22-250 twist question

[rjm158]

I've been considering a rifle in 22-250 for varminting, primarily coyotes, and have been looking at some of the reloading data. I've found that many rifles have a 1-14 twist but some data lists loads using bullets as heavy as 75ish grains.

My question is: will the 22-250 shoot bullets that heavy using the 1-14 twist? I know 223's won't but didn't know if the cartridge gods had given the 250 a unique ability or................? My thought, based on prior 223 experience, is that 55-60 grains would be about tops for the given twist.

Any suggested loads?

Ron

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Ron, you can shoot 75gr bullets out of a 1-14 twist barrel. Just expect them to hit the paper sideways, and leave perfect bullet profiles in the target.

1/14 twist barrels are designed to shoot up to 52 grain bullets. You might be able to shoot 60gr bullets depending on the design, but that's about the limit. Anything beyond that will just not be sufficently stabalized.

 

[rjm158]

Thanks, AS, that's kinda what I thought, too. I had to get out the door to get to work but I looked in my Nosler manual before I left and it said they used a 1-8 twist barrel with the heavier bullets.

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

Keep in mind, the true test of bullet stability is measured in RPM.
There are two ways to increase RPM, increase the velocity, or increase the twist. Since the 22-250 typically shoots at a higher velocity then the .222 or .223, you can sometimes get away with a marginally heavier bullet in the 22.250. So in a 1 in 14 twist 22.250, you can probably stabalize the same bullets as a 1 in 12.5 in the other two.

If you are looking for a substancial bullet for the 22.250, try the 60gr Partition. It will shoot through coyotes the long way, just as JD338.

 

[257 Ackley]

+1 on the twist rate...this is why I am rebarreling a Ruger #1 varmint barrel with a 12 twist.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

I have had great success with h380 powder and hornady v-max 55gr. I just bought a new rifle and am going to try h380, h414, and varget with some 52gr sierra hpbt. I'll let you know how that works out. You will love the 22-250 it is outstanding on chucks, fox, and yotes!

 

[JD338]

rjm158

Actually its not the weigh of the bullet, its the length. The 55 gr BT usually just makes it in a 1:14" twist. Sierra makes a 64 gr flat base bullet (I think) that will shoot in the 1:14 twist.
IMHO, the 1:12" twist is the slowest twist I would go with in a 22-250.
The 75 gr bullets you are refering to will need a 1:8" twist to stabalize.

JD338

 

[Powerstroke]

Agreed with all the above - If I'd have known years ago when my 22-250 was rebarreled, I'd have gone with a faster twist than the 1-14. I use 55gr B-tips & B-Kings with great success.
You're on the right track - the heavier bullets out of the -250's are definatly the ticket for yotes.

 

[Ridge_Runner]

If I wanted a 22-250 today, I'd buy a tikka varminter in 223, have it rechambered and the bolt face opened up, and get a 250 mag. then I'd have an 8 twist 22-250, could shoot 100 gr vld's through it.
RR

 

[rjm158]

Runner, you're closer than you know. I am a huge fan of Tikka rifles and had found a Varmint in 22-250 at a great price and that is part of what had sparked my interest. I have Varmint models in 223 and 308, and both will shoot lights out.

However, after reading the posts on this thread and the one on hunting about the 243 vs. 22-250, I think for the time being I'll focus on working up loads for my 243 and see how it works out. I am, however, entertaining the thought of a 243 varmint rifle, possibly a Howa.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Ron

 

[JD338]

If I wanted a 22-250 today, I'd buy a tikka varminter in 223, have it rechambered and the bolt face opened up, and get a 250 mag. then I'd have an 8 twist 22-250, could shoot 100 gr vld's through it.
RR

R_R

Thats pretty good rifle looney logic! :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[JD338]

Runner, you're closer than you know. I am a huge fan of Tikka rifles and had found a Varmint in 22-250 at a great price and that is part of what had sparked my interest. I have Varmint models in 223 and 308, and both will shoot lights out.

However, after reading the posts on this thread and the one on hunting about the 243 vs. 22-250, I think for the time being I'll focus on working up loads for my 243 and see how it works out. I am, however, entertaining the thought of a 243 varmint rifle, possibly a Howa.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Ron

243 Win, try this load......

70 gr BT
39.0-39.5 grs IMR 4895

Shoots lights out in several rifles! Remember to work up.

JD338

 

[rjm158]

JD, I apologize. After reading the post I realized what was in my brain didn't come out through my fingers. What I really meant to ask was if anyone had experience/opinions concerning the Howa Varmints.

However, I will try your load out and see what happens.

Thanks, Ron

 

[JD338]

rjm158

No worries buddy. I have not shot a Howa but all I have ever heard of them was good!
The above load is a good one, it was the club load for hi power matches and shot well under MOA in 7-8 different rifles. I also used this with the 70 gr BT for woodchucks and coyotes and it put them down right now.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

I just got a T/C Venture in 22-250 for my beat around rifle. The reason I went with the T/C over my favorite Winchester is exactly for the 60gr PT. It shot really well in my heavy barreled Savage and they can be pushed into the 3500 range pretty easily with Varget or RL15. I think the new Hodgdon Superformance powder will get them into the 3700 range. Haven't shot anything in it yet, but I think it will make a great hiking yote gun. Scotty