Lucky first time out with Howa 1500 in 22-250

[Float Pilot]

I have never owned a Howa rifle before. And I have had a lot of rifles over the last half century.
I ended up with this Howa 1500 and a 22 Hornet M-77/22 Ruger in a trade.

The Howa 1500 is a satin stainless with a flexing black plastic stock. Chambered in 22-250.
The stock was so flexible, that I glass bedded (Marine Tex) the action and barrel channel before even heading out to the range.

I tossed a 4.5 x14 (30mm) Leupold scope on her today and headed out to the range with some factory loads and a few hand-loads.
It was about 8 below zero and a little windy.

I was very, very, lucky with my first hand-load.
Here is how she grouped with Remington factory ammo and my hand-load.
Load info is on the photo.

I need to work on the trigger a little more and maybe buy a laminated stock. Plus my fingers were going numb..

 

[GooseGestapo]

FP; I do love reading some of your postings.
Neat seeing things such as your velocities with the H380 and the .22-250 at -8deg.

FWIW, my Remington M700 ADL (also has a flexible synthetic stock and thin barrel) gets 3,700fps with a 55gr bullet and 39.0gr of H380 (a max load for my rifle) but at +90degF. With a Sierra 55gr (either flat base or boat-tail, it'll shoot 1-hole groups at 100yds if I do my part). It too shoots similar groups to yours with factory Remington or bulk packed Remington 55gr Spts over ANY powder...... So, it's not just your rifle.....

Try some RL15 or Varget. They're supposed to be less temp. sensitive than the older spherical powders.

I may just have to come visit you and get my Single Engine Seaplane rating.(I'm a CFi, CFii, MEi). But I'm afraid we might have too much fun.....
I was thinking about you on Jan. 1, 2011. My wifle and I were enjoying the +77deg air and water on the beach at the Wyndam Inn at Nassau, Bahamas after flying a client there in his C421B.

P.S.> I bet that plastic ain't so flexible after a while at -8degF!