So today I was doing my second day of load testing for my newly acquired 22-250. 53gr VMax w/ 36gr 4064 and 55gr VMax w/ 35.5gr Varget both did very well in the gun, so I loaded up 10 of each to see if I could replicate yesterdays shooting.

I also loaded 5 rds using a RMR 69gr bullet with 31gr of Varget. That is were things went bad…..lol.

The first two loads shot sub MOA at 100 and 200 yds. The 69gr shot almost a 5” group. My aiming point was the bottom left target and that aimig point never changed. As you can see, that bullet hit all 3 of the lower targets and I DID NOT shoot at them individually.

The group was so large and bullets so spread out that I checked my scope and mounts to make sure nothing had moved. I then shot another group with the 53gr load and it was under an inch, so I know it was that load.

I now know for sure that this gun does not like anything above 55gr. NP…it is cheaper to shoot anyway.

I love the gun, the accuracy, and no sore shoulders. My 6.5 and 308 will be in the safe for a while.

PS. I replaced the Choate Plaster stock with e BC Duramaxx….mo better.

Thanks for the report. It’s always good to see discussions of shooting on a firearms-related forum.

What is the rifling twist rate of the barrel?

My initial reaction to the lack of precision exhibited by the 69 grain load is that it was due to a problem with the bullets and/or loads, rather than lack of stability. From what I can see in the photos, there might have been a bit of excessive yawing at impact, but not horrible.

Here is a less than favorable review of RMR bullets that I found with a brief search:

https://forum.accurateshooter....-gn-bullets.4130305/

If the rifle has the original factory barrel, it's likely a 1:12 twist. Such twist is too slow for 69 grain bullets, regardless of brand, even given the MV of the 22-250.

Your best bet is bullets weighing 40-55 grains. Maybe something up to 60 grains might work.

I am reloading quite a bit nowadays, but mostly just for plinking, whether it be super or subsonic.

I've yet to get to the point where I am getting into different bullet weights and designs.

I have some 62 and 77 gr. 223 , where as I've only ever loaded 55 gr.

I also have 308 and 300 black from 125 grains to 220. So I need to experiment there.

It'll be interesting when I get into the 45-70 and 30-06 for sure.

One thing I told myself this time (versus my foray into reloading 13-14 years ago) is to go slow. Focus on doing it right rather than doing it fast. So far all reloads have been 100% reliable even if they didn't have the desired result. I consider that a win and simple learning.

One day, post retirement for sure, I hope to be where you guys are with your knowledge.

Traditional 22 centerfires (222,223,22-250etc) were optimized for 55 grain or so bullets regarding twist rate. Here, heavy for caliber ( over 60 grain) bullets are not your friend.

Even the 223 was originally optimized for 55’s, only when the A2 program wanted better penetration at longer range did bullets heavier than 55 become an option

quote:

Originally posted by captain127:
Here, heavy for caliber ( over 60 grain) bullets are not your friend.

They are not if the rifling twist rate is not fast enough, but if it is, quality barrels, bullets, and loads can produce very good results.

This is a group that I got from a Tikka T3x Super Varmint in 223 Remington using Berger 77 grain OTM Tactical fired at 100 yards. It measured 0.447" center to center. The Tikka has a 1/8" twist rate barrel.

I won’t claim that I can get the same size groups “all day long,” but it wasn’t unusual, either. Not many other rifles firing different cartridges can do better, especially at the price of the Tikka.





The obvious disadvantage any 223 Remington bullet has is its low ballistic coefficient as compared with many other cartridges’ bullets, and the resulting effect of wind at long ranges.

I own one custom 22-250, Shilen barrel. Back when I was on the 3 year waiting list I talked to the gunsmith periodically about the build, a fair amount on twist rates.

The ‘standard’, historical twist rate for the 22-250 has been 1/14”. Some off the shelf today can easily be 1/12”, custom or others faster. My gunsmith(RIP) went into discussion about planned bullet weights & use. I said I was looking at 90% use of 50 grain bullets, nothing over 55.

With that he recommended sticking with 1/14”. At the time my thought was going with 1/12” or so. I went with 1/14”, have shot only 50 grain bullets.

My thinking was if I wanted heavier, I’d use a 243.

Lots of web info on twist rates.

https://selectfiretrainingcent...rate-why-it-matters/