Powder question

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Gsjcky

Member
I’m planning on loading Speer 52 grain HP in a 22-250 with a 1-14 twist , & planning on using Varget. But I’m thinking that might be too slow for that bullet weight. Any suggestions on a powder? Thanx
 
Varget appears to be a good choice, CFE223 might give you a few more FPS, per Sierra app.
And welcome to PM.
 
Varget should be able to get in an overpressure situation if compressed. It is a safe powder that should be able to achieve ample speed (3800 ish out of a 24" barrel). It is very temperature stable for hunting purposes. H4895 is also a great choice that could possibly yield 50-75 fps more speed but will reach overpressure at 98% case fill.

Either of the two powders are an excellent choice.

If you are looking for all out speed without temperature stability then look at cfe223, Hybrid 100v or superformance which are all slower than varget.
 
Thank you, I’ve been on the Speer website more than once. Temperature stability is the biggest reason I want to try Varget first. It can get pretty cold hunting in January. I’m using Varget with a 55 gr hornady sp now, and so for I have been happy with the results so far. I’d like to use 55 gr bullets with this rifle, but am wondering If a 50 or 52 might be better with the 14 twist. I don’t care about hides, but I’m looking for a DRT load for coyotes. And I have to be honest...... 300 yards is a long shot for me, and the Speer HP sounds like it will work well for me. Maybe a 50 grain SP would be a better choice?
 
Are you able to achieve good groups with the 55gn bullet? I've tried just about everything and the hornady 55gn sp has been the most effective for drt results. I have not tried hollow points because pelt damage is not my concern
 
I have always been of the opinion that a barrel that likes a bullet will shoot it reasonably well with about any powder that is generally suited for the application.

I believe that if your new box of 52's does not shoot well with Varget, the powder may not be the problem. If a barrel and bullet combo are harmonious, powders can be tested for peak accuracy, accuracy window (+/- .5 grains of stellar accuracy without a large POI shift) and what speed you hopefully get that large window in.

Have you tried the Nosler 50 grain Ballistic Tips? Or 55's for that matter?

Those are the most accurate bullets i have ever shot. They can jump too. And a long way and still deliver stellar accuracy.

 
I’m getting 3/4 inch groups with 55 gr hornady bullets. I haven't chronographed them, but think I’m getting around 3500 FPS out of them. It’s a hornady book load,33.9 gr Varget, 1/2 grain bellow max . I would like a little more speed if possible.
 
You may want to do a ladder test and watch for pressure signs. There may be room for as much as 3 grains more powder before you get to max.
 
Load 5 rounds in increments of 0.2gn at a time. Chronograph speeds, document results. Check primers for pressure signs as you go. Compare targets, determine the best charge weight from the results. Once you find your node you can then experiment with different overall lengths..primers.. crimps..ect to perfect the round for your gun.

Might be best if you search YouTube for ladder test to get a better explanation.
 
Speculating on your velocity, then desiring more velocity is the path of a man who needs a chronograph or magneto speed or something.

I throw my chronograph on the ground out in front of me. Then shoot prone over the top of it. Takes 1 minute to set up.

I can't even imaging doing testing without it. There is so much information in those realtime numbers.
 
Thx BleedsBlue. I am doing research on ladder loading as we speak. Arlaunch, I do have a chronograph. Got one last summer, after I worked up this particular load. The load I’m using now will have to work for this winter, as my spare time is spent in the field calling. I’m doing my research now for next spring, when I will be spending time at the range.
 
I don't shoot a 22-250 but have shot and reloaded for the 220 Swift for about 40 years. There are a lot of bullet/powder combinations that will work well for you in the 22-250 and one of my all time favorites, which is the load I use for coyotes today in my Swift is the Sierra 55 gr HPBT (#1390) and IMR 4064. It is a great performer for me in the Swift and mine is also a 1:14 twist. I am sure you can find reloading data for your 22-250 using that combination.
 
Thx Wyobull. I was thinking of using 4064 if I can’t find a good load with Varget. Is it storming in Wyoming? We got a foot of snow here.. almost done, should be clear & cold tomorrow at dawn. Think I’ll go try and fool a yote in the morning.
 
When using the Speer 52 grain HP in a 22-250 keep you FPS around 3250 and you will like the results. That is the FPS out of my 223 and it works great. I was around 3500 fps in my 22-250 using IMR 4320 and killed 2 coyotes. I did hit a little high on both and holes were a little too big for me. I hate sewing! IMR 4064 and IMR 4320 work great in the 22-250. I'm using IMR 4320 because I got a heck of a buy on it and have 10# to use up. It was the go to powder for 22-250 in the past. Real close to the IMR 4064.

Rudy
 
Originally Posted By: GsjckyI’m planning on loading Speer 52 grain HP in a 22-250 with a 1-14 twist , & planning on using Varget. But I’m thinking that might be too slow for that bullet weight. Any suggestions on a powder? Thanx

Varget isn't too slow for that bullet. I use 33.5 to 35.5 with the 50 grain V-Max with great results.
 
I have used 34.5 grains of IMR3031 and a 52 grain Sierra or Hornady for the last 20 years. Have tried Varget and 4064, but haven't gotten better results. 3600+ fps.
 


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