Benchmark powder and a 22-250

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utahheadgear

New member
I've got a Stevens 200 that shoots great with Benchmark powder and a 50 grain v-max. The problem is that it shoots the very best with a max charge and along with that charge comes some signs of excessive pressure. Obviously I am going to back down the charge weight to avoid the pressure, but I am starting to wonder if I would be better off with a different powder with a little slower burn rate. I know Benchmark burns a bit faster than typically recommended for the 22-250.

I've tried Varget and it didn't do as well as Benchmark.

Any of you boys have any suggestions on a better powder to try or should I just stick with Benchmark and back 'er down a notch.

Thanks.
 
Quote:


I've tried Varget and it didn't do as well as Benchmark.




Do as well, in what aspect? Speed, accuracy? I really like Varget in that sized case, same with RL15.
 
I've tried Benchmark, Varget, and H380 in my Savage .22-250. H380 was the most accurate of the three by far. My pet load is 38.5 grains of 380 behind a 53gr Sierra Match King. This same powder load shot extremely good groups with the 50 Vmax. I just do not like the Vmax, as I was having too much pelt damage with it.
 
I haven't tried H380, but thought I might and with two votes already I may have to give it a shot.

To answer your question Dogcatcher I was referring to accuracy, which is my main concern.
 
IMR 4064 has always done well in my Ruger 77V .22-250. It also performs well in a Rem. 700 VS .220 Swift, so it's one of my favorite powders.
 
Dogcatcher is correct in that H380 is more temperature sensitive than other powders. The reason for this is that ball powders (which 380 is) are more temperature sensitive than extruded powders (ie - Varget, Benchmark, 4895, etc.). The only time I ever had a problem with it, I was shooting on a nasty hot 90 degree + day; I had fired about 10 rounds; I chambered a "hot" load of H380 and unwittingly allowed it to sit in the hot chamber for a few minutes before I touched it off. That one showed a definite pressure issue as I could not open the bolt. My suggestion for H380 and your 22-250 with 50 to 55 grain bullets: Just stay somewhere between 37 and 39 grains, and I would bet that you can find a very accurate load. For whatever reason, my gun loves H380.
 
I shoot loads in my hunting rifles that may show the very slightest amount of pressure signs, but not excessive.

You may re-think your decision based on just how much pressure signs you are seeing. Also, temps are warmer now than they will be in a month, pressure will drop.

I have a freind that was duscussing how well his 22/250 shot with Benchmark with the 50's, but pressures were up.
 
I use Benchmark in my 22-250s and it shoots very well for me at max load and it might be what i end up shooting out of my 22-250AI Ackly. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
My particular 22-250 shoots Benchmark best, with Varget a very close second, with Sierra's excellent 55 grain HPBT bullet. Three shots into a 1/4" group at 100 yards using a 20x scope for developing loads. The powder charge is 32.6 grains of Benchmark. The Varget powder charge with the same bullet was around 35.0 grains. The Varget load measured 3/8" for three shots.
Having said this, each rifle is different, and your rifle might shoot H-380 best, or 4064. You'll just have to do the testing to find out. My rifle shot H-380 terribly. But, I had a different 22-250 30 years ago that shot H-380 best of all. And, before that, another 22-250 shot IMR-4320 best. My current rifle wouldn't shoot 4320 either, or 4895. They all shot 2", three shot groups.

Martyn
 
Great info guys. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I am going to try some H380 for kicks, but will likely end up with a smaller charge of Benchmark. It shoots too well to give up on entirely. We'll see what happens.

Thanks again.
 
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