more, I know I'm too hot (that is one ten thousandths of an inch) . I also examine the brass for stress marks and primers for flatning and cratering. This is all very critical to keep from over pressuring. (measure the same spot on each brass, brass in not round)
I chronograph any new loads or changes I make to a load.
I keep a note book with all my records and data, never go the the range without it.
There is other stuff involved also, but this should give you and idea of what I do to get those little groups.
About 50 years of trigger squeezing also helps.
I don't like giving out actual loads because they are developed in my rifle, for that rifle, and may be dangerous in someone elses. As you can see, I do a lot of specific tuning just for the rifle I'm loading for and this could create problems in someone elses.
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7,850 Posts
I shoot two 60 grain bulets: the Sierra Varminter HP flat and the Berger Varmint HP flat. My rifle is a Remington 24" fluted varmint barrel. These are the loads that do well in my rifle:
Sierra 60gr Varminter: 32.5gr Varget, CCI200 primers, 2.350" COAL. .5" groups.
Sierra 60gr Varminter: 33.5gr IMR4064, CCI200 primers, 2.350" COAL. .27" groups.
Berger 60gr Varmint: 35.2gr IMR4064, Wolf primers, 2.490" COAL with crimp. .5" groups.
Berger 60gr Varmint: 35.2gr IMR4064, CCI250 magnum primers, 2.490" COAL with crimp. .3" groups.
You could try those loads if you like. Start a little low and work up to those loads and see how it does. Good luck!
Sierra 60gr Varminter: 32.5gr Varget, CCI200 primers, 2.350" COAL. .5" groups.
Sierra 60gr Varminter: 33.5gr IMR4064, CCI200 primers, 2.350" COAL. .27" groups.
Berger 60gr Varmint: 35.2gr IMR4064, Wolf primers, 2.490" COAL with crimp. .5" groups.
Berger 60gr Varmint: 35.2gr IMR4064, CCI250 magnum primers, 2.490" COAL with crimp. .3" groups.
You could try those loads if you like. Start a little low and work up to those loads and see how it does. Good luck!
BKeith has given you a good outline of how to prep cases for extreme accuracy.
For components, I would suggest CCI benchrest primers and Berger bullets. Those components have given me excellent performance in the 22-250 and other varmint calibers.
What the best powder is, your rifle will tell you after you try a few.
To start, I would use IMR-4064, Hodgdon 380, or Reloader 15. One of those should give good performance in your rifle.
Shooting itty bitty groups is a test of the whole system- the rifle, the loads, and most of all, the shooter.
For components, I would suggest CCI benchrest primers and Berger bullets. Those components have given me excellent performance in the 22-250 and other varmint calibers.
What the best powder is, your rifle will tell you after you try a few.
To start, I would use IMR-4064, Hodgdon 380, or Reloader 15. One of those should give good performance in your rifle.
Shooting itty bitty groups is a test of the whole system- the rifle, the loads, and most of all, the shooter.
Thanks, all. I understand the unwillingness to give your specific load specs, but I do appreciate a spot from where to start. I understand I'll be going on the low side, following reloading specs, but StretchNM and Jack gave me the data I can start with. I tried to find those Berger's, as that is the bullet I was wanting to start with, but Cabela's and Midway do not have them, so I'll keep searching. The Sierra's seem more readily available. I also understand that this cartridge seems to prefer a flat base vs. boat tail, whereas my 7x57 Winchester Featherweight prefers the boat tail.
I have been reading that Varget pressures come in a little excessive, only to eat throats away, but again, I'll be using reloading manuals combined with recommendations to start testing. Thanks again!
My biggest concern is that very few folks, I've found, can shoot 60gr bullets accurately with a 12" twist, as most guns are not a 24in barrel with this kind of twist.
Building a load takes time, as you all know, and I'm prepared to spend the time to find the one for my gun and stick with it. I'll be using it for target as well as varmint shooting, with the most important piece of outshooting my fellow 22-250 shooting partner that has a Winchester Coyote "something", and he can't seem to find anything that will group, to the point where he may be selling it.
