22-250 - what is the expected accuracy

[REastman]

I shot the new 22-250 for the first time today. It is a stock Savage model 12 VSS with a Nikon Monarch 8-32x scope on it and a 1:9 twist barrel. Shooting 75 gr Hornady A-MAX bullets the best grouping I achieved today was 1.25 inches with a 6 shot group. The first 3 shots were all touching in a .275 group. The fourth shot strayed a little high,probably shooter error) to form a .51 inch group, but the last two shots both went low and I felt they were good shots. The accuracy improved as I continued to go up in powder, so I think this bullet likes a little speed on it. What are others getting for groupings with a similar setup? I personally am looking for a sub .5 inch group with 6 shots @ 100 yards.

Also, are most people seating this bullet right on the lands or do most jump it a little?

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[Tommie]

Hoping for sub half-inch 6 shot groups with a brand new factory gun? Ryan, it is possible but don't get too worked up over it. So far, your gun is doing fine.

Tom

 

[brand692]

The 75 grain Amax is great bullet, however, with the 1/9 twist, 75 grains is as heavy as you want to go. I'd try going down on bullet weight, but not below 55. I bet you will have better luck with a 55-69 grain bullet, especially if you are loading fast rounds.

Ben

 

[k80skeet]

Ryan, You said your rifle is new. You might want to follow some of the break in recommendation on the Savage web site. Be sure to remove all the copper build up in a new barrel. This usually takes 30-50 rounds. Or at least until heavy build up of copper starts to decrease. After that you can start to see how the loads work. Just like the post said 75gr is on the heavy side. Try some 69gr Sierra Match kings and 70gr Berger VLD's they work great for me.,standard groups are 3 shots, 5 shots or 10 shots). Not,6) I don't think .5 inch is an unreasonable for a,5) shot group.

 

[Mikem]

Ryan, is right, you need to break that barrel in before you determine how tight it will shoots, so clean the barrel often.
And you will have to try various bullet seating depth, as every gun is different in what it likes best, including bullet weights and brands. Find your lands first, and work from there.
What powder are you using?
It sound like a nice set up. Congrads.
M.

 

[brand692]

Here is what Shilen recommends on their website:

- 8' for bullets heavier than 70gr.
- 9' for bullets up to 70gr.
- 12: for bullets up to 63gr.
- 14' for bullets up to 55gr.
- 15'* for bullets up to 55gr. driven 4,100 pfs or more
- 16:* for bullets up to 55gr. driven 4,300 fps or more

*Stainless Steel Barrel

So, per Shilen's recommendations, no higher than 70 grain on a 9 tw. However, there are LOTS of guys who have had good results with the 75gr A Max in 9 tw barrels. So don't discount them yet.

Finish the break in and give the 75gr AMax another shot. If you are still not happy with them, step it down to lighter bullet. Also, like Mikem said, find your lands. If I remember correctly, I think I've heard guys with the Savage in 22-250 jumping them .003-.010. I don't know what kind of case capacity issues you will run into jumping the 75gr Amax, but keep in mind the length of that bullet when jumping it too far.

Ben

 

[REastman]

Thanks for the responses guys. I am just not very familiar with this cartridge yet. Appreciate the info.

 

[REastman]

So I think I got a decent load worked up for this thing now. Seating the 75 gr a-max bullet right on the lands, and 38 grs of 4831sc seems to work pretty good. 7 shots,played around with the last 3) in .577 inches @ 100 yds.

 

[skeetlee]

Sounds to me like your on the very edge of stabilizing those bullets. This is a very common problem with 9 twist barrels and 75gr a-max bullets. Push them as fast as you can safely and hope the accuracy is there. I did a bunch of research on that very combo before deciding on what twist to go with for the 75gr bullets. I finally decided to go with an 8 twist. I also shoot the 75gr a-max in my 8 twist 223. I have to set the bullets well into the lands to get decent accuracy at 100 yards. Try shooting the rifle at 200 yards, as the 75gr a-max is a long range bullet. you may be surprised. if they just dont work out for you, i will buy what you have left of the 75gr bullets so your not out much. 69gr sierras my be worth looking into as well. Just my experience, not necessarily the facts!! Lee

 

[gambleone]

What brand primer are you using?

 

[REastman]

CCI br-2

 

[gambleone]

Since it's a br-2, it doesn't look like the primers fault. May try seat depth work up. Shoot 4or 5 jammed, then out .010, .020, .030. If no good results, may try different powder, like RL-15. Lots of luck...

 

[Dgd6mm]

I seen a women at Bradford Sportsman's farm shoot a 1 inch 3 shot sight in group at 600 with that same rifle.Don't know what load or bullet she was shooting but she did take some of the winning's home with her.

 

[REastman]

I made it out the the range last week...shot two groups of 3 at 275 yards slightly smaller than .75 inches. The wind was gusting pretty badly and changing direction 180 degrees according to the flag at 100. I was able to put 10 shots through the 2 inch x ring at 275 with no problem. Tin cans at 300 was very easy.