22-250 reloads 22" barrel

castnblast · July 2, 2006, 03:50 PM

I just got back into reloading and recently purchased a Howa 22-250. I am looking at 55 gr. BTSP's and 65 gr BTSP's. From all the data, I have looked at, I'm leaning toward either IMR 4895 or 4064. They seem to get the best velocities. However, I'm more concerned w/ accuracy...a fast bullet that misses, just misses faster... Will the 65 stabalize out of a 1 in 12"? Or should I stick w/ the 55? Also, (and I know each gun is different) what has been your experience with these loads and powder selection? Am I on track? I used to reload for 300 win mag and 7mm rem mag. This is my first venture w/ a varmint caliber, which may also occasionally double as a deer gun (head and neck shots only...I live in S.TX, deer are small)

steveno · July 2, 2006, 05:55 PM

for bullets heavier than 55 grains you will probably need at least a 1 in 10 or faster twist

ConRich · July 2, 2006, 09:16 PM

+1 on what Steveno said about the twist. Also, I have had very good results with H-380 and with Varget in my 22-250 loads.

Rich

918v · July 2, 2006, 10:40 PM

The best powder for that bullet weight is AA4064. It is the best of the 4064's because it gives better case fill and more complete combustion than the ancient IMR version. All other powders are rither too slow or slosh around inside the case, causing positioning issues. If you still don't like AA4064, try VV N-150. It is very similar.

Crosshair · July 3, 2006, 03:40 AM

I use IMR-4320 in my 22-250. With that short barrel I would stick to the heavier bullets though.

castnblast · July 3, 2006, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the input. Have any of you guys used the Sierra Game King Spitzer Boat tail in either weights? (65 or 55) and if so what are your thoughts as a medium to small game bullet? Also, my only hang up on IMR was that their data seemed to load them up a bit hotter. BUT...I'm looking for accuracy. Has anyone used Benchmark powder? Does the AA 4064 get similar speeds?

Art Eatman · July 5, 2006, 12:53 AM

I've used Sierras in .22-250, .220 Swift, .243 and .30-'06. They've always given tight groups.

I dunno if they still make the 52-grain HPBT, but I got 5-shot 3/8" groups with that bullet from my Swift.

Art

castnblast · July 5, 2006, 11:07 AM

Art, how has that bullet (52 gr hpbt) performed on med. sized game? I was curious, because this gun will also double as a deer gun. I'll usually have my 7mm rem mag w/ me but not always. I really got my jollies off the lack of recoil I got from this new gun. FYI, I traded a 300 win mag for it. I'm going from one extreme to the other...

Scorch · July 5, 2006, 02:32 PM

I have shot 22-250 for the past 27-28 years, so here's what my experience says.

I tried 53 gr match HPBT, but the flatter trajectory of a Sierra 55 gr SPBT makes the difference beyond 400 yds. I have tried heavier bullets a few times. 1 in 14" twist will stabilize 55 gr every time, 60 gr are OK if you can get your velocity up. If you are shooting out of a 22" barrel, you might have trouble reaching the velocity that will reliably stabilize them. It will be trial and error.

As far as powder, I used IMR3031 and IMR 4320 very successfully. Velocity was so-so with IMR powders, but accuracy was very good. Then I switched to ball powders because of difficulties with metering loads the rod-style powders. H380 gives very good accuracy, but velocity was not what I expected. Near max load of WW760 gives very high velocities and good accuracy, but significant muzzle flash. I have been considering trying some Accurate Arms powders, but I really like WW760 for the high velocity it gives.

I am currently discarding all my old brass and starting all over after rebarreling my rifle recently, and will probably start back with WW760. The velocity is the main reason I shoot a 22-250. If I wanted to shoot 3200 fps I could just shoot my 223.

castnblast · July 5, 2006, 04:04 PM

Thanks Scorch. Do you know what the twist rate is for the Howa 1500 w/ a 22" barrel? I can't find anything on it...Nothing was noted on their website.

I'm hoping for a 1 in 12, and possibly a 1 in 10, but I'm not counting on the 1 in 10.

Crosshair · July 5, 2006, 10:46 PM

The Howa 1500 has a 1-14" twist in 22-250. Here This is why I love my Savage, it has a 1-12" twist.

918v · July 6, 2006, 10:34 AM

Get a Savage, it has a superior trigger and you can switch-out the barrels yourself.

Scorch · July 6, 2006, 12:31 PM

If you want to shoot heavier bullets at longer range, then go with a 1 in 12" twist. If you intend to shoot 100-500 yards, shoot a 55 gr SPBT like the Sierra and the twist won't matter. You don't really start to see any trajectory benefit from shooting heavier bullets until you get to 500 yards anyway. Unless you are looking for ft/lbs or wind bucking, I would stick with the standard loading.

castnblast · July 6, 2006, 03:22 PM

Thanks for your last posts. That was the meat and potatoes I was looking for. I already own the gun, so I'll see how the Sierra 55 btsp work out. I ordered 100 to try out. I did get a fairly nice group out of it w/ Remington Factory 55 gr. sp., just inside 1" moa using a towel and a step ladder for a rest. I'm going to lock it into a lead slead w/ my reloads and see just how tight I can get it. This is a really great forum, and I'm glad I found it. I'm looking forward to sharing lots of info and experience w/ you guys.!

