I'll post this on the reload forum also, but I thought there might be an interest here also...

Cheers,
seafire


Berger 30 grain HP in 22 caliber

I have read a few good reviews on this bullet, and had the opportunity to pick up some.

First impression, at $20.00 a box for 100, they are spendy little suckers for a 30 grain bullet.

Second impression, once the box was opened, it is a very long bullet for a 30 grainer.. actually as long as the 40 grain Ballistic Tip. I took this as a good thing, because the 35 grain V Max is one short and fat bullet. This one is the varmint version so, it had a hollow point configuration.

I weighed some on my reload scale and they were exactly 30 grains on the nose.. I didn’t expect anything less from Berger.

Initial tests on velocity potential are the focus of this range report here. Since the bullet is long for its weight, I can see some velocity potential using fast powders.

I did some chronographing, for the 22/250 and the 223 using a variety of powders.

The bullet was barely seated into the cases. This proved to be a problem in the 22.250 as it would not feed, without hanging up. In the 223, which uses a benchrest follower, they fed just fine…

Here are the results…. Some of these for the 223, should look familiar numbers to 204 shooters, for around this bullet weight range.

22.250.
Firearm Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2 Sporter, 22 inch barrel
Primer Used: CCI Large Rifle
Brass Used: Winchester, Full Length sized, 5th reloading on these cases.

Blue Dot, 19 grains: 3934 fps
RL 7, 34.5 grains: 4503 & 4501 fps
RL 10, 36 grains: 4489 & 4486 fps

223 Remington
Firearm Used: Ruger VT, 26 inch barrel
Primer Used: Winchester Small Rifle
Brass Used: Remington 223 brass, full length sized, second loading

1. RL 7 / 27 grains: 4223 fps
2. RL 10 / 27 grains: 4111 fps
3. Unique, 10 grains: 3179 fps
4. 2400/ 18.5 grains: 3888 fps
5. IMR 4198/ 24.5 grains: 4086 fps
6. H 4227 / 18 grains: 3727 fps
7. Benchmark / 28.5 grains: 3975 fps
8. IMR 4227 / 18.5 grains: 3705 fps
9. Blue Dot / 14.5 grains: 3797 fps

Next I will test the accuracy of my favorite powders here. My assumption is that they will all do quite well. Both rifles are very accurate. The 30 grain loads here duplicate the performance of similar bullet weights in a 204. ( compared to a 223)…

The 22/250 gives the velocity nuts something to check out and play with…The shape of this bullet, make me believe it will be a good distance performer, regardless of lack of bullet weight.

Will update the accuracy potential of a few loads when I get the chance soon.
It is a spendy bullet, but you are getting spendy performance out of it also. Each to his own on making that decision of the cost effectiveness of it… However, since I saw a box of 22 Win Mag ammo the other day, with a trendy bullet on it, and it had a price tag of about $18.00 for 50 shots. The 30 grain Berger might end up being a cost effective ‘boutique’ bullet.. I can see their place and potential. Impressive for a coyote caller…

I've had pretty good accuracy with these, Especially in a Sav. 12FV. with RL10,at 35.5grs.Probably about the best groups out of this rifle to date.

I've since connected on few med. and large Chuck's here in Ohio with the 30's in the 223 over 4198. all were upper body chest hits when they were standing. Real small entrance holes with no exits. All shots were inside of 200yds.
Bust them up inside pretty good about like a 17 Rem does to them. I had the 22-250 out one time but did'nt get any shots. I'll try again shortly.

It' pretty well settled where I hunt so light bullets and small caliber stuff is a bit safer than 243,25-06. Especially with all the people that tresspass joy riding on 4 wheelers around here.

I am looking forward to the 223 range report!!!

Seafire, Still trying to duplicate .204 results with "light for caliber" bullets??????????? Just get yourself a .204 and use 27.5 grains of Accurate 2520 and the 39 grain SIERRAS and mimic the trajectory and wind deflection of the 55 grain VMAX from a Swift or 22-250 at 3700fps!! And spot your misses or watch the "red mist" spray!!!! And as far as velocity goes if you want SPEED FOR THE SAKE OF SPEED : I've shot the 32 grain VMAXS and the 32 grain SIERRAS in excess of 4400fps without bullet blow up or distortion, along with sub MOA groups, and I feel there is no need for this type of velocity! Actually had some 32 grain stuff do over 4500FPS!! "Now that's fast!! I don't care who you are!"(play on Larry the Cable Guy" not a dig at seafire!!)
Seafire, Your "BLUE DOT" data is great!! GHD

Charlie,

Ya know, all of this data is just another "hammer in the toolshed"....

My dodge of the 204 still is around being able to duplicate the same with other cartridges, and also not wanting to follow the "trendy trail"....

I still can't get excited about a 204, but the 20 BR interests me a lot.. I just can't get past duplicating the same with 22 caliber bullets and their bigger selection...

the 17 Mach 4 or 17 Fireball also interest me...

I guess I would rather be on the backroads of life, instead of on the freeways of life with everyone else...

Must be that Monroe County roots I have...

Good deal there Seafire/B17G. I still like the .32 Remington as a highly satisfactory deer cartridge, and the .222 Remington as the best all-around varmint cartridge. Your loads are prooving that.

I haven't shot squat this summer, we've been getting our house ready to sell and so I had to disassemble the reloading room and convert it back into a bedroom.