Rem 700 - 22-250 Reload Questions, Bullet Weights

[jjohnson]

Okay, it's time to start reloading for this beast.

I've been shooting this for 9 years and haven't reloaded in this caliber, so I have a pile of brass and it's time to get to it.

I understand I'm working with a 1-14 twist rate, I think - mine's a 700VSS - and I've seen posts about this being maybe not even good for 55 grains bullets, much less 63 or higher. I'm fond of the heavier bullets, but not going to try something that's unlikely to work. My 700 seems to do well with 55 grain Remington factory ammo (R22501 product code) and I mean minute of angle as "well" here.

Most of what I shoot is paper targets, so I'm not really concerned with expansion, but I wanted to ask you guys about your experiences loading for accuracy heavier bullets with this twist and caliber. I saw a previous post from a fellow who got a load from Rick Jamison (52 grain bullet) and I can't argue that one, but before I lay out the cash for this fall's reloading I thought I'd ask. My rifle range is 200 yards, so if I have to cap the bullet weight at 52 or 55 grains, okay, but my .223 has a fast twist, and it likes the heavy bullets, so I have a pile of 63 grains and heavier already on hand.

If you're kind enough to give me advice, may as well tell me what powders you're fond of - I load a bunch of .30 caliber and .223 as well, so I have a sizable collection already on hand. Thanks very much for your generosity

 

[Bill B.]

First off it has been several years since I loaded for the 22-250 and when I did I was shooting Ruger Varmit HB. At the time there were 2 extremely good rifle builders in my hometown. One thought the only powder to use in a 22-250 was the DuPont IMR 3031. The other was equally sure that DuPont IMR 4064 was the correct powder. Luck would have that my Ruger shot everything well but I used more IMR 3031 than anything with Hornady 55 grain SP with extremely good results. If you happen to have either powder on hand give them a try before trying something else.

I have since switched to a .223 and Hodgdon powder: Benchmark and H322. It looks like from Hodgdon data that either of these powders works well with the 22-250 and bullets up to .55 grain. Best of luck!

 

[huntershooter]

My 700 (1/14") shoots 55 gr. Nosler BT well-under 1/2", 5 rds. @ 100 yds. I load 39.3 grs. W760, Win brass, Fed. 210M primers with this bullet (seated .030" off lands). The 1/14" twist will probably NOT stabalize bullets of 60 gr. and heavier. Your rifle (barrel) should be optimum for 50- 55 grs.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I have a Savage 12FLV in 22-250 and the majority of bullets I shoot are 50gr. Varget and V-Max bullets offer a killer combo out of this rifle. I get .50" @100 with this rifle. The bullet is seated .010 off the lands and that seems to work best.

Have tried some other bullets with decent results but for varmint killers I stick with the V-Max.

 

[jjohnson]

Seating .010" off the Lands?

Thanks, LJ, but just so we're on the same page, how are you measuring off the lands? Do you run a "long" round into the chamber so it backs the bullet off, measure its overall length, and then set your seating die to keep it at that length?

I'm not a good a shooter as my rifle is I get sub-moa from the Remington 55-gr Corelokts when I do MY job.... but if I can squeeze tighter groups out of the rifle, then at least I can focus on my own marksmanship. Sad but true, I can't curse the rifle and load for my own limitations... thanks guys, for the help.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I have had good luck with 52 & 53gr matchkings over IMR-3031.