Anyone have experience with the .250 Savage in a 1:10 barrel?

homefront · #1 04-14-2011, 08:38 AM

I'm looking for feedback.

This seems to be an efficient and useful cartridge. Moderate powder use, decent velocities and trajectory, light recoil, long barrel life, useful (300 yard) range for light big game, can also be used with lighter bullets for varmint shooting. I'm surprised it's not more popular... is there something I'm overlooking?

Does anyone here shoot the .250 Savage (.250-3000) using 100+ grain bullets in a modern 1:10 barrel? How's the
accuracy/performance? I'm not particularly interested in the old 1:14 barrels and lighter bullets.

outofayr · #2 04-14-2011, 09:15 AM

Yes, you're on to something! It's amazing how this almost 100 yr old cartridge can perform. Marketing on the 243 is basically what did the 250 Savage in, but the two cartridges are remarkably similar. I grew up shooting a Mod 99 in 250, and have owned several others since.

The 250 Savage is great in a faster twist barrel. I currently have one built on an FN SPR action (basically SA CRF Mod 70 w/ DBM) and a Satern 5R barrel with 10" twist finished at 22". My varmint load is an 85 gr Nosler BT in front of a case full of H380. My go-to deer load is either the Sierra 90 gr HPBT and H4895 or the 100gr Nosler BT with IMR4320. My current rifle even shoots the green box ammo to under MOA, so it'll do in a pinch.

The 85 gr load shoots in the 3s consistently, and the deer loads are all 6s or better. I've taken quite a few deer, Pdogs, skunks, and one porcupine with the 250, and never felt like I was missing out by not having more gun. I do limit ranges to 300 yds on deer with this cartridge.

I'm currently working up a load using the 115 gr Nosler BT to see how that one does. Have to wait for a somewhat decent day at the range, though; last two times I tried to go we had 25-30 mph winds with strong gusts....also have some of the 120 gr pills to try, but not sure that they'll stabilize at the 250s velocities, so time will tell.

Have fun,

Brian

homefront · #3 04-14-2011, 07:33 PM

Thank you, Brian. Apparently, the cartridge is all that I thought seemed. It's a shame that it's overshadowed by the .243; at practical hunting distances it sounds like the better deer round.

outofayr · #4 04-14-2011, 08:51 PM

Agreed. I think the 1/4 bore is better all around, but I could be a little biased...

bigngreen · #5 04-14-2011, 09:42 PM

The 250-3000 is a great little round, even better if you AI it!! It's got to be one of the greatest deer chamberings ever, killed a few elk with it as well. Really like the 115gr Bergers with R17!!! I've seen it smoke deer out past 400yrds like nobodies business, AI'ing it made it just that much better though!

homefront · #6 04-15-2011, 07:32 AM

Makes me wonder why the military never considered it. Probably not quite as effective with hardball. With the heavier bullets, I'm thinking it's at least on par with the 6.8 SPC at 300 yards.

homefront · #7 04-15-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outofayr

Yes, you're on to something! It's amazing how this almost 100 yr old cartridge can perform.

I'm currently working up a load using the 115 gr Nosler BT to see how that one does. Have to wait for a somewhat decent day at the range, though; last two times I tried to go we had 25-30 mph winds with strong gusts....also have some of the 120 gr pills to try, but not sure that they'll stabilize at the 250s velocities, so time will tell.

I''l be curious to hear how those 115 and 120's do and which powders work best.