H380 powder for 22-250 and 7mm08

[elkfirst]

Although I have reloaded for about 20 years now, it has always been for the same two guns, a 7mm Mag and a .270 Win so it would be fair to say that my experience is limited. I now have sold the old guns and bought new ones. The two guns in question are a 22-250 in a Savage 12FVSS - bull stainless barrel (26" long). Another is a Ruger M77 Compact in 7mm-08. I see by balistics tables that H380 appears to be a good powder for both. My question is, can that still be so if my Savage 22-250 has a 26" barrel and the 7mm-08 Compact only has a 16 1/2" barrel. Would the 7mm-08 not benefit from a faster burning powder with such a short barrel??? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[wapiti13]

Can't speak for the 22-250, but I built several short barreled 7/08 over the years. My two favorite powders were WW760 & Vit N550. Usually N550 was a touch faster in velocity. Both powders work great in short barrels.

 

[sniper2]

I can tell you what worked for me in the 22/250, 36gr.H380
with a 55gr nosler not screaming but very accurate.H380 should work in the 7/08 or Varget or Benchmark.

 

[Waltech Jim]

elkfirst,

I have a short barrel .308. I found weight of the bullet used was the deciding factor in the powder. Try some H380 with your bullet of choice. If you get a large muzzle flash, you should go to a faster powder.

As far as your 22-250 is concerned, if you can't find a good load using H380, get rid of it. H380 is as good or better than any other powder for the 22-250.

Jim

 

[chessman]

I mostly have to agree with Jim. Mostly, because I love H380 in my .22-250 and .308 - but only when in cool weather. I live in AZ. The summers here can be a "bit warm". I will shoot H380 in the winter months, but this powder gets VERY hot when the weather warms up. Maybe not a problem where you are, but worth mentioning.

 

[elkfirst]

Good input, greatly appreciated from all you guys. Chessman, what do you actually mean by "the powder gets very hot". At the risk of sounding stupid, do you actually mean that it gets risky to pack your shells in your pocket??? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif or does the powder develop higher velocity or CUP??? Here in Alberta, it never gets as hot as Arizona, at least I dont't think /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif. H380 sure sounds like a favourite though.

 

[elkfirst]

Jim, it'll break my heart t get rid of this gun. I just got it last week. Put a box of the cheapest stuff out there, Winchester Super X 55 gr. - At 50 yards, I actually hit the exact center of the crosshairs on paper - TWICE, third shot was 3/8" off, got a little exited I guess.

 

[Guest]

I have to follow along with the H-380 in the 22-250. As far as hot. When the temp rises outside...You can get some pressure signs from that powder. Just keep an eye out for it

Joe

 

[Freebore]

Elk,
I did not like the H-380 in my 22-250 because of pressure issues in the heat but then again it is a Ruger #1 which can be finicky rifles. I found IMR4895 w/Winchester primers to be the best performer for me with 55 nosler balistic tips.
I have a short barrel 7mm-08 (love it). I shoot the 145 Speer over WW760 w/Winchester primers, Rem cases. This provided the best velocity w/accuracy in the shorter barrel for me. I think you will find the way this round performs on whitetails exciting. I will be trying N550 after seeing Wapiti's comment on it.

 

[7Rumloader]

I can't comment on the 7mm08 but can tell you this. Try from 39-42 grains of H380 in your 22.250 with a 52 grain sierra match king 10 thou off the lands and you should be under .4 inch easily with them. I just shot some yesterday and 41.5 was the best in my gun at .356 and an average velocity of 3850fps. Another great powder for the 22.250 is vihta Vouri N130 which will be alot faster depending on the charge. I went from 30 grains up to 33 and velocities were going around 3500 on 30 grains to 3960 on 33 grains. accuracy was under 1/2 inch almost every load. One thing I will add the N130 does not like rem 91/2 primers the extreme spread was just that. Extreme! Tried magnum 91/2 primers and the spread shrank to acceptable levels and was very good with cci br2 primers. If you want a complete rundown and a few more loads drop me an email.

 

[jro45]

The best powder for the 22-250 that I have used for 30 years is IMR 4064 35.5gr. Don't know how H380 would group but IMR4064 at 200 yds is a very tight group.

 

[drags]

I use varget for the 22-250 and the 7/08 and they work very well and varget is not temperture sensitive, H380 wouldn't shoot in my 22-250 and I called hodgon and they told me to try varget as it is becoming the powder of choice in 22-250. Varget is also a very popular powder in 7/08, I get very good accuracy and velocity in both calibers.
Drags

 

[craigp40]

Both of my 22-250s shot the best with Varget. H380 worked well, but I got just slightly larger groups with it. The H380 was more temp sensitive as well.

 

[BillLarson]

Elk,380 was named that by Bruce Hodgon,,,he was load testing it in a 22-250....load 38 grs.50 grain bullet.4064 in 7-08 with 120gr.lead.