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Savage Rebarrel - .22-250

lazyMlazyK

Silver $$ Contributor
Hi all, I’m thinking of rebarrelling a stock Savage 12 .22-250 with a different .22-250 barrel that has a higher twist, in order to shoot heavier bullets. With the longer bullets, should I expect them to be seated quite a bit further out of the case? If so, will I need a go/no-go gauge that is longer than a standard .22-250 go/no-go gauge? I know it’s a rudimentary question to many here, I’m just trying to learn. Thanks!
 
Your go/no go gauges will be the same. Yes the longer bullets will likely need to be seated out farther but that is a process determined by the reamer that cuts the chamber. It requires what is known as a longer freebore.
 
Thanks!!! Good info!! Do you know if a Criterion 1:7 twist barrel chambered in .22-250 would already be reamed for a longer freebore?
 
Call up whomever you're purchasing it from and ask them the length of the freebore. If you're purchasing it from Northland Shooting Supplies James will know.
 
Thanks!!! Good info!! Do you know if a Criterion 1:7 twist barrel chambered in .22-250 would already be reamed for a longer freebore?
I don't. I would expect it would have been made with more freebore than say a 1 in 12 but never assume. Contact them and tell them what bullet you wish to shoot and they will know what freebore will work for you. Another way is to load a bullet to the distance you want without powder in the case and send it to them. They will then chamber it with the proper freebore for you.
 
In my humble opinion, you would be better off with a shorter freebore. WHY??
Heavier bullets seated out further to get closer to the lands, before too long (as the throat wears) there won't be enough bullet in the neck.
ME? ZERO freebore?? Start with lighter bullets and go heavier as the throat wears, and it will.
You find the sweet spot when seating, throat wears and next thing you know, sweet spot is gone because throat wore. Best to go short from the start. Don't like it, go longer with a throat reamer but you CAN'T go shorter. (without a chamber re cut) :oops:
 
In my humble opinion, you would be better off with a shorter freebore. WHY??
Heavier bullets seated out further to get closer to the lands, before too long (as the throat wears) there won't be enough bullet in the neck.
ME? ZERO freebore?? Start with lighter bullets and go heavier as the throat wears, and it will.
You find the sweet spot when seating, throat wears and next thing you know, sweet spot is gone because throat wore. Best to go short from the start. Don't like it, go longer with a throat reamer but you CAN'T go shorter. (without a chamber re cut) :oops:
Good advice - unless the OP definitely wants to shoot a heavier, longer, high BC bullet. At that point he is seating the bullet past the inside of the neck, thus limiting case volume and muzzle velocity. There is also the potential for the pressure ring on the bullet to be beyond the neck and high pressure spikes if the cartridge case develops an internal doughnut. Also, for many average hunting situations it could be several years before one has to account for throat erosion. All valid considerations, including your zero freebore preference.
 
I have a Savage 12 in 22-250 also. At one time I thought of doing the same as you and going with a faster twist...then asked myself why when I have a 243. So now I have a 22-250 that is very accurate with bullets up to 60gr and a 243 that does some "screamer loads" with bullets over 60gr.
 
I ordered up a 1:7 Criterion for the .22-250. James let me know that it will be reamed with average freebore adequate for 80gr. bullets.
 
Howdy from Prince George,
I have a Savage 12 in 22-250 also. At one time I thought of doing the same as you and going with a faster twist...then asked myself why when I have a 243. So now I have a 22-250 that is very accurate with bullets up to 60gr and a 243 that does some "screamer loads" with bullets over 60gr.
I'm considering this, I have a beautiful 22-250 in a Weatherby Vangaurd Stainless in a Bell &Carlson stock , it shoots bug holes up to 50 gr , At 55 it would keyhole on me .
A 243 has always been on my radar
 
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