Selecting a grn wt for a new rifle

[JHansenAK47]

I am buying a Sako 85 Varmint in 22-250 with a 1 in 14 inch twist and I was going to work up some loads for it and was wondering what grn I should start at? I really want the best groups possible and don't know anybody that has a 22-250. So I was wondering what a 1 in 14" barrel in 22-250 would stabilize and if anybody had any suggestions to look into first.

 

[IndianaBoy]

I have a 220 Swift with a 1:14 twist. It does fine with bullets up to 55 grains. It is possible it would handle 60 or maybe 62 but I haven't tried them.

I recommend using 50 or 55 grain bullets in your 22-250. 40 or 35 grain bullets will scream out at over 4k fps at the muzzle but they quickly shed velocity because of poor ballistic coefficient. At 200 yards and beyond heavier bullets will perform better than lighter bullets.

 

[Jim Watson]

The .22-250 1:14" was optimized long ago for 50-55 grain flatbase spitzers. Mine will shoot a 60 grain softpoint well, but that is about the limit, the longer 60 grain hollowpoint is just wild.

I get the very best accuracy with the Sierra 52 grain Match King boattail hollowpoint.

 

[NCsmitty]

I suggest trying the 52gr Hornady A-max. Hornady advertises it as the most concentric target/varmint bullet made. It works well for me. I've had good luck with Nosler's BT and Remington Power-lokts too.

NCsmitty