Need to load more test loads for my Competitor using the 85 grain Ballistic Tip. I have tried H414 and Varget and haven't been impressed, so I thought I'd ask if any of you have "pet" loads???

Work up in half-grain increments beginning with 33 grains Re-15 (using the 85 grain BT you mentioned). One of my favored loads in a 15" XP and a 15" Encore barrel included 37 grains Re-15 and the 85 grain BT. But please note this was a top-end load...

The XP produced right at 2900 fps while the Encore was just a tad slower, but accuracy with each was terrific.

GH and Bobby, Thanks for the timely topic and answer. I'm going to load up some rounds tonight to hopefully start load development tomorrow w/ Encore 250 Savage/RL 15/85 gr NBT. Gary T.

I've always had best luck in the .250 with IMR 4064 or 4895.

In the SSK Industried .250 Savage Contender Barrel I had, I loaded both 75gr. Hornady Hollow Points & 100gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips. I used H-322, W-748 & H-4895 Powders, and had good luck with all of them. However the fastest, most accurate loads with the heavier bullet was with H-4895.

Larry

My SSK 250 savage contender barrel will not shoot heavy bullets well at all, but I find that the 85gr nosler BT is all that is needed for up to deer broadside only shots. I use 36.0 gr of BL-C(2) and get very good results. IMR 4350 also is a good powder in my gun, but BL-C(2) meeters and throws so well, that it is my choice.

I have had the best groups from my .250 Encore with H380 and IMR-3031. I do not load the 85 gr BT but I load the 75 gr V-Max and the 100 gr BT. Sean