22-250 projectile choice

[Millbrooke]

Hi, I have a sako varmint 22-250 with a 1:14 twist rate heavy barrel. I used to use factory federal premium ammo with the 50 gr Barnes x bullet through this rifle with good results, but this is no longer available in New Zealand. I have also used the Hornady superformance 50gr with reasonable results (just under MOA). I did find some 6o grain hornady custom but this shoots pretty rough as it just doesn't like the slower twist rate.

Factory ammo supply is inconsistent so I'm looking to start reloading, hence I'm looking for a good projectile for light game hunting/varmint hunting.

I have looked at GS custom, Barnes and Berger.....but they do not have a reasonable suitable for 1:14 twist.

Can anyone help with any suggestions for a good projectile that shoots well, and kills well that would suit a 1:14 twist?

Any load data would be greatly appreciated as well.

 

[dogdinger]

sierra 52gr HPBT........best shooting bullet i have ever used in my 22-250. ive had great results with these in several different rifles. AJ

 

[ShtrRdy]

I've been using a Sierra 55 gr Blitzking in a Tikka Varmint in 22-250. Very accurate with Varget powder.

 

[Jud96]

If you are varmint hunting use a 53gr V-MAX, if you are going to punch paper, either a Hornady or Sierra 52gr or 53gr will get the job done.

 

[gumbo333]

50 to 55 gr v-max with a mild dose of H-380 if you can get it. Doesn't need to be near max. A go to load for several 22-250's.

 

[Armed in Utah]

the 53 V max is a long high BC boolit......will the 14 twist it ?

BC is .291 I believe.......

 

[ntg]

The 52 grain Amax shoots great in mine, and kills just fine for coyotes and smaller...unless you want the pelt.

 

[gdragon34]

My rifle always liked 50 gr Vmaxes. H380 was good. Varget was better with better velocities.

 

[Lone Hunter]

My rifle has shot the 50 gr Nosler B.T. The best but you can hardly notice the difference between Sierra 50 gr Blitzkings and Hornady 50 gr V Max. Ballistic Tips have always shot better but the powder has always been H380. Never have seen a reason to change if it works, and it does. Get good velocity and accuracy with H380

 

[436]

Hi, I have a sako varmint 22-250 with a 1:14 twist rate heavy barrel. I used to use factory federal premium ammo with the 50 gr Barnes x bullet through this rifle with good results, but this is no longer available in New Zealand. I have also used the Hornady superformance 50gr with reasonable results (just under MOA). I did find some 6o grain hornady custom but this shoots pretty rough as it just doesn't like the slower twist rate.

Factory ammo supply is inconsistent so I'm looking to start reloading, hence I'm looking for a good projectile for light game hunting/varmint hunting.

I have looked at GS custom, Barnes and Berger.....but they do not have a reasonable suitable for 1:14 twist.

Can anyone help with any suggestions for a good projectile that shoots well, and kills well that would suit a 1:14 twist?

Any load data would be greatly appreciated as well.

I kinda had the same problem with my early model 26" Weatherby MarkV miniature Varmintmaster in .224 Wby Mag, also with a 1:14" twist. I was shooting Barnes 50gr VLC's, HP, FB with the "blue" moly coat, and they shot like a dream in that .224 Wby. Then Barnes drops the "blue" coated bullet; I managed to pick up a 500 or 600 of them from here and there'.., but I thought perhaps I'd start working with another just in case. I tried most the 50gr to 53gr bullets mentioned and they all worked fine. The I picked up some Berger 52gr match FB Varmint bulltes.. Wow! they shot great in my 1:14 twist tube. I don't know if you can get Berger where you are, but if you can they are really worth trying.
Good Luck
436

 

[gumbo333]

Yes, I should have noted that in several 22-250's H-380 gave the best groups but not the fastest speed. And yes 50 gr v-max, ballistic tips and blitz kings all grouped very good and at the same spot on the target. All 3 have been a tad better than the 52 gr Bergers or Hornadys. 55 gr v-max grouped as good but in a different spot. Think many 22-250's are similar to many 223's in that lots of bullet- powder combos will shoot outstanding groups in some of the most inexpensive rifles.

 

[Catahoula]

52 A-MAX & CFE223 powder! Can't do any better than that!
Thanks, Kirk

 

[gunners]

My Remington VSF 22-250 has a 1-14 it likes Remington 50 gr accutip's the best in the factory fodder. Hornady V- max 50 gr is what I mainly use when I reload, because it's nearly always available and I can get tiny groups consistently. I use bench mark2, have loaded some with 53 gr V-max and 8208xbr but not far along with development

 

[benchracer]

When I had a 14 twist barrel, my 22-250 showed a distinct preference for the 50 grain VMAX and 52 grain AMAX. It actually shot the AMAX more accurately, but with a sizeable penalty in speed. None of the 55 grain bullets shot well from the 14 twist.

My 22-250 now has a 12 twist barrel, which I much prefer over a 14 twist. The 53 VMAX has become my bullet of choice since going to a 12 twist.

IMO, there are MUCH better options than H380 in the 22-250. Varget works well, but does not produce top velocities. IMR 8208 XBR is also very good and produces decent velocity. CFE 223 is another excellent choice, producing both speed and accuracy. Being a ball powder, it should be used with magnum primers for best results.

Of all the powders I have tried, RL-17 has proven to be the best by a wide margin. It has consistently yielded the best accuracy AND the highest velocity. You won't find it in book data for the 22-250. I recommend that you start around 36.0 grains and work up from there, watching carefully for pressure signs.

One final note regarding the 22-250: I have found the standard chamber to have a lot of freebore. Neither barrel I have had shot well with anything loaded to book length (2.350"). Both barrels have done their best work with COAL in the vicinity of 2.430", regardless of the bullet used. For best accuracy, make sure to test seating depth.

The Berger seating depth test (Getting the Best Precision and Accuracy from VLD Bullets in Your Rifle | Berger Bullets Blog) is a good place to start, though you may have to modify the test somewhat, because you are not likely to get anywhere near touching the lands with a bullet that will stabilize from a 14 twist.