Some success from the 22-250

[Wincheringen]

My 22-250 is finally showing some promise. I have worked with several bullets and really hoped the 35 grain BTLF would shoot but an inch was the best I could get. I had some of the Sierra 50 grain Varminter bullets around from working with my .22 Hornet and decided to load them up. Yesterday I went to the range and shot a few different bullets and the Varminter was the most consistent. Today I loaded up a bunch more and shot several groups with each powder charge. 5 five shot groups went .254" to .310".

Load info:
Win brass
Rem 9 1/2
36.5 grains AA 4064 - above Sierra max, in the middle of Accurate data - no pressure signs
Sierra 50 grain Varminter #1330
2.395" COAL
MV - 3721 FPS, ES 4 SD 9.

AA 4064 is basically a short cut version of IMR 4064, with about 2% less energy than an equivalent weight of IMR 4064 so it has excellent case fill.

 

[RiverRider]

That sounds great. Promising INDEED!

 

[FOTIS]

You're on your way buddy! Next time pictures!

 

[akhunter]

What rifle and scope you rocking?

 

[Wincheringen]

Fotis, I will have to take some pics. I don't usually save targets but I did this time.

akhunter- Rifle is a Ruger Hawkeye "Predator" with a Leupold Mark AR 6-18x40. I believe its the same as the VX2 version but with better turrets (even though they are designed for a .223)

I suppose it would be nice to get some better velocity, but I'm pleased with the accuracy. In my experience with many Ruger rifles, I haven't found one that delivered top accuracy at the ragged edge of velocity. I tried some of the Hornady Superformance 50 grain VMax listed at 4000FPS and that confirmed my previous findings.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Same with my Rugers as well. Love my 22-250 shoots awesome. How is the trigger on the hawkeye?

 

[Wincheringen]

I have other Hawkeyes and the trigger is decent, this one has the V/T Target two stage adjustable trigger and it is flat out awesome. Mine is set just under 3lbs.

Ruger introduced the Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win this year so I'm sure my collection will be growing rapidly.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Your velocity is fine as is your accuracy! I don't own a rifle nor have I ever loaded for one where I couldn't find a Sierra bullet that didn't shoot great. Sometimes it was a boat tail, others a flatbase, or often both. They make hand loading easy sometimes.

I think you would be handicapping your rifle's potential shooting bullets lighter than 50gr. It is cool to see 4k light up on the chrony but there's downside to that little pill.

 

[JD338]

Looking good. You are well on your way.
What is the twist rate in your Hawkeye, 1:14"?

JD338

 

[Wincheringen]

They are 1-14".

I'm thinking I need to pick up a neck sizing die as nearly every source of reloading data also mentions the case stretch problems associated with the 22-250. I looked for one locally today but no luck.

 

[Guy Miner]

That does look like a fine load. Velocity is good, and your ES & SD numbers are low. Groups are tight too... Nice!