Need Help: 22-250AI Barrel Specs

[IMMORTAL]

I have a Savage Model 12 action and I'm thinking of having it re barreled to a 22-250AI shooting the 75gr. bullets and have some questions.

What would be the best twist rate?

What would be the optimal barrel length?

What free bore should I use?

Thanks,Dave

 

[22DASHER]

8 twist
26”
.060-.080

 

[JLT]

I'd suggest a 1:9 for the 75s out of the AI with a finished length of 26". A freebore of .080 or so should be fine for the 75s.

 

[284winner]

I'd suggest a 1:9 for the 75s out of the AI with a finished length of 26". A freebore of .080 or so should be fine for the 75s.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I went with a 30" barrel for the free extra fps.

 

[B23]

I agree with 22Dasher, go 1-8tw and unless you are just trying to squeeze every last ounce of velocity from you new build, I don't think you need more than a 26in. tube and a 24 wouldn't be a bad choice either.

I'm shooting Berger 75's out of my 22-6mm with 1-9tw barrel and it prints them well enough but per Berger, I am not getting the full benefit of the BC of that bullet. I have a 22-243 improved build going together that I'll be shooting the 75's & 80's in and it's getting a 1-8tw.

Not to start any kind of debate between the two because I think they are both very good, but the 22 Creedmoor is pretty much a ballistic twin to a 22-250AI but without the fireforming and there are brass companies that are now making good quality 22 Creedmoor brass that requires nothing more than load it and shoot it. Something to consider.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I'd suggest a 1:9 for the 75s out of the AI with a finished length of 26". A freebore of .080 or so should be fine for the 75s.

AGREED with JLT above,.. 1-9 twist, shooting any of, the 65 GK's, 69 SMK's, 70-75 VLD's or, the Horn 75 gr. ELD's or, BTHP Match, bullets,.. lots of good choices! That's the Twist we are going to do in sons .22x47 Lapua. Many reports on, 1-7's 1-8's with, 80's- 90's, getting POOR barrel life from, the many posts I've read,.. about, 900-1200 rounds and GONE ! NOT my cup of Tea as, I want 2,000+ accurate rounds if, possible !

 

[IMMORTAL]

Thanks for all the reply's. Also thinking of doing another 22BR. I really miss the one I had.

 

[SteveOak]

I agree with 22Dasher, go 1-8tw and unless you are just trying to squeeze every last ounce of velocity from you new build.....

Perhaps I misunderstood your post but I would expect to get less velocity from an 8 twist vs a 9 twist.

With a faster twist you would hit pressure limitations sooner than with a slower twist, everything else being the same.

 

[22DASHER]

The velocity difference is going to be negligible. Your nodes will likely be in the same spot. I exclusively shoot 8 twists in my 223’s, 22-250 AI, and 22 Dashers. All of them shoot 75 grain Amaxs great and I have the option the shoot 80’s down the road when the throat moves.... which will happen quite quickly I might add. No good reason not to go 8 twist in my eyes.

 

[B23]

Perhaps I misunderstood your post but I would expect to get less velocity from an 8 twist vs a 9 twist.

With a faster twist you would hit pressure limitations sooner than with a slower twist, everything else being the same.

Well, you only quoted part of my sentence and maybe I wasn't very clear with my typing so I'll try again.

I'd go with a 1-8tw barrel if I was planning on shooting high BC 75's and 80's. Also, I don't see the need for a barrel longer than 26 inches in this particular chambering, but barrel length can often be personal preference.

As for a 8 twist or 9 twist, with regard to velocity, I'd imagine the 9 would possibly shoot a bit faster, but for me, the whole point of shooting VLD type bullets is to get the maximum BC from them so I'd still opt for the 8 twist. Velocity is nice and can help with regard to bullet stability, but it's no substitute for barrel twist.

 

[284winner]

Well, you only quoted part of my sentence and maybe I wasn't very clear with my typing so I'll try again.

I'd go with a 1-8tw barrel if I was planning on shooting high BC 75's and 80's. Also, I don't see the need for a barrel longer than 26 inches in this particular chambering, but barrel length can often be personal preference.

As for a 8 twist or 9 twist, with regard to velocity, I'd imagine the 9 would possibly shoot a bit faster, but for me, the whole point of shooting VLD type bullets is to get the maximum BC from them so I'd still opt for the 8 twist. Velocity is nice and can help with regard to bullet stability, but it's no substitute for barrel twist.

