Min and Max load in 22-250 with RE-10x

Poconolg · September 20, 2018, 06:44 AM

Just double checking my load. I have a 2016 Alliant loading guide and it lists for a 22-250 with a 52gr bullet 33gr of RE-10x if I reduce it 10% like the guide says the starting load would be 29.7. I used 30.5 gr the other day and the bolt was tight to open. Just want another opinion on this load because it shot well.

**Unclenick** · September 20, 2018, 08:34 AM

Tight bolt lift is, indeed a pressure sign. How does the case head look? Are you getting sharp marks where the ejector and extractor are? Does the primer look highly flattened and with sharply raised areas around the firing pin indentation? Has the case head expanded as compared to your starting load? If these signs are pronounced, they confirm high pressure. If not, you may have some other issue, like a bolt lug not making firm contact, trying to stretch to find the receiver lug, allowing the case to stretch back a little extra on one side, but then pinning it down when the bolt springs back.

Are your bullet, case, primer and COL the same as listed by Alliant? These days, bullet type differences alone can cause difference in peak pressure, as explained here. Different primers and different case capacities can make some pressure differences, too. If your bullet is very close to touching the lands, that can raise pressure 20% or so.

T. O'Heir · September 20, 2018, 01:27 PM

"...2016 Alliant loading guide..." Current data on their site is the same. Just means they haven't tested RL-10 and 52 grain bullets since then. You can download their 2018 guide if you want. Or they'll send you one for free. http://www.alliantpowder.com/resources/catalog.aspx
"...the bolt was tight to open..." Like Nick says, there are other factors. I'd be very surprised if there are any pressure issues(Alliant doesn't publish 'em on-line) though. What OAL? The cases the correct length? Any of the signs Nick listed present?

Poconolg · September 20, 2018, 02:32 PM

The brass is Lapua 1.095 long and the ogive is .018 off lands. I am using Win primers.

Poconolg · September 20, 2018, 02:34 PM

Correction the brass is 1.905 long

September 20, 2018, 06:44 AM	#1
Poconolg Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2015 Posts: 171	Min and Max load in 22-250 with RE-10x Just double checking my load. I have a 2016 Alliant loading guide and it lists for a 22-250 with a 52gr bullet 33gr of RE-10x if I reduce it 10% like the guide says the starting load would be 29.7. I used 30.5 gr the other day and the bolt was tight to open. Just want another opinion on this load because it shot well.

September 20, 2018, 08:34 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Tight bolt lift is, indeed a pressure sign. How does the case head look? Are you getting sharp marks where the ejector and extractor are? Does the primer look highly flattened and with sharply raised areas around the firing pin indentation? Has the case head expanded as compared to your starting load? If these signs are pronounced, they confirm high pressure. If not, you may have some other issue, like a bolt lug not making firm contact, trying to stretch to find the receiver lug, allowing the case to stretch back a little extra on one side, but then pinning it down when the bolt springs back. Are your bullet, case, primer and COL the same as listed by Alliant? These days, bullet type differences alone can cause difference in peak pressure, as explained here. Different primers and different case capacities can make some pressure differences, too. If your bullet is very close to touching the lands, that can raise pressure 20% or so. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 20, 2018, 01:27 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...2016 Alliant loading guide..." Current data on their site is the same. Just means they haven't tested RL-10 and 52 grain bullets since then. You can download their 2018 guide if you want. Or they'll send you one for free. http://www.alliantpowder.com/resources/catalog.aspx "...the bolt was tight to open..." Like Nick says, there are other factors. I'd be very surprised if there are any pressure issues(Alliant doesn't publish 'em on-line) though. What OAL? The cases the correct length? Any of the signs Nick listed present? __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

September 20, 2018, 02:32 PM	#4
Poconolg Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2015 Posts: 171	The brass is Lapua 1.095 long and the ogive is .018 off lands. I am using Win primers.

September 20, 2018, 02:34 PM	#5
Poconolg Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2015 Posts: 171	Correction the brass is 1.905 long