.22-250 Loads: Next Step? Nosler Cust. Comp

[03psd]

Just getting started in the reloading thing for my M700 VFS 1:14. I went to the range today to test my first batch of handloads. I used recipies from this page and others and worked up. I only used two projectiles: 52gr Nosler Custom Comp BTHP and 50gr Nosler Ballistic Tip (to be used for hunting only). I stayed with H380 and Varget only for this session to limit the variables. I know H380 was made for the .22-250 but the Varget shot the two tightest groups.

There was a stiff breeze today that may have influenced a few shots minimally but I think this data is meaningful. Looking at the pic, my H380 loads are on the top row beginning right to left and increasing. The Varget loads are on the second row, right to left increasing. The third row contains the hottest H380 loads and the 3 ballistic tip loads I tried.

What should my next loads be based on these groups?

Thanks

 

[JD338]

03psd

Welcome to the forum.
You have several groups that have two shots in one hole and one out. That is a good sign that you are on to a decent load. Adjust your seating depth and seat your bullets longer. This should bring in those groups.

Here is what I am shooting in my M700 VLS 22-250-
50 gr BT-

55 gr BT-

JD338

 

[abhunter]

Thanks for the post guys. I am having my stock worked on right now. I am having to get 2.5 inches added to the butt end. Once back from Col. I will start the break in. WooHoo for me.

I will post targets once all broke in and custom loads made. I will add all data I have on this. I have a feeling this will be a blast to shoot.

Fritz

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

38.5gr of w760 and a 52gr Sierra match bullets always provided good results for me.

 

[03psd]

What sort of incremental adjustments do you suggest for COAL? Are we talking about a couple 1/1000's or several hundreths? I dont have a precision mic for this rifle to check the lead. For the loads above I used the standard COAL, 2.350".

 

[JD338]

03psd

I get my best accuracy .015-.020" off the lands. YMMV.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

Welcome to the forum. As stated play with seating depth. Also in the worst situation change primers.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

I usually adjust OAL in .005 increments.
With those results I'd probably do something of that nature with the 38.5gr of H380, and the 34gr of Varget, and see what happened.

 

[03psd]

Primers? Why CCI no good?

They are all I can find locally.

 

[Guy Miner]

I like the fact that you're sticking with lighter bullets. Those 1:14 twist barrels often don't do at all well with longer/heavier bullets, even 55 grainers are sometimes too much for them, particularly the plastic tip versions which seem to be even longer than normal.

I'd stay with the bullets you're using. Play with the seating depth a little. Bed the rifle & free float the barrel.

Max or near max loads have produced best accuracy for me. If CCI primers are avail - can you get their Benchrest primers? Very, very high quality...

Are you full-length resizing or neck sizing?

What bullet seater are you using? There are some really sweet seaters avail that virtually eliminate bullet runout and can cure some flyers...

Regards, Guy

 

[Powerstroke]

#1 Welcome to the Forum,

#2 +1 to everyting that has already been said.
I've had great accuracy results with the 52gr SMK's.. whith that said I've been shooting 55gr B-tips & SBK's for years now.

Hopefully you're using all the same Mfg's cases? Carefull switching between Reminging & Winchester ( or others )

As the others stated, I have the best luck about 15 thousandths off the lands & I also use CCI BR primers. The BR's were probably the biggest bennifit, but I also did it at the end.
I see just under 1/2 inch @ 100 5shot groups with a stiff charge of N-140

 

[03psd]

thanks all.

yes I am using all Winchester brass for load development. I have full length resized it because it was all previously fired in another rifle. Once I ger a load down I will neck size only and reuse this fire formed brass.

i will keep my eyes open for BR primers but I am lucky to have the regular LR.

Yep, I love the lighter bullets. The custom competition have done real well for me so far. I have tried some BT as well for hunting. I also have some Speer HP 52gr flat base that were recommended to me. I havent tried them yet.

The rifle is a 700 VSF so its already free floated. Before I bed it I will change stocks and probably go with a Manners but if I go that route I will spin on a Bartlein barrel same caliber but 22-24".

I am thinking about trying 42gr of H414 and the 52gr BTHP. Anyone tried this load?

Also considering trying Alliance 10x powder. thoughts?

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

H414 is the same powder as W760.
My old reliable for the 22-250 is 38.5gr of W760 with 52gr sierra and WMRP in a winchester case. shoots 3/8" in my 788.

 

[03psd]

Guys-

Can you give me an idea of your COAL?

 

[03psd]

this was the best of my second attempt. 39.5gr H380 under a 52gr Nosler Custom Competition HPBT in Winchester brass with a CCI primer. Next week I am going to try this same charge with a 2.40" COAL with both the Nosler and Speer 52gr HP flat base. I will also try the same projectiles with 36.5gr of IMR 4064.

It was a hot day and the barrel really heated up. I dont know how much effect this can have on POI or accurracy in general.

 

[cold_hunter]

OK when its hot outside stick with 3 shots if you dont want to heat the barrel. and that second group is outstanding. I would not change a thing unless you want to compete or something. Now im gooing to touch on something that got me into the little groups. What do you clean with? You said you broke the barrel in so there is prob. no need for me to add this but get the copper out of that barrel and foul it with one or two before a you start for the day. C.O.L. cant be givin to you your gun has to pick that up for its self. I make a dummy round for every bullet and my gun likes the bullets just off the lands, like .005 to .007 of jump. But my savage model 12FV will shoot every bullet i have tried in a .3 to .5 3 shot group as long as i clean it before i start a new combo. Ive used moly coated 53gr. Hornady flat based match, 40 gr sierra varmiters. 52gr matchkings, that old gun with its creepy trigger shoots. So someone in here cant pick it your gun will. And they are right on with the CCI BR2s, also CCI 200's are good. WLR's are good federal 210's. Your gun knows best no one else does. if all you can find are CCI 200's then thats what it will have to deal with. you can deburr the flash hole and uniform the primer pocket that might help. But dont turn your necks unless your guns chamber is a custum thats cut tight. You are on the right track and it appears you can really shoot a gun, so keep at it.

 

[03psd]

Thanks Cold-

I went to the 5 shots to really test the load and to try to take me out of the equation in case of a flyer at least I have 4 others to make a decision based on.

I clean with Ed's Red (ATF, Kerosene, Paint Thinner) and Barnes CR10 copper solvent. I clean about every 50 rounds with a synthetic brush. Copper build up does not seem to be a problem.

I will continue to fool with COAL to see how long I can go without pressure signs and accuracy issues. My biggest problem is remembering that it isnt a custom gun, I an not an expert marksman and I an not using a ransom or machine rest. At some point I will need to say "good enough"

 

[cold_hunter]

i have never heard of that mix for cleaning a gun, wow. but CR10 i have. and good old sweets 7.62 also works. but its slow and it smells like well you know. the best cleaner i have ever found and its almost gone is hunters extreme copper melt. and i cant find it sinse we went into Iraq. that stuff was fast. there is a classic load that i use and like with a 52 or 53gr. bullet. its just 38grs. of h380 such is the name h380. i could look back into my load book but like i said your gun will tell you.