Oh boy.....getting closer to my first round of reloading and this site has been awesome!!! Getting ready to load H380 in my 22-250 and want to know which CCI primers to use. Saw another post which confused me on whether or not I should use magnum primers.

CCI regular primers work just fine, regardless if some reload things tell you to use Magnum primers with H 380 or some of the other powders...

I have tested both side by side.. and no difference on target accuracy or point of impact at 100 yds...

at least not in my 22.250s...

others may have different experiences.. but I have seen no difference...

I prefer NOT to use magnum primers... just because a little hotter spark can increase pressures just enough to make a hot load go from being safe to popping primers...or at least leaking at the primer pocket...

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I prefer NOT to use magnum primers... just because a little hotter spark can increase pressures just enough to make a hot load go from being safe to popping primers...or at least leaking at the primer pocket...

Since I am new to reloading....I just thought of something. Should I be looking for things with my spent casings. In other words, should I be looking at the primers or other things to see if I'm too hot in powder or something else???

My first load is going to be (because you have to start somewhere so you can move forward) a Nosler 55gr. Ballistic tip with about 39 grs of H380 powder behind it. What do you think??

You should be looking at the condition of the primers and cases to check for pressure signs. All the good reloading manuals have photos of cases and primers at different pressure levels to show you what to look for.

I've never used magnum primers in a 22.250 load.

The load that you have listed is a standard load for the 22.250 but it is right at maximum in one of my guns.

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Originally posted by dubs22-250:
My first load is going to be (because you have to start somewhere so you can move forward) a Nosler 55gr. Ballistic tip with about 39 grs of H380 powder behind it. What do you think??

I wouldn't! 40.0gr is the highest load recommended for H380 and at 39.0 that leaves precious little room for adjustment. Start at 36.0gr instead, then work up in increments of .3 or .5 grains. Doing so will give you experience reading pressure signs and help to keep you out of trouble.

My Remington 700 exhibits pressure signs at 38.0 grains, so I quit using H380 in that rifle, but fwiw, my old M77 would digest about sane load. My point? Every rifle is unique, so work up...

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My first load is going to be (because you have to start somewhere so you can move forward) a Nosler 55gr. Ballistic tip with about 39 grs of H380 powder behind it. What do you think??

39 grains is is a full 1.5 grains or slightly more OVER maximum in both my .22-250s (one Remington, one Browning)!!

I suggest you re-read all the cautions listed almost everywhere about "reducing your loads by at least 10% and working up from there". Were I you, I'd start at 35 grains H-380 with the 55 gr. slugs, and increase the load 0.5 grain at a time, looking for pressure signs with each ncrease.

If you don't fully understand how to know when you are enountering max pressures, then I suggest you PM Hotcore on this forum and ask him for some guidance.

(Sorry about suggesting that without asking you first, Hotcore...if you are short on time, maybe you can suggest someone else for him to talk with...)


Just remember, handloaders are like pilots...you can find old pilots and you can find bold pilots, but there aren't very darned many old & bold pilots.

I guess the reason why I picked that load was because of what was posted on the Nosler website. Please check this out and re-advise. Thanks!

http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=22cal&s=162

In answer to your question- maybe. If you are hunting in conditions that are cold- below 0 degrees F. I would develop my load with a magnum primer, ball powder can be a little more difficult to get uniform ignition at cold temps.
I also have found 38grs of H380 to be a max load in most of the 22/250 rifles I have tried.

www.duanesguns.com

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Do I need magnum primers

no

Do not use Magnum primers in your 22-250!!!!!Even with a starting load they can cause unsafe pressures.I know they are recommended for Ball Powders,but are unsafe in small cases.(The voice of experience speaking here) OB

No, you don't need magnum primers. I think they tend to decrease accuracy in smaller cases.

I also recommend that you look at Saeed's primer tests. The results are given at:

http://www.accuratereloading.com/primer.html

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Originally posted by dubs22-250:
I guess the reason why I picked that load was because of what was posted on the Nosler website. Please check this out and re-advise. Thanks!
http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=22cal&s=162

The mistake you made was in picking a hot, top end load, not the most accurate load quoted. No matter what load you choose (or wind up using), the key is to work up to it. And Nosler's recommendation as being the most accurate load tested, doesn't necessarily mean it will be so in your particular rifle.

The new handloader should keep a few rules of thumb in mind:
1)IMR4895 is the "universal" powder;
2)IMR4350 is the "wonder" powder;
3)handguns & Unique are like apple pie and vanilla ice cream;
4)pistol cartridges require a taper crimp, revolver cartridges require a roll crimp;
5)save magnum primers for -06 sized cases and larger;
6)level your scale before using and double check your references.

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I guess the reason why I picked that load was because of what was posted on the Nosler website. Please check this out and re-advise. Thanks!

Remember each rifle is an individual, probably more than most people think. All published data is for reference only, you have to work up loads for your gun. For example Nosler Reloading Guide Number 4-1996, 22/250-55BT-MOST ACCURATE POWDER TESTED H380-MAX 35.5 grs!! Get your reloading manual out and read everything up till the data starts, read several different manuals if you have them, you will find lots of answers to your questions about pressure signs, powder choices, primers and even a few accuracy tips. I just did a quick count and have 24 manuals and over a dozen of the give away data. I have a large three ring binder with approx 500 pages of data I've shot in my current rifles, just a few years ago there were 3 of these binders- then I did some house cleaning and decided to get rid of all the data for rifles and calibers I no longer owned- I'm thinking I made a big mistake. I have been reloading since 1964, and I have smoked a few primers and had a couple squib loads in revolver, but that is the extent of it, never ruined a gun or hurt myself. Your 39 gr load would lock up my current ruger at 80 deg, be careful, remember the three R's, there's a reason "readin" comes first!

okay....oaky....oaky!!!!!!! I have decided not to try and blow up my gun and my face at the same time!!!!!

This is why I'm so glad that I found this site!! I will back off the powder and go from there. I really need to find out what "MY" gun want for accuracy!