Velocity is third in regard to stability. Twist, elevation and velocity. I tried substituting velocity over twist thinking if I pushed the bullet fast enough, it would stabilize. Wrong. Would have been fine at 4000' but at 850' elevation, no go. Your right on with twist being most important BUT there is a fine line for those concerned with rpms and burning barrels. I went with an 8 twist for 80 low drag bullets. The 9 won't stabilize them no matter how fast they run. Turns out the 75s will do all the 80s will in a 9 twist pushed a bit faster at less rpms and longer barrel life. I once said, barrels are replaceable and at a modest expense. That being true, it still takes time waiting for the new barrel and work. 8 vs 9 ? Good question. Both are great choices for the big case .22s. I chose 8 and really like it. My 9 won't spin 75-80s in my 223. Don't really think you'd go wrong with either twist IF your only gonna shoot 75s.

 

[SteveOak]

Well, you only quoted part of my sentence and maybe I wasn't very clear with my typing so I'll try again.

I'd go with a 1-8tw barrel if I was planning on shooting high BC 75's and 80's. Also, I don't see the need for a barrel longer than 26 inches in this particular chambering, but barrel length can often be personal preference.

As for a 8 twist or 9 twist, with regard to velocity, I'd imagine the 9 would possibly shoot a bit faster, but for me, the whole point of shooting VLD type bullets is to get the maximum BC from them so I'd still opt for the 8 twist. Velocity is nice and can help with regard to bullet stability, but it's no substitute for barrel twist.

I missed the "and" which completely changes the meaning of your statement. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[JBT47]

1-8” twist

 

[RussellJ]

8 twist
26”
.060-.080

+1

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

NEWS FLASH,.. the 75 grain Amax is NOT, the same as, the 75 ELD M,.. design change. Some of you may already know this,.. I did NOT ! Hornady is NOW making, a 73 grain ELD M for, the 1-9 twist .224 dia. ( Lower BC and probably, shorter !) OP should go 1-8 tw IF,.. wanting to shoot, the 75 ELD M's ! I'm still ordering a 1-9 tw for, my son's bbl.,.. to shoot the 55 gr's to 73's well. The 75 gr Horn BTHP Match still "works" fine in the 1-9 as shorter bullet, NO tip !. Check with Hornady tho, to verify, because I read this Info, on another site. I was curious as to WHY the 73 ELD-M, existed ??? Kinda makes sense, now ! Hornady could Fk' Up,.. a wet Dream !

 

[HunterLand]

I would recommend the same as 22DASHER

 

[xswanted]

Do an 8. You have the option to shoot 80s or heavier if you’d like. 90s won’t work.

I’ve burned through a lot of rounds in a 22-250 AI and a 22BR both 8 twists.
75s will got 3500 in the 250 and 3300 in the 22 br with the right loads.

Burn the barrel up, get a new one.

Worrying about barrel life on a hot rod like a 22-250 AI is like worrying about wearing out your tires after you buy a Hellcat Challenger.

 

[284winner]

Do an 8. You have the option to shoot 80s or heavier if you’d like. 90s won’t work.

I’ve burned through a lot of rounds in a 22-250 AI and a 22BR both 8 twists.
75s will got 3500 in the 250 and 3300 in the 22 br with the right loads.

Burn the barrel up, get a new one.

Worrying about barrel life on a hot rod like a 22-250 AI is like worrying about wearing out your tires after you buy a Hellcat Challenger.

90s shoot very well from an 8 twist 22-250 Ackley. Not sure about a non Ackley. 3200 fps with 90s in an 8 twist stabilizes perfectly.

 

[linebaugh]

90s shoot very well from an 8 twist 22-250 Ackley. Not sure about a non Ackley. 3200 fps with 90s in an 8 twist stabilizes perfectly.

What .284winner said. Mine shoots 90's at 3150 perfectly from a 8 twist. Have shot just over 2" groups at 750 yards. If it becomes unstable past that... oh well. Don't let those who repeat false information fool you.

And I would go 8 twist so you can use other bullets if needed. Velocity will be within 25-40fps of the 9 twist but you have the ability to shoot heavies if needed. Lapua brass available.

 

[284winner]

90s shoot very well from an 8 twist 22-250 Ackley. Not sure about a non Ackley. 3200 fps with 90s in an 8 twist stabilizes perfectly.

What .284winner said. Mine shoots 90's at 3150 perfectly from a 8 twist. Have shot just over 2" groups at 750 yards. If it becomes unstable past that... oh well. Don't let those who repeat false information fool you.

And I would go 8 twist so you can use other bullets if needed. Velocity will be within 25-40fps of the 9 twist but you have the ability to shoot heavies if needed. Lapua brass available.

Not sure it's false information in some guys barrels. I have a buddy that tried shooting 90s in his 22-250 but can't stabilize them in his 8 twist. His barrel is short and he doesn't really like running anything close to warm. Think he said he's only getting 3000 fps. Everyone is different in how they load but when it's a borderline weight to caliber to twist ratio, sometimes they need to be pushed to near top speeds to stabilize. Mine roughly are in the 3300-3325 range and shoot well.