.22 BR 55gr loads wanted

[Farmerjoe]

Hi Guys,

My .22 BR build is nearly here so I'm looking to get some load data.

It's a 9 twist finished a 26". I went with the 9 as it gives flexibility to use heavier bullets but the plan really is to shoot 55's, SBK preferably.

Anyone got any decent loads? I have Viht N140 on hand and can easily get N135. I'd like to stick with Viht powders as I can always get them easily over here. Plus I've always had good luck with them!

That said I'm open to other powders!

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Elwood]

N133, Benchmark or H322 would be the go to powders, personally I have always had luck with both of the Hogdons powders. I do use N135 with 64 grain Berger's in my 22 BR, its very accurate but a bit pedestrian.

 

[Farmerjoe]

Thanks Elwood.

Are you the same Elwood from UKv?!

Joe

 

[Elwood]

Thanks Elwood.

Are you the same Elwood from UKv?!

Joe

There's more than one of us Joe, but yes

 

[Ncvarmintexpress]

53gr vmax 30gr varget br4 .015 jump
Just curious why SBK over 53vmax?
It has a higher BC

 

[Farmerjoe]

Ncvarmintexpress,

The reason for starting out with Sierras is because on the whole I have found them to be more consistent in length and weight than the Hornadys in every calibre I use.
Coupled with the fact that they're also cheaper it's a no brainier...... so long as the rifle shoots them accurately enough!!

That said I wouldn't skip the Vmax altogether.

Joe

 

[John Russell]

53gr vmax 30gr varget br4 .015 jump
Just curious why SBK over 53vmax?
It has a higher BC

BC's from one manufacturer do not directly equate/compare to those of another manufacturer - the 55gr SMK shoots slightly flatter than the 53 V-Max - by actual, side by side, 400 yd drop tests.

 

[Ncvarmintexpress]

BC's from one manufacturer do not directly equate/compare to those of another manufacturer - the 55gr SMK shoots slightly flatter than the 53 V-Max - by actual, side by side, 400 yd drop tests.

I did not know that, but I'm glad you informed me! I'm assuming if they were moving the same velocity?
Also farmer, would you mind letting me know where you're finding sierras cheaper??
If this is all true I'd have to at least try them out.

 

[John Russell]

I'm assuming if they were moving the same velocity?

Of course...

 

[Farmerjoe]

Hi NC,


Not sure where you are in the world, but guessing the USA?

I'm in the U.K. And most places that have both Sierra and Hornday, usually have the Sierras cheaper.

The only Hornaday that I use are 162gr Amax in my .284, because the shoot super sweet and I bought a whole load of the for an incredibly cheap price.

Once they're gone I'm thinking I might look at the new 160gr Sierra TMK.

I'm not a Hornady hater though!!

ATB

 

[JEFFPPC]

Hi Guys,

My .22 BR build is nearly here so I'm looking to get some load data.

It's a 9 twist finished a 26". I went with the 9 as it gives flexibility to use heavier bullets but the plan really is to shoot 55's, SBK preferably.

Anyone got any decent loads? I have Viht N140 on hand and can easily get N135. I'd like to stick with Viht powders as I can always get them easily over here. Plus I've always had good luck with them!

That said I'm open to other powders!

Thanks,
Joe

I use a stiff load of w748. good accuracy and velocity.

 

[boltfluter]

Farmer,

My go to powders for my .22BR's are AA2015 and XBR8208. If one of these powders will not work for you there is something wrong with the gun. Just kidding, but they have never let me down yet. Good luck and hopefully small groups.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[NorCalMikie]

No matter what load you decide on, you need to remember. You NEVER dump powder on a 22 BR load like you would on it's bigger brother, the 6 MM BR.
Same goes with the 20 BR. You go up 1/10 th. at a time and be very careful when doing that. Pressure JUMPS VERY FAST!! You make a BIG jump in powder charge and you won't be able to find a hammer big enough to beat the bolt open.
Makes junk out on your new brass in seconds. You won't need a primer press. You'll be able to drop them in by hand.
No matter what charge to pick, be sure to leave yourself some wiggle room. Mid range loads will produce bug holes with little effort.

 

[AckleymanII]

135 will be a great contender, so will R#15, and 748 may rule the day...no kidding.

You should use the thickest cup primer you can get, cci for AR15's would be the best, followed by Rem 7 1/2 and BR-4's.

You are going to see some serious accuracy, and 748 will give you the longest barrel life if you can stand warm day and cold day load for your rifle.

 

[Farmerjoe]

How temp sensitive is W748?
We don't get huge temperature swings over here.

Not sure I've ever seen any W powders for sale here!

Thanks

 

[Farmerjoe]

Also,

What or how much difference is the between the CCI 450 and BR4 primers?

I see that they both have thicker cups.
I've no experience with small rifle primers just LR.

 

[AckleymanII]

cci 450 is a true magnum primer for this case and the cci BR-4 is standard, both have very thick cups.