[mljdeckard]

I'm slowly pushing my way into handloading, and I'm scratching my head a little here. I want to use Barnes bullets, because they are local and have a great reputation. The thing I am wondering is, since they aren't lead, they will be longer for the same weight. Do I need to bump down in weight to get the right rifling match? Say from 55-50?

And what's the ideal slow-burning powder?

[ColtPythonElite]

55 gr. Hornady VMax over 36 gr of Varget is my favorite load.

[mljdeckard]

Hmmm. I will need to do some taste testing, won't I?

[rcmodel]

See this about that:
http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/22-250RemingtonWeb.pdf

rc

[T Bran]

Have a look at the bullet boxes. They have a sticker on them informing you as to the reccomended twist rate for a particular bullet.

I load 53 grain TSX which is the max legnth that a 1-12 twist will stabilize according to Barnes. I have also loaded their 45 grain TSX which is marginally more accurate in my 700.

[mljdeckard]

Actually, I was in Sportsman's Warehouse a few minutes ago looking at them and I saw exactly that, thank you.

[foxtail207]

Hodgdon H380 was the favorite by Mr Bruce Hodgdon for the 22-250, and he used 38.0 grains of powder with 52 grain bullets, therefore he named the powder H380. I love the spherical H380 powder, as it flows very well when measuring.

In my 22-250 I use H380 but with 36.5 grains, which shoots the best groups in my Browning BLR with Hornady VMax 50 grain bullets. At 100 yards I get 1-1/4" or less groups.

Trials with various loads is the best way to go. You need to see what shoots best in your rifle.

This will dispatch a coyote quite readily!

[Grumulkin]

http://www.orchardphoto.com/i27uu-217.jpg

A Coyote I took a few weeks ago with a 22-250 at probably between 225 and 250 yards.

http://www.orchardphoto.com/i27uu-221.jpg

My 22-250 load. I tried various powders and bullets; even Barnes bullets though they're not local and this load gave me the best accuracy so it's what I use. Pretty much any bullet flying at 22-250 velocities made out of lead and/or copper will kill a Coyote so I'm more interested in accuracy than in what brand I'm using.

[mljdeckard]

I would pick the most accurate over local. But if it is a tie, I will let the local product break it. :)