Need help: .22-250 load development in minimum shots fired

[tnm]

Situation: New to me (inherited from my dad in 1991, I've never fired it) .22-250 Remington 700 Varmint mid-'80s vintage, new Riton RT-S Mod 5 GEN2 4-16x50 scope, WW760 powder, 500 pieces of new Jag brass plus ~200 pieces of assorted brass, Federal primers, 55 grain Nosler Varmagedden bullets. I am going on a prairie dog shoot in early June and all my local ranges are closed down and will probably remain closed until after I get back. I mounted the scope using a scope level and I am confident it is done correctly. I have used my optical bore sighter which in the past has gotten me to within two - three clicks of where I need to be. I know of some places I can go with minimal danger from the Thought Police, but need to limit my shots as much as possible. I can trust myself to shoot well. I have a Magnetospeed Sporter Barrel Mount Chronograph. I am aware that hanging anything on the barrel will change the POI, although, this is a bull barrel...

Target: For someone who is familiar with the cartridge and the powder/bullet combination I have available, what would you recommend I do to (1) get the rifle sighted in (normally takes me three to six shots with an accurate load) while (2) finding a reasonably accurate load (1/2 MOA would be a nice goal, if the rifle will do it) all with taking the minimum number of shots. I can do very accurate powder measuring. I am thinking of starting with 37.5 grains and from talking with friends and reading my reloading manuals, it looks like I don't want to exceed 38.5 grains. It would be best if I made up my test rounds at home. I have a collet bullet puller so I can break down unsatisfactory rounds and reload. In a normal situation I would take my powder scale and load on the shooting bench at the range but this is not possible.

Proposal: ?? I have some ideas but if anyone has done this I am all ears! Thanks in advance.

 

[Len Backus]

Moved to RELOADING

 

[066wally]

I'd load a bunch at 37 gr. and make scope adjustments during the hunt. Hodgdon lists 36 gr. starting and 39 gr. max for 55gr. bullets and WW760.

 

[Bob Wright]

I have a later stainless version of the same rifle. I have a comfortable 3600 fps load using Sierra 55 gr HPBT, Varget and CCI 200 primers. Its just below max data, but no pressure signs at all. Others like H380 and many different component combinations.
So, I would recommend a 300 yard ladder test of 10 rounds (+ 5 identical cartridges for sighters and foulers) working up from minimum to max looking for pressure. Measure speed all the way up. I use a well protected go-pro camera to record strikes on target. There, you can find your velocity and vertical flat spots..
My rifle likes 3600fps but your accuracy node will vary with your component packages.
If you want more info on camera set up, let me know.
It's a devastating cartridge for varmints and can be used on deer, within reason.

 

[Dosh]

Shooting Sierra 52 gr SMK out of a 1982 vintage never fired model 77 with Varget, Nosler brass and 210M primer. I only have shot 50 rounds through it with a quickie clean and am fearful of cleaning it more since it is sub MOA. After break in we will go after the coyotes that are devastating a antelope unit here in Az.

 

[Bob Wright]

Shooting Sierra 52 gr SMK out of a 1982 vintage never fired model 77 with Varget, Nosler brass and 210M primer. I only have shot 50 rounds through it with a quickie clean and am fearful of cleaning it more since it is sub MOA. After break in we will go after the coyotes that are devastating a antelope unit here in Az.

You're a good guy for cleaning out some coyotes here in AZ. I put together an AR just for that but we've been in virus lockdown and am losing hunting opportunities.
The 22-250 is a great cartridge for dogs.

 

[cape cove]

Lot depends on the twist you have. If it is a 14 twist and your bullet (Nosler varmaggedon) is tipped then your stabality may not be the best. I had a Rem 700 VSF 22/250 and it had stabality problems with most bullets 53 gr and up. The 52 's worked real good.

 

[Dosh]

You're a good guy for cleaning out some coyotes here in AZ. I put together an AR just for that but we've been in virus lockdown and am losing hunting opportunities.
The 22-250 is a great cartridge for dogs.

Bob, we go out off-road once a week. We don't interact with anyone and only stop for fuel if needed. We take food and drink so we don't need to stop anywhere. Taking the fifthwheel to Williams next week to dry camp and shoot some varmints. You can go out to the uninhabited areas, it's quite legal.

 

[Bob Wright]

Bob, we go out off-road once a week. We don't interact with anyone and only stop for fuel if needed. We take food and drink so we don't need to stop anywhere. Taking the fifthwheel to Williams next week to dry camp and shoot some varmints. You can go out to the uninhabited areas, it's quite legal.

Absolutely legal. We care for our 80 y.o. mom, so we just do the best we can. Enjoy the hunt!

 

[mpayne]

My old Rem 700 varmint shoots little holes and in do mean little hole with 39g H414 and Nosler 55gBT

 

[redneckdan]

Nosler lists accurate loads for several powders, unfortunately none for 760 are listed.


In your situation, I would use your magneto speed to run a 10 shot ladder in your charge range of interest. This could be done anywhere you can find a spot to shoot, even just a local gravel pit where people shoot pistols. Plot the data and pick a node. Select a powder charge in the middle of the node and you should have a decent shooter. You will have your velocity for calculating dope and should be done with the chrono. Take this load to what I assume is your longer range area where you can shoot a limited amount of shots at distance and test it. If you have a good scope that tracks you should be able to shoot a 3rd group for accuracy, dial in the correction and shoot another 1-3 shots for confirmation.

 

[smokey3]

My old Rem 700 varmint shoots little holes and in do mean little hole with 39g H414 and Nosler 55gBT

55 gr BT do well in a very old Ruger 77 Varmint rifle that I bought used in the early 1980's. Consistently shoots under dime sized 5 shot groups, it does need a better scope though, working on it LOL.

 

[6.5-300 BEE]

If you have a great P-dog hunt, you'll need a new barrel, so don't get anal about this one shooting bugholes.

 

[rewiltshire]

I have a Remington 788 in 22-250. My 'pet' load for this rifle is 55gr Hornady SXSP in front of 35 gr H380 with Rem 9 1/2 in Norma cases. Runs about 3200 fps. Devastating on prairie dogs.