Optimal 22-250 setup

[Hunter2678]

Originally Posted by Thomas B.

I am running a 1 in 8 twist 22-250 H.S. Precision HTR. Right now I am using 69gr. Sierra's for 300 yard prone reduced target match's. I just started using the fast twist this year, I previously ran with 14 twist. To make a long story short, I shot a 200 16x for my second string in lousy conditions, rainy and windy.

I have shot this match many times before using the 14 twist, and when conditions were bad I was dropping points. I will go to 80 grainers when I reach out to 600 and beyond. I still have to try out the 80 grainers but I'm confident they will work just fine.

Here is the load I'm running currently:

Nice shootin Tom..!.

[strombeckj]

If your rifle will shoot the 53gr V-max there is not a higher BC bullet even close to that range in weight. The BC compares to most 65- 70gr bullets. I have not seen them shoot in anything less than a 1:12, neither of my 1:14's work. Best varmint bullet in a .224 when they will shoot IMHO.



Jon

[Hunter2678]

Originally Posted by strombeckj

If your rifle will shoot the 53gr V-max there is not a higher BC bullet even close to that range in weight. The BC compares to most 65- 70gr bullets. I have not seen them shoot in anything less than a 1:12, neither of my 1:14's work. Best varmint bullet in a .224 when they will shoot IMHO.



Jon

Duly noted...I will most likely give them a try

[Hunter2678]

Originally Posted by strombeckj

If your rifle will shoot the 53gr V-max there is not a higher BC bullet even close to that range in weight. The BC compares to most 65- 70gr bullets. I have not seen them shoot in anything less than a 1:12, neither of my 1:14's work. Best varmint bullet in a .224 when they will shoot IMHO.



Jon

I bought a box of them a while back..loaded up 25 or so to test out...man I hope they shoot well..speed and killer BC,.. hopefully I can have my cake and eat it too now...

[Joe King]

53gr vmax
Let's see your Varmit rifles !

It is a 1-14 twist Barrel, terminal ballistics seem to be adequate

[Nimrodmar10]

I've been shooting 22-250s for a lot of years. It's probably the best varmint round ever invented. Easy to find a good load for, not real picky as far as componenets and very accurate. If a factory gun won't shoot one hole groups with handloads or good factory ammo, it's the exception and not the rule.

The 22-250 was made for a 52-53 gr. bullet. Every one I've ever owned loved the Sierra 52 gr. Boat Tail Hollow Point Match bullets. They'll also shoot any weight from 40 gr. to 60 gr. with the slow factory twist. Try to shoot anything heavier than a 60 gr. bullet and there's a very good chance the bullet will key hole at 100 yards. Shoot a 69 gr. bullet in it and it will key hole at 25 yards. You also have to be picky about the construction of the bullets you shoot. Shoot a thin jacketed bullet such as the 50 gr. Hornady SX bullet at typical 22-250 velocities and all you'll see is a gray streak that dissapears about half way to the target as the bullet turns itself to dust.

When I shoot ground hogs I use the Sierra 52 gr. BTHP Match because the whistle pigs are tough and if he makes it back into the hole, he doesn't count. Ranges can also be on the far side of 500 yards and these bullets are very accurate. Shooting prairie dogs I use whichever bullet is cheapest because I may shoot 1000-1200 rounds a day. My current bullet for this is the Midway Dog Town bullets. They hold together at 3800 fps and make the pds explode.

If you're having problems shooting PDs at 600 and beyond it's because your drop tables aren't correct for the situations or your range finder isn't hitting it's mark. When the bullets go sub-sonic at around 775-800 yard things get a lot trickier.

If you want to use the 250 for deer, load the Nosler 60 gr. Partition and aim for the vitals. 300-400 yard shots are not a problem and the deer don't run far, if at all.

Can you use the 69-80 gr. bullets in a 22-250? Yes, if you've got the correct rifling twist and a long enough throat to seat the bullet out where they need to be.

Can you tell I'm a 22-250 fan?

[jehu]

My set up is a Sako 85 Laminated SS Varmint with a Swarovski 6X18X50 shooting Hornaday V-max 55gr, exteremly accurate.