For those that can't afford or want to buy another caliber like the 204, and have a 223, I chronographed some results that I thought some of the other varmint shooters might like a quick look at.

I have a strong like for RL 7 for both Velocity and accuracy in the 22/250 and several other cartridges with light bullets.

Therefore I took some old data from a Lyman Manual and came up with the following. NO pressure signs were observed, however, work up and be your own guide on this.

Rifle Used: Remington 700 VLS; Winchester Model 70: Both with 26 inch barrels.

Accuracy: excellent thru out from both rifles.

Bullet # 1: Calhoon 30 grain HP:
25 grs: 3674 fps
26 grs: 2979 fps
27 grs: 4081 fps
28 grs: 4240 fps

Bullet # 2: Calhoon 37 grain HP:
25 grs: 3693 fps
26 grs: 3872 fps
27 grs: 4033 fps
28 grs: 4136 fps

Bullet # 3: Sierra Blitzking
25 grs: 3629 fps
26 grs: 3893 fps
27 grs: 3938 fps
28 grs: 4070 fps.

Cases were Lake City. Primers were Rem 7 1/2s.

Tried the same in Federal cases and 26 grains was the max volume of that case, as a reference.

Winchester and Remington brass managed 28 grains of RL 7.

The 30 gr and 37 grs Calhoons are much better than the 35 grain V Max, which is too short and is useless to me except in maybe an 218 Bee or 22 Hornet.

Calhoon lists the max velocity of these two bullets as 3800 fps, so be your own guide. I would not recommend them in faster twists than 1 in 12 or they will vaporize on exiting the barrel.

The 40 grain Sierra BlitzKings and the Nosler Ballistic Tip present no problems at all.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire

Seafire, thank you for the combo info. I have tried the RL 15, and 22, but never thought about the RL7. I will have to place an order from Calhoon and pick up some 40gr btips.