I have a friend who shoots (and reloads for) a Savage .22-250. He is getting sub MOA groups at 100 yds but the groups open up to 5" and more at 200 yds. I believe he is using Reloader 10x and Hornady V-maxs in 35 and 40 grain. I don't have a .22-250 but I'm thinking the bullets are too light and are beginning to loose stability beyond 100 yards. Has anyone had this problem and what was your solution?

Sounds like the bullets may be fragmenting or losing the jacket. What velocity is he piping them at? Try backing off the velocity 200 fps oe so and see if the problem goes away.

John

This is a prime example of why you should test loads at the distance you intend to shoot them. Many loads look good at shorter ranges only to fall apart at distance. Causes may be many. The only way to sort it out is to start over developing the load at the distance you intend to use them.
Don't forget to check bedding and the scope. Little problems get magnified at distance.
good luck

muck

I have seen this quite often in the 22-250. It is one of the pickiest loads I have ever fooled with. I'm not sure if it's because of the speed this rascal can generate or the fact that there is quite a range of bullet weights, and getting the twist rate, speed and bullet weight all together, is a bit of a pain I guess.
The biggest thing I have had success in curing the situation you describe is going to a little heavier bullet. The other thing I have seen, is that a little change in seating depth can have a big impact, unfortunately there is much room to tinker with seating depth on the lighter pills.

Good Luck!

quote:

Originally posted by Red C.:
I have a friend who shoots (and reloads for) a Savage .22-250. He is getting sub MOA groups at 100 yds but the groups open up to 5" and more at 200 yds. I believe he is using Reloader 10x and Hornady V-maxs in 35 and 40 grain. I don't have a .22-250 but I'm thinking the bullets are too light and are beginning to loose stability beyond 100 yards. Has anyone had this problem and what was your solution?

Perhaps he should try some 50or 55-grain bullets......

Heavier bullets. What is the twist of his rifle?
Savage is putting out some rifles now with really tight twist. Like 1/8 and 1/9 which would require an even heavier than standard bullet for good accuracy.
If he has a standard 1/12 or 1/14 twist, he should get his best accuracy with 50-55gr bullets.

A heavier bullet would help. The BC on those little guys is nothing. The slightest wind can blow them at distance or when velocity starts to drop. I too am a believer in shooting at the intended distanceof your target.
Something new to me was to use OCW (optimal charge weight) to work up my loads. I feel this has been the single bigest and cheapest refinement to my reloading. search Dan Newberry and give it a try.