QuikLoad pressure question for 22-250

Doodlebugger45 · August 29, 2011, 01:54 PM

I recently read an article in the American Rifleman where the author published some loads that are quite a bit slower than the normal 22-250 loads that I normally use. One load in particular called for 25.0 gr of IMR-4198 powder with a 40 gr bullet yielding about 3000 fps. It just so happens that I have some 40 gr Nosler ballistic tips and I also have a jug of IMR-4198 sitting around doing nothing. But before I blindly start putting together some loads using a powder that is not mentioned in the Hodgdon data, I would like to know about where I might be on the pressure curve. I'm guessing the 25.0 gr load is fairly low on the pressure curve, so I could experiment with different powder weights going from 24.0 to 26.0 looking for an accuracy node. But I hate just random guessing when it comes to these things.

Normally I use H-4895 when I'm looking for slower velocities than usual. But I'm wondering if the IMR-4198 might be worth experimenting with the 52 gr bullets I typically use as well, looking for 3000-3100 fps range.

Any QuikLoad users out there that can tell me a rough idea of pressures using the IMR-4198 with either 40 gr BT or 52 gr AMax?

saands · August 29, 2011, 09:36 PM

QL says 31,632 psi for 25gr of IMR-4198 under a 40gr NOS BT @ 2.350" COAL ... it shows about 50,000 psi (still below 90% of max) at 30 grains, so you can certainly explore the 26 to 27 grain neighborhoods with confidence.

You didn't specify a bbl length, so I can't give you a meaningful velocity prediction, but 25 grains of the same powder would be reasonable for your amax choice and you don't hit 50,000 psi until you get to 27.8 grains of 4198.

Remember, QL is just a model ... all models are wrong, but some are useful ... I consider it a useful one, but I always look at what speed it says I should get at a certain pressure and make darned sure I don't go over the speed limit! In a 20" bbl, the AMAX should go 3350 fps at 50,000 psi with 4198.

Saands

Doodlebugger45 · August 30, 2011, 12:21 PM

Muchas Gracias!

That was exactly the info I was looking for. The barrel is 22" by the way. I'm not terribly interested in a specific velocity though. I'm just basically looking for a cheap plinking round that won't eat up the barrel when I don't have the need for 3700 fps.

August 29, 2011, 01:54 PM	#1
Doodlebugger45 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,717	QuikLoad pressure question for 22-250 I recently read an article in the American Rifleman where the author published some loads that are quite a bit slower than the normal 22-250 loads that I normally use. One load in particular called for 25.0 gr of IMR-4198 powder with a 40 gr bullet yielding about 3000 fps. It just so happens that I have some 40 gr Nosler ballistic tips and I also have a jug of IMR-4198 sitting around doing nothing. But before I blindly start putting together some loads using a powder that is not mentioned in the Hodgdon data, I would like to know about where I might be on the pressure curve. I'm guessing the 25.0 gr load is fairly low on the pressure curve, so I could experiment with different powder weights going from 24.0 to 26.0 looking for an accuracy node. But I hate just random guessing when it comes to these things. Normally I use H-4895 when I'm looking for slower velocities than usual. But I'm wondering if the IMR-4198 might be worth experimenting with the 52 gr bullets I typically use as well, looking for 3000-3100 fps range. Any QuikLoad users out there that can tell me a rough idea of pressures using the IMR-4198 with either 40 gr BT or 52 gr AMax?

August 29, 2011, 09:36 PM	#2
saands Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1999 Posts: 1,573	QL says 31,632 psi for 25gr of IMR-4198 under a 40gr NOS BT @ 2.350" COAL ... it shows about 50,000 psi (still below 90% of max) at 30 grains, so you can certainly explore the 26 to 27 grain neighborhoods with confidence. You didn't specify a bbl length, so I can't give you a meaningful velocity prediction, but 25 grains of the same powder would be reasonable for your amax choice and you don't hit 50,000 psi until you get to 27.8 grains of 4198. Remember, QL is just a model ... all models are wrong, but some are useful ... I consider it a useful one, but I always look at what speed it says I should get at a certain pressure and make darned sure I don't go over the speed limit! In a 20" bbl, the AMAX should go 3350 fps at 50,000 psi with 4198. Saands

August 30, 2011, 12:21 PM	#3
Doodlebugger45 Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: Wyoming Posts: 1,717	Muchas Gracias! That was exactly the info I was looking for. The barrel is 22" by the way. I'm not terribly interested in a specific velocity though. I'm just basically looking for a cheap plinking round that won't eat up the barrel when I don't have the need for 3700 fps.