I have been reading that Varget pressures come in a little excessive, only to eat throats away, but again, I'll be using reloading manuals combined with recommendations to start testing. Thanks again!
My biggest concern is that very few folks, I've found, can shoot 60gr bullets accurately with a 12" twist, as most guns are not a 24in barrel with this kind of twist.
Building a load takes time, as you all know, and I'm prepared to spend the time to find the one for my gun and stick with it. I'll be using it for target as well as varmint shooting, with the most important piece of outshooting my fellow 22-250 shooting partner that has a Winchester Coyote "something", and he can't seem to find anything that will group, to the point where he may be selling it.
Load building is not really that difficult.
Only make ONE change at the time.
Prep all your brass the same.
Aways use the same seating depth
Start with about three of the most popular powders.
Start at a safe load and load six - ten (if you shoot three or five shot groups) of each load.
Always shoot a couple of foulers before getting into testing.
Change loads three tenths of a grain at the time.
Find one that shoots good with that powder then try the next powder, doing the same as above
Once you have the best powder, try different seating depths
Tune one item at the time, very important.
My load is 36.6 grains Varget, 50gr Nosler Varmint Ballistic Tips and CCI BR2 Primers Seated just touching the lands. Watch it, this can be hot in your rifle.
Only make ONE change at the time.
Prep all your brass the same.
Aways use the same seating depth
Start with about three of the most popular powders.
Start at a safe load and load six - ten (if you shoot three or five shot groups) of each load.
Always shoot a couple of foulers before getting into testing.
Change loads three tenths of a grain at the time.
Find one that shoots good with that powder then try the next powder, doing the same as above
Once you have the best powder, try different seating depths
Tune one item at the time, very important.
My load is 36.6 grains Varget, 50gr Nosler Varmint Ballistic Tips and CCI BR2 Primers Seated just touching the lands. Watch it, this can be hot in your rifle.
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59 Posts
I would not attempt to load a 60gn bullet as your first attempts in a 1:12 twist barrel. This combo has been matched successfully but it is not a guarantee that you will be successful. There is a much higher chance of success with 45-55gn bullets. This success will build confidence in your rifle's ability to shoot well and in your ability to produce accurate loads.
Once you have enjoyed success, you can start stretching the envelope.
Once you have enjoyed success, you can start stretching the envelope.
First post here but here goes,
I have had the same model rifle for over a year. It really is my go to gun.
It comes with a med-fluted 1-12 twist.
You can shoot the 34 grain dogtowns to the 69 grain Nosler custom comp.
60 Grain V-max takes advantage of the twist better than the others. More bullet surface touches the lands.
60 V-Max Seated long!
32.8 Varget
Wichester LR Primer
Remington Brass
34 Dogtowns .22 in the brass, not good past 200 yards
34 Varget
WLRP
Nosler Brass
very mild loads and view your load books to set the start loads.
Good accurate loads for 1/2MOA or better, for me. Never shot it as far as 500 as it's easier to just walk closer to the P-Dogs than dial a gadget for distances.
I won't tell you the 69 Grain Nosler load but it's over max. with Varget.
I have the .223 model also....my next gun is the 308 model this fall.
I have had the same model rifle for over a year. It really is my go to gun.
It comes with a med-fluted 1-12 twist.
You can shoot the 34 grain dogtowns to the 69 grain Nosler custom comp.
60 Grain V-max takes advantage of the twist better than the others. More bullet surface touches the lands.
60 V-Max Seated long!
32.8 Varget
Wichester LR Primer
Remington Brass
34 Dogtowns .22 in the brass, not good past 200 yards
34 Varget
WLRP
Nosler Brass
very mild loads and view your load books to set the start loads.
Good accurate loads for 1/2MOA or better, for me. Never shot it as far as 500 as it's easier to just walk closer to the P-Dogs than dial a gadget for distances.
I won't tell you the 69 Grain Nosler load but it's over max. with Varget.
I have the .223 model also....my next gun is the 308 model this fall.
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