July 2, 2006, 03:50 PM	#1
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	22-250 reloads 22" barrel I just got back into reloading and recently purchased a Howa 22-250. I am looking at 55 gr. BTSP's and 65 gr BTSP's. From all the data, I have looked at, I'm leaning toward either IMR 4895 or 4064. They seem to get the best velocities. However, I'm more concerned w/ accuracy...a fast bullet that misses, just misses faster... Will the 65 stabalize out of a 1 in 12"? Or should I stick w/ the 55? Also, (and I know each gun is different) what has been your experience with these loads and powder selection? Am I on track? I used to reload for 300 win mag and 7mm rem mag. This is my first venture w/ a varmint caliber, which may also occasionally double as a deer gun (head and neck shots only...I live in S.TX, deer are small)

July 3, 2006, 03:40 AM	#5
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	I use IMR-4320 in my 22-250. With that short barrel I would stick to the heavier bullets though. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

July 5, 2006, 02:32 PM	#9
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I have shot 22-250 for the past 27-28 years, so here's what my experience says. I tried 53 gr match HPBT, but the flatter trajectory of a Sierra 55 gr SPBT makes the difference beyond 400 yds. I have tried heavier bullets a few times. 1 in 14" twist will stabilize 55 gr every time, 60 gr are OK if you can get your velocity up. If you are shooting out of a 22" barrel, you might have trouble reaching the velocity that will reliably stabilize them. It will be trial and error. As far as powder, I used IMR3031 and IMR 4320 very successfully. Velocity was so-so with IMR powders, but accuracy was very good. Then I switched to ball powders because of difficulties with metering loads the rod-style powders. H380 gives very good accuracy, but velocity was not what I expected. Near max load of WW760 gives very high velocities and good accuracy, but significant muzzle flash. I have been considering trying some Accurate Arms powders, but I really like WW760 for the high velocity it gives. I am currently discarding all my old brass and starting all over after rebarreling my rifle recently, and will probably start back with WW760. The velocity is the main reason I shoot a 22-250. If I wanted to shoot 3200 fps I could just shoot my 223. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 5, 2006, 10:46 PM	#11
Crosshair Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2004 Location: Grand Forks, ND Posts: 5,333	The Howa 1500 has a 1-14" twist in 22-250. Here This is why I love my Savage, it has a 1-12" twist. __________________ I don't carry a gun to go looking for trouble, I carry a gun in case trouble finds me.

July 6, 2006, 12:31 PM	#13
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	If you want to shoot heavier bullets at longer range, then go with a 1 in 12" twist. If you intend to shoot 100-500 yards, shoot a 55 gr SPBT like the Sierra and the twist won't matter. You don't really start to see any trajectory benefit from shooting heavier bullets until you get to 500 yards anyway. Unless you are looking for ft/lbs or wind bucking, I would stick with the standard loading. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

July 2, 2006, 05:55 PM	#2
steveno Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Minden , Nebraska Posts: 1,407	for bullets heavier than 55 grains you will probably need at least a 1 in 10 or faster twist

July 2, 2006, 09:16 PM	#3
ConRich Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 299	+1 on what Steveno said about the twist. Also, I have had very good results with H-380 and with Varget in my 22-250 loads. Rich

July 2, 2006, 10:40 PM	#4
918v Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2005 Posts: 1,372	The best powder for that bullet weight is AA4064. It is the best of the 4064's because it gives better case fill and more complete combustion than the ancient IMR version. All other powders are rither too slow or slosh around inside the case, causing positioning issues. If you still don't like AA4064, try VV N-150. It is very similar.

July 3, 2006, 09:16 AM	#6
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	Thanks for the input. Have any of you guys used the Sierra Game King Spitzer Boat tail in either weights? (65 or 55) and if so what are your thoughts as a medium to small game bullet? Also, my only hang up on IMR was that their data seemed to load them up a bit hotter. BUT...I'm looking for accuracy. Has anyone used Benchmark powder? Does the AA 4064 get similar speeds?

July 5, 2006, 12:53 AM	#7
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I've used Sierras in .22-250, .220 Swift, .243 and .30-'06. They've always given tight groups. I dunno if they still make the 52-grain HPBT, but I got 5-shot 3/8" groups with that bullet from my Swift. Art

July 5, 2006, 11:07 AM	#8
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	Art, how has that bullet (52 gr hpbt) performed on med. sized game? I was curious, because this gun will also double as a deer gun. I'll usually have my 7mm rem mag w/ me but not always. I really got my jollies off the lack of recoil I got from this new gun. FYI, I traded a 300 win mag for it. I'm going from one extreme to the other...

July 5, 2006, 04:04 PM	#10
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	Thanks Scorch. Do you know what the twist rate is for the Howa 1500 w/ a 22" barrel? I can't find anything on it...Nothing was noted on their website. I'm hoping for a 1 in 12, and possibly a 1 in 10, but I'm not counting on the 1 in 10.

July 6, 2006, 10:34 AM	#12
918v Junior member Join Date: September 25, 2005 Posts: 1,372	Get a Savage, it has a superior trigger and you can switch-out the barrels yourself.

July 6, 2006, 03:22 PM	#14
castnblast Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2006 Location: Corpus Christi TX Posts: 1,148	Thanks for your last posts. That was the meat and potatoes I was looking for. I already own the gun, so I'll see how the Sierra 55 btsp work out. I ordered 100 to try out. I did get a fairly nice group out of it w/ Remington Factory 55 gr. sp., just inside 1" moa using a towel and a step ladder for a rest. I'm going to lock it into a lead slead w/ my reloads and see just how tight I can get it. This is a really great forum, and I'm glad I found it. I'm looking forward to sharing lots of info and experience w/ you guys.!