With the reloading world getting spotty availability for supplies, I am looking for alternatives, just in case..

After reading on how accurate XMR 5744 seems to be in a wide variety of calibers, I thought it might be worth a try as a budget alternative in the 22.250...

Using 55 grain bullets, I tested the following in a Ruger VT with a 26 inch barrel.. accuracy was definitely minute of sage rat out to 300 yds worth...

velocity was worthwhile also, showing flexibility of the case....Large rifle primers used...

Anyway, for those that are interested...

Bullet used: 55 grain SP Winchester
Primer: Win Large Rifle
Brass: Winchester

1. 25 grs: 3254 fps
2. 26 grs: 3335 fps
3. 27 grs: 3467 fps

4. 28 grs: 3538 fps
5. 29 grs: 3641 fps
6. 30 grs: 3720 fps

XMR 5744 is also cheap, at our local Sportsmans Whorehouse at $15.50 per lb...

Myself, I am settling on a mild load this season with a charge of 27.5 grains with a 52 grain Speer HP with an Mv of 3500 fps...for the Ruger VT...

cheers
seafire
.........

Addendum Load Data:

To add some flexibility, I summized that 30 grains was max for 55 grain bullets...therefore I chrono'ed load data for bullet weights below 55 grains using the 30 grain charge.. and then also 27.5 grains, which would be reducing load down 8 % from Maximum...

Results as follows:

30 Grains XMR 5744, Win LR primer

1. 40 grain Sierra HP: 3950 fps
2. 45 grain Speer SP: 3824 fps
3. 50 grain Hornady SP: 3771 fps
4. 52 grain Speer HP: 3757 fps

27.5 grains of XMR 5744, Win LR Primer

1. 40 grain Sierra HP: 3727 fps
2. 45 grain Speer SP: 3606 fps
3. 50 grain Hornady SP: 3503 fps
4. 52 grain Speer HP: 3517 fps

The 52 grain Speer HP is a favorite bullet of mine in the 22.250... a conservative MV of 3500 fps also helps extend barrel life, when it is used mainly on those occasional long shots...

Currently my Model 70 in 22.250 is using a load of 25 grains of IMR 4198, with the Speer 52 gr HP for an Mv of 3500 fps... the 27.5 grain XMR load will be a good alternative as its accuracy is a little better than the IMR 4198 load.....

Both are minute of prairie dog out to 400 yds or so easily, when seafire can do his part...

cheers
seafire
FEB 2008

have you used it in the 223? thanks clint

quote:

Originally posted by clintsfolly:
have you used it in the 223? thanks clint

yes, but haven't recorded load data yet on it...