Am I wasting my time using hunting bullets during load development?

[Arkyvarminter]

I have a Rem. 700 that's been trued with a 26" Shilen chambered in 22-250. I have been getting fairly good groups with Nosler Ballistic tips. I have some Match Bergers that do well too. My question is should I focus on just match grade during load development for paper and just use the others for hunting? Is there that much difference in the match vs hunting bullets? Just curious.......Thanks

 

[Terry]

Load what you intend to shoot. Other bullets only add confusion.

 

[Arkyvarminter]

Load what you intend to shoot. Other bullets only add confusion.

Well, I only shoot coyotes when hunting so they don't have to shoot bugholes. I shoot paper for fun so I want the best bullets for that purpose...if u know what I mean...

 

[Terry]

Then split the development. Do a hunting work up, and a match work up.

 

[Witchhunter]

Any change in your recipe will just cause confusion. If you want accuracy, try everything, you never know. I have loads that use hunting bullets and standard primers that are most accurate. Each rifle is different. You might find a load with a hunting bullet that will shoot extremely well, but most match bullets do not give best results in a hunting situation.

 

[DennisH]

Load what you intend to shoot. Other bullets only add confusion.

Definitely follow the above advice. All bullets shoot different. It might be close, but tune in to the one your going to shoot.

If your going to shoot competition, try to buy your bullets that came from the same lot.

JMO, Dennis

 

[snert]

Simple answer...develop your load with the bullet you are going to shoot.

 

[chevytruck_83]

The 22-250 shoots a rather light bullet for hunting and barrel life is short so I would pick a weight hunting bullet that matches your twist rate and try to Make it shoot. One load makes everything easier. Keep your seater die setup, one trajectory and less inventory.

 

[MrMajestic]

Just to muddy the water, if your twist allows it give the 64 grain Berger a shot. Never seen a .22 that hasn't liked them and they are listed as a Varmint/Target bullet. Pretty sure they have a radar core! JMHO

 

[Shaggy357]

Hmmmph....that is the old guy in me coming out. Lots of what is in the replies is right on....to a point. I have a 243 WSSM that I like for deer hunting. With the Nosler Partitions, it will shoot tight groups. I can also shoot the Nosler Ballistic tip of similar weight to almost the same point of aim and nearly as accurate. I have a load in my .22-250 that shoots bug size groups with the Nosler 55gr Ballistic Tips. Some of the surplus bullets are a whole lot cheaper and kill a rock chuck just as dead at 2-300 yards.

If you find the bullet that shoots bug size groups for your paper punching hobby, there is no hard and fast rule that you cant make a minor modification in powder volume and bullet to come up with a similar load for plinking and varmints. Soda cans and squirrels cant tell the difference in $10 a box bullets and $35 a box bullets. Paper targets, when a trophy or prize is on the line, can tell the difference.

Your choice.....

STeve