Terrible reduced loads!

[Kurastduuks]

Ok guys so I am beginning work on a 22-250 load using trail boss. My initial load was 12gr with a cheap Hornady 55gr fmjbt w/chan. and while I wasn't expecting incredible accuracy from a preliminary load what I got was astonishing! A 12" group at 50 YARDS!!! out of 9 shots 3 keyholed. With this same bullet in my full power loads (will not list as they are beyond current published data and I don't want this thread locked) I am getting .75" at. 100 yards out of my rem 700 with a cheap Barska optic, 1 in 14 twist. (am only using these bullets because they're what I had laying around and my 50 v-max's that my rifle prefers are NOWHERE TO BE FOUND) I realize this bullet with a twist that slow may need more velocity but could that alone account for the absolute worst accuracy I've ever seen aside from throwing rocks? Any help from those with experience with reduced Trail boss loads would be much appreciated. I never saw the appeal of reduced loads till I discovered trail boss and now I'd really like to find one that shot well!

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, not enough velocity to stabilize them.

Rife magazine did a test of Trail Boss right after it first came out, and they noted poor accuracy with all the calibers they tested using the recommended starting loads.

I think you may need a case full to the base of the bullet to get it going.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Agreed, Trail Boss in bottle necked calibers with jacketed bullets is erratic with less than 100% load density.

Not to mention the too slow to stabilize problem here.

 

[918v]

Use 40 grain lead tip bullets for reduced loads with TB.

 

[witchhunter]

Powder valley has Zombie max 50 grainers in stock, real similar.

 

[greenlion]

Sorry, but why are you trying to download a 22-250 so low? You are going to be down around 22 magnum territory with trail boss. Try slightly reduced loads with H4895.

 

[witchhunter]

I just looked again to be sure and PV has Vmax 50's in stock. get ya some comin.

 

[Kurastduuks]

So the consensus is to try a load right to the base of the bullet I take it

 

[Kurastduuks]

Awesome thanks!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have had some success with TB and lead bullets but not with jacketed bullets. Trail Boss was primarily designed for use in Cowboy Action applications and while many powders can be expanded into other jobs IMO TB isn't one of them.

When making light rifle loads I have had very good success using SR 4759. Hodgdon also recommends H4895 for reduced rifle loads and they are accurate. I would try SR 4759 instead of Trail Boss. I think that will work better for you.

 

[Walkalong]

AA 5744 is another one to try that is similar to SR 4759. Works great for reduced loads in rifle calibers. The .22-250 is way overbore, so be careful when working up with a fast powder.