light bullet .22-250 loads

[tube_ee]

Dad's got 500 32-33 grain SP .224 bullets, bought in a bulk bag, maker unknown.

Loading manuals and powder makers only go down to 40 grains.

He's using 40 grain data to start with, but he's trying to get good speed out of a Striker pistol with a 14" ported barrel. I'll be doing some loading for a Savage 10G rifle, too.

Has anybody got any information for a bullet that light?

Powders Dad's got on hand are 3031, Benchmark, BL(C)-2, & RE-15. BL(C)-2 and RE-15 are too slow for his barrel length, at least based on testing with heavier bullets.

I've got BL(C)-2 and Big Game.

Typically, a lighter bullet will take a bit more powder, but I'm not comfortable relying on bolt lift effort and primers to assess pressures.

Anybody got a clue?

--Shannon

 

[Strongbad]

I'd say the 40 grain data is a good starting point. One thing to remember with those lighter bullets is that they may have been designed for a slower cartridge with potentially a slower twist than what you're running right now. They could have been made with very light jackets for a slow 22 like a Hornet etc. and if you start pushing the speed up on them you're liable to tear the jackets off of them.

 

[tube_ee]

Good point...

Well, if they go "poof" out of the rifle, then I won't use 'em. Dad's getting about 3300 out of the Striker, using 40 grain max (per Hodgdon) loads of Benchmark.

Winchester bulk-pack 45gr clocked 3400 out of the Striker, rated at 4K by Winchester. Beating that mark is the goal.

If they hold together out of my rifle, (I'm thinking over 4100 fps and a 1:12 twist*,) they should vaporize a ground squirrel.

Not a load to shoot a lot of, as I'm sure it's tough on the gun, but lots o' fun nonetheless.

--Shannon