.22-250 Load Dev. What would you do?

[crbrumbelow]

I went to the range the other day and tested several loads with 55 gr Sierra FB bullets over H4895. One load in particular gave me the same exact velocity for three shots on one group and a velocity spread of only 3 fps on the next three shot group. Both group sizes were under .5 inch. When testing I seat the bullets into the lands so I know there is only one way to go with seating depth to tune the load. My question is...If I begin tuning this load how possible is it that my ES will change for the worse? Could I have just lucked up on a sweet spot for that powder charge? ES wasnt bad for the stiffer powder charges but this just surprised me. Thanks in advance.

Russ

 

[expiper]

Listen to your results....you just shot two consecutive groups under 1/2 inch with a varmint gun with a SD of "ZERO"...it sounds like you have the load "DEVELOPED"!!!....go looking for groundhogs....Roger

 

[trappst]

Would have to agree. You could test and test and test some more but you might not find anything that's "way" better.

The chances of ES going up as you tweak things are pretty good. The one thing I would do at this point is to load up for 5 shot groups and see what happens. I like three shots too...I always seem to screw up that 4th or 5th shot!

Load 'em up and have some fun!!!!

 

[pdog06]

Also not a bad idea is to try that same load testing you just did at 2,3,or 400 yards,however far you plan to shoot) to see if it stays a nice tight load.

I did that for my 308 a while back and the best results I got at 100 were not the best farther out.

 

[Preacher]

If it aint broke don't fix it
Reshoot it and keep your fingers crossed, and not your eye's.....

 

[6BR]

I agree with preacher, don't change anything. Go shoot some varmints.

 

[crbrumbelow]

Well I appreciate it. I was looking at the target again and the load,34.7 gr H4895) looks good. The group is triangulated nicely. I have seen this rifle print better groups at 100 yds but the more I read about es and sd it seems that this load will hold together better at greater distances sooo I will take you guys advice and wait until I can put a Shilen #5 select match on this rifle in 22-250 before tinkering anymore.

 

[BradY]

My 22-250 liked a similar load at one stage, 35gr of H4895,ADI 2206H for us) and 55gr vmax, remington brass and CCI BR2 primers. If your shooting a 1:14 twist barrel I would guess your going close to 3600fps,from my own testing) and not losing much in terms of trajectory from factory loads. Stay with this load for sure as it seems to be working.

 

[crbrumbelow]

Wow, I am glad I ran across this old thread. I lost all my data on my desktop computer. I havent shot the old 22-250 in a long while, but I just got in on some prime coyote property a farmer wants me to clean out. I think the above load will do it.w

 

[predators west]

yup you found it

 

[AckleymanII]

If you want to shrink the groups, try different primers now with the same load. You will see a difference between CCI200's and Win in groups. Sometimes you can have small ES and see large groups.

 

[Larryh128]

That is about what I load for one of my buds & it's an accurate (consistant) load.

 

[K22]

If you're under 1/2 moa, you have the load. No sense burning out the barrel attempting to squeeze down a few more thousands in group size. The varmint will never know the difference.

The only thing I would suggest is that you test a few rounds backing off the lands to see if you can acheived the same or close to the same accuracy. I personally don't seat my bullets into the lands for any of my rifles since I'm concerned with pressure and getting a bullet stuck when I extract and unfired round. I know a lot of guys seat into the land and more power to them - I'm just telling you what I do for hunting reloads.

 

[1holeaddict]

If it aint broke don't fix it
Reshoot it and keep your fingers crossed, and not your eye's.....

A++++ Just what my old man would be telling me.

 

[CaptainMal]

I like K22's comment. I'm always afraid to seat into the lands, except on a target rifle.

When you tested did you load and then unload cartridges without firing?

If so, did that operation change the seating depth of those cartridges?

You stick one and either jam the bullet in farther or pull the darn thing out and you will not be a happy camper. Fix and go hunting.

 

[TheSnake]

If it aint broke don't fix it
Reshoot it and keep your fingers crossed, and not your eye's.....

A++++ Just what my old man would be telling me.

Did you just call Preacher an old man? ;D