Reloading a short barrel (20") 22-250

[2ndtimer]

My son and his buddy just bought Howa Ranchland carbines chambered in 22-250. Anyone done any loading for shorter barreled 22-250's? Powder/bullet suggestions? They are supposed to have 1 in 12" twist barrels, so I am guessing that bullet weights should be in the 40 to 60 gr. weight range. Appreciate anyone's experience or insight. I have a decent selection of bullets on hand and IMR-4064, 8208-XBR, TAC, Accurate 2015, Varget and H-414. I have loaded a few with IMR-4064, but they haven't tried them out yet.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I use imr 4064 and CFE 223 in a 22 inch barrel. Get 3780 and 3990 with a 53 gr bullet at or under book max. I recommend 4064.

 

[2ndtimer]

Thanks for the reply, Bfh. I started with IMR-4064 because it was frequently mentioned in my old Sierra manual as a best accuracy load with several bullet weights. And my old records from the 26" barrel Savage I used to have indicated decent results with it. I was wondering if a slightly quicker burning powder might do better with the short 20" tube.
Thanks again for the response.

 

[Condor]

I have a 22” 1/12 twist 22-250. I have had good results with 55g Sierra HPBT with IMR 4064 (more accurate load) and 55g Sierra Game King with IMR 4064 and H414. Good luck!

 

[jmr40]

I was wondering if a slightly quicker burning powder might do better with the short 20" tube.

Nope. All of the powder from even the slowest powder burns in far less than 20". Unless you are talking about firing rifle rounds from pistol length barrels the powder that gives the best results from a 26" barrel will also be the best from a 16" barrel. Start shooting 22/250 from a 8-10" barrel and it might make a difference.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Thanks for the reply, Bfh. I started with IMR-4064 because it was frequently mentioned in my old Sierra manual as a best accuracy load with several bullet weights. And my old records from the 26" barrel Savage I used to have indicated decent results with it. I was wondering if a slightly quicker burning powder might do better with the short 20" tube.
Thanks again for the response.

You will have a small ball at night. It isn't too bad. Faster powder would reduce muzzle blast, but you lose velocity.
Try the 53 gr vmax it's impressive on coyotes and crows. Also has the highest bc that a 12 twist can handle.

 

[jonb32248]

Shooting 52 gn Hornady hp. 4064- 33.gn. Very accurate. Been using IMR4064 for 40 yrs. nothing else. Also I am almost max length.

 

[2ndtimer]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Sounds like I should maybe try some of the Nosler 52 gr. Custom Competition hollow points with some IMR-4064, both of which I happen to have decent supplies of. Appreciate the suggestions.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No reason to load differently for a 20" barrel than a 22" barrel.

Try a 55gr Sierra GameKing #1390 over Varget. All rifles are different but you will probable find an accurate load right around 36.0gr.

You could always try the powder originally developed for the wildcat that became the 22-250, H380.