Is this possible for a 22-250

R

Ricky Bobby

New member
Reading a different post has got me pondering something ... If a person knows they would be taking shots of say maybe 150 yards or less, would it be possible to download a 22-250 as to possibly keep fur damage to a minimum? When calling for coyotes I do get the occassional chance at a fox and really hate shooting them up. This is probably the same reason I find myself reaching for my .204 & .22 Hornet more often than not! I realize that bullet selection is an important factor to the equation, also. Just thinking that this would be a neat way to get the 22-250 some much needed field time! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
 
I have downloaded several cartridges for specific purposes so it is entirely possible. There are a few powders that are commonly used such as Trail Boss,AA5744 but without knowing about what speeds you are considering this info maybe of interest. One thing to keep in mind with reduced loads is the chance of a double charge so visually inspect each case before seating your bullets.

http://hodgdon.com/PDF/Youth%20Loads.pdf
 
I really do have to agree with you guys on this! Can't really say that those were the answers I was wanting to get, though. Thought this would maybe be an option with my 22-250 that I have never considered before.
 
Thanks venatic! This might be something I'd be willing to try playing around with down the road. What type bullets would you suggest for my application? You have given me some good material for a starting point.
 
You can load down the 22-250 and get excellent accuracy, I have even went so far as to shoot cast bullets in one again with surprising accuracy. In the Speer #10 reloading manual it lists a load of 11.5 grains of IMR 4759 with a 45 grain bullet giving 1984 fps. The only problem is that the POI may change from your HV load. The first 22-250 that I owned long since gone would keep the two loads close enough to be accurate for squirrel hunting out to 100 yards. The last one that I have owned would not, just have to try and see.

Try it you just might be surprised

Richard
 
The bullet I have had the best luck with saving fur has been the 40 gr Sierra Blitz King running 3400-3500 from a 1/12 twist barrel. Never exits coyotes or Bobcats but have had some good some bad on fox just depends on how you hit them.
 
Of course it is possible, and entirely worthy, cause then one doesn't need to buy a 22 Hornet ; you have the versatility of several guns for the cost of one. One can also use cast bullets at lower velocities per the loads listed in the older Lyman manuals.

Spend the money saved on diamonds for the wife, the kids' college fund, etc.
 
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Originally Posted By: BuckeyeSpecialOf course it is possible, and entirely worthy, cause then one doesn't need to buy a 22 Hornet ; you have the versatility of several guns for the cost of one. One can also use cast bullets at lower velocities per the loads listed in the older Lyman manuals.

Spend the money saved on diamonds for the wife, the kids' college fund, etc.


Unless a fellow needs two rifles. It is awful handy to have a smaller rifle to use when inviting a friend shooting, or to have for a kid who wants to shoot with you.
 
I often use a less than max velocity load in my 22/250. It reduces fur damage and shoots well in my gun. I don't use a load below the reccomended loads in any of my reloading books but there is no law saying everything has to be at max velocity to hunt coyotes. A couple of hundred feet per second slower can make a great load for reducing fur damage. I hate playing "Betsy Ross" sewing up big holes in prime coyotes due to poor bullet performance due to high velocity. However you can acheive the same results by using the right bullet to begin with.
 
Ricky, in HANDLOADER 261 dated August 09, John Haviland did just what you're trying to do. If you can't find the info, PM me and I'll see you get it. (copyright thing has me a bit worried)
Mark
 
Would it not me more beneficial to increase bullet weight, rather than decrease it? Say go up to a 60-75gr bullet loaded on the lighter side. Of course your barrel twist rate will determine the weight range you can get away with but...

Ive thought about this as well. Ive lost a some decent furs from blowing shoulders off using 55gr softpoints.

Id really like to do a fast twist 22-250 and try 75gr Amaxes.
 
Check hogdon's site for info on reduced loads with trailboss and H4895. I've also got a bunch of BlueDot loads for the .22-250 from a chap over at the 24hourcampfire that I have yet to try but I have used BlueDot and IMR4759 in a .30/30 for reduced loads.

You can do a whole bunch to help with fur damage on fox. I keep my .22-250, 50gr V-max loads at around 3600fps and if I avoid the edges and shoulders I get quarter size exits. Of coarse that's easier said then done. You might try a bullet with a little heavier construction like a 52gr. match HPBT. Those things have tiny little HP's. I also don't think you need to drop down all the way to hornet levels. If it were me I'd look at some .222 rem or fireball velocities and try to go in that neighborhood. 2900-3000 fps or so. With that combo you will still have a sight in of 190 yards and and a MPBR of 220 or so.

Also, don't try to bring em in close. Once you have a good shot, stop em and take it. Let nature slow down your bullet some.

CB

 
I would just keep reaching for your hornet or your 204. 22-250's are great if you need to spank out to long distance, and can quite easily be downloaded if you don't have anything else. However in your case, since you already have two other calibers to choose from, go for the easiest solution and use the others!
 
38g of H380 with a 55g Sierra Sp does not blow big holes in yotes at 3500 fps. Many have died with that load when yotes were bringing $35-$55 each, we did not have to do a lot of sewing.
 
You just have to be carefull to keep the powder BACK against the cartridge head/primer flash hole. Super light loads can allow the powder to lie flat on the inside of the caseing which is a "no-no". Some even stuff some fiberfill into the case to keep the powder to the rear.
 
I have to agree with the folks that say, since you already have a .22Hornet and a .204, it doesn't make sense to try to turn the .22-250 into one. There are horses for courses.

If you didn't already have the others, it would be a different story.

I have a .22 Hornet, .223, and .22-250. Since I bought the .223 the .22-250 doesn't get used much. I take the Hornet when I know the shots will be 160 yards or less because with the reduced recoil I can see the hits.

Fitch
 


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