Ruger M77 22/250 factory load

[milkie62]

I have a 1982 Ruger M77 22/250 with bull barrel & 24" long.I have only put about 75 rounds through this gun in all these years. I am now wanting to use it for targets and groundhogs as far as this round will reasonably reach. I do not know the rate of twist without looking it up. Any suggestions on a scope for this gun along with some factory loadings as a starting point ? Right now I only have a cheapy Tasco on it. Would like to go with a Nikon or Vortex since that is what I can get a big discount on at work. Thank you, Ed

 

[benchracer]

Your rifling twist is 1 in 14. Because the typical 22-250 chamber has a lot of freebore, handloads will far outperform factory ammo. In handloads and factory ammo, your rifle will likely shoot its best with 50 to 52 grain bullets. When I had a 14 twist barrel on my 22-250, I was never able to get it to shoot well with anything heavier. Unfortunately, that included the better 55 grain bullets and factory loads available.

If you want to start with factory ammo, I recommend going with the Winchester white box 45 gr JHP, in the 40 round value pack:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...-250-remington-45-grain-jacketed-hollow-point

Or, go with the PRVI 55 grain soft point:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...2-250-remington-55-grain-soft-point-box-of-20

Either one of these will serve as a good baseline to give you an idea of your rifle's potential with factory ammo, while also leaving you with good brass for reloading. Both loads are also typically inexpensive.

Another good option to start with is the Hornady Varmint Express ammo. I have found it to be more reliably accurate than the Superformance loads. It is available in 40, 50, and 55 grain VMAX and is also typically reasonably priced. You may wish to try all three bullet weights, though the 50 grain loading is the pick of the litter, IMO:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/8...ion-22-250-remington-50-grain-v-max-box-of-20


As for handloads, I recommend starting with IMR 8208 and/or RL-17. As for bullets, go with 50 VMAX and/or 52 ELD-M. In a typical factory chamber, these bullets will yield a base-to-tip OAL of around 2.470 to the rifling. IME, they will shoot their best seated to around 2.430, which is substantially longer than factory ammo (I believe this is the key to making a 22-250 shoot).

As for optics, the 22-250 isn't hard on scopes, so there can be quite a bit of flexibility in the price range(s) of the scopes you are looking at. The scope on my 22-250 is a 6-24x44 BSA that was a $125 Midway special and is, to my knowledge, no longer made. It has served me well and I am very fond of it. Aside from reticle choice and the desired magnification range, I believe an adjustable objective of some kind (I prefer side focus) to be an important feature.

Here are some deals currently available that may interest you:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...x-44mm-side-focus-dead-hold-bdc-reticle-matte

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/784269/bushnell-ar-optics-rifle-scope-45-18x-40mm-side-focus-matte

Great Deal on Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50mm — Save Hundreds « Daily Bulletin

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

I second the winchester white box as a decent ammo to try for factory.. The stuff shoots better than moa out of my striker pistol in 22-250. Shoot up some and reload the brass.
22-250's aren't that choosy about powder. Anything in the 4895 to 4350 burn range will work fine.
natchez always has some weaver closeouts so that may be another place to look for a reasonably priced scope for your rifle...

 

[milkie62]

I just picked up a couple boxes on sale at Dick's . Hornady 50 gr Vmax

 

[benchracer]

Please let us know how you do. Good luck!

 

[ohiohunter]

The white box 45gr out performed (sub 1/2 moa) every factory ammo I've used which included about every hornady offering and federal premium.