Looking for suggestions for 22-250 load

[floydboy]

I'm using a lyman 225415 GC bullet with filler and so far 17-18 grs of 3031 or 19-20 grs of 4064 have produced the best groups of 1 inch at 50 yds. 2400 is a very close second. I have unique, 4895, red dot, green dot, 7625 to try also but haven't got around to trying them yet. I am wanting to find a load for squirrel hunting and am happy with my results so far but keep thinking I should be doing better for 50 yards. My rifle is a savage and my go to load with J words is a 52 gr sierra HPBT with 33 grs of 4064. This load is very accurate and will give me 1 inch groups at over 100 yds so I know the rifle can do it. I've been reloading for many years but am new to loading cast and honestly don't know what I should expect from a rifle with cast. At 50 yds should I expect all five holes touching or am I asking too much and what powders should I concentrate on? To me speed is not as important as accuracy.

Thanks,,,Floyd

[MT Chambers]

They say that the .22 cf cartridges are the hardest to get good cast boolit accuracy, 1" at 50 yds. would be a very good start, this cartridge was the first choice of the late Don Eagan of Eagan mold fame, must be a reason for this!

[ROGER4314]

Been down that road with a Ruger #1 22/250 and many rifles in .223. I'd start with the barrel twist rate. Determine that rate and find the optimum projectile weight/length. Then start working on your powder charges. .22 calibers are not forgiving of their barrel twist and that's the place to start.

I wouldn't be satisfied with 1 MOA at 100 yards from that rifle. 22/250 has a stellar reputation as a tack driver to 400 yards. I'd work up loads using jacketed bullets as it's cheap to buy several bullet weights, find out what the rifle likes, then duplicate the loads using cast projectiles.

I suspect that you'll end up going lighter in the projectile (from experience) but it's a mistake to guess at it. Actual barrel twist rate will tell that tale.

Flash