Question on 22-250 reduced loads

[Glockdaddy]

I have been considering getting a 22-250 instead of a 223. Initially I was just going to shoot targets and the 223 was the choice. But now I am considering some 300yd+ groundhog hunting and I know that the 22-250 is probably superior for that use.

According to what I have read, and my Speer reloading manual, you can do reduced loads in the 22-250. These loads call for less than half of the powder but still produce 1900fps performance. Has anyone had experience with these reduced loads and would they be ok for target shooting to save powder, recoil and barrel burn out? Of course I don't want to sacrifice accuracy for those things.

Thanks for the input....

 

[dennisH87]

First off, why do you want to shoot reduced loads out of a .22-250? Are you in a well settled area of the country? I shoot ground hogs w/ a .22-250 and load them to shoot about 3800 FPS on average. I've got over 2,000 rounds through my savage .22-250 and havent seen any decrease in accuracy. about 600 of those rounds were Winchester 45 gr. JHP loaded to 4000 FPS. So in that respect dont worry about burning your barrel out if your shootin at ground hogs.

As far as accuracy goes you will see more accurate rounds that are loaded closer to 3600 FPS +. That is my experiences at least. It's kinda the same theory as when you throw a baseball its more accurate if you through it hard than if you were to just lob it into the air.

 

[Glockdaddy]

Good Points Dennis....

The primary reason for the reduced loads was for barrel wear....but I am probably being overly cautious.....

What has been your best load in your Savage?

 

[NCsmitty]

I think you are being a little cautious. Use the 22-250 for what it is and can do. If you shoot minimum power loads in it, it should last your lifetime, unless you shoot 500 rds. per week. I'm not talking reduced loads now but mininum loads will still get you 3500-3600 fps with my favorite bullet, the 52 gr A-Max Hornady. There are many powders that suit this round very nicely. You won't regret the upgrade from the 223. You need to compare loads from different manuals whether hard copies or online from the different powder maker's site.

NCsmitty

 

[BoilerUP]

Still working up loads in my Ruger No.1-V but it does seem to like the 52gr A-Max pretty well, along with around 35gr of Varget or 38 gr. of H380.

I'm up to 7 loadings on some of my brass, with them showing no pressure signs. I do use a Lee Collet die on them, but I take that as a sign I'm not running my loads too hot. Never seen a pancaked primer out of my reloads like I did a box of Winchester grey box 55gr soft points...