I just got a new to me stainless Savage 16 with a 22" tube in 22-250. With it came a box of Hornady 40gr V-Max's so naturally I'm going to begin my loads with those. I have read a ton of 22-250 threads on here and the info is mind boggling but I want some real world info from guys who have the shorter barrels and how they loaded for them. I would like to get these things up pretty fast and am curious as to charge and powder that would work best for the 22" barrel. Is 3900-4000 fps unrealistic in a 22" barrel? I think I could sit tight at 3800 and be happy. And if the diffrence between a 3800 load and a 4000 load cost me accuracy I def stick with the slower one. I would just like a starting point. Thanks!

QL says 4000 is doable in a 22 at around 62000psi.

Something like BLc-2 H335 AA2460 RL 12.

Lyman's # 47 manual lists a load of 33 grains of Rl 7 with a 40 grain bullet and an MV of 4130 fps..with a pressure of 52,800CUPs.

I've used this a batch of years. I am also guilty of bumping that up to 34.5 grains of RL 7, Which is 1.5 grains over book max.. however MV chronographs at an astounding 4450 fps..

I use that with 40 grain Blitz Kings, V Maxes, and Ballistic Tips, along with Sierra's 40 grain HP.. It doesn't have much drop out to 500 meters..

and if you really are a velocity nut, same charge but a 30 grain Berger Match bullet... 4750 fps..

anyone trying these, work up of course.. I can only attest to them being safe in my rifles...

an Accurate Arms reload manual also has some pretty fast loads with the 40 grainers.. and they exceed 4200 fps..

Thank's for the info guys! Also, I just noticed I have a tin of IMR 4320 sitting idle and none of my other rifles use it. Anyone try this powder in their 22-250? It look's to be slower burning than any of the powders you guys listed. Should I even mess with it in my barrel?

It works pretty good, I was gettin about 4150 withit. most of my problem was gettin bullets to hold togeather or stabalize .
dave

I think that you would be happy with either RL-7 or Varget with those 40 gr. Both of worked well with me.

I've only tried one 40 gr bullet in my old .22-250. It was a Hornet bullet and only about half of them made to to a 100 yard target. But the ones that didn't make a purty smoke trail as they flew apart!

I've recently had excellant results with hot loads of Varget under Barne's 36 gr. "Grenades" at 4,100+ fps. Guess Varget would do well with your 40 grainers too, if they hold together. ?? I ain't telling no body what my charge is but it's safe .... for my rifle.

Other than going very, very fast, I can't see what advantage a 40gr bullet would be in a 22-250. If you're gonna shoot Ghogs and Pdogs at distance, your 52 & 55gr bullets are gonna have much better carry up.
FWIW, H380 was my go to powder because it meters so well that you don't need to weigh your charge when you're doing volume loading.

I agree with wasbeeman---what's the purpose? Intended use wasn't mentioned. In my opinion the 55 grain bullets are the ones to use. The high velocity will wear the barrel faster is a big disadvantage.

Actually it's mostly going to be my yote gun and since putting up my original post I have decided to go with a heavier bullet for that purpose but since I have a box of these 40gr's I'm going to load and shoot them up for fun. I was considering the 50gr V-max's for yote's but am still weary they might be too frangible. I'm open for suggestions though. A tough, cheap and light bullet to keep velocity up is what I'm kinda looking for. And if I can get it locally thats a bonus! The store here carrie's Nosler, Hornady and Sierra offerings. I love Nosler's but too spendy for how often I shoot. I love Hornady's but am worried about their toughness on tougher animals like coyote's (and hopefully a mountain lion) and I have never tried the Sierra's although the Blitzking's sitting on the shelf have caught my attention. Not sure if they are 50 or 55 grainers.

Any suggestions appreciated!

Wasbeeman--"H380 was go to powder as it meters so well you don't have to weigh when doing volume". I think I understand your meaning. Do you mean once measure is set it will consistently hold the charge? If that is your meaning, I will make the flat statement that you do not use a Belding&Mull powder measure. I have yet to find a powder that it wont meter consistently. They are slow--but accurate.

My powder measure is soooooo old the label has worn off. I think it's a Pacific. When it is set up, it will throw charges with ball powder that are right on the money. So's you only have to spot check the charges. Heavy stick powder, it doesn't do as good a job although it will come close.
I read somewhere that it is the percentage of the total charge that counts when you're throwing charges for the stick powders and that slight variations in something the size of a 30-06 would have no effect on accuracy.
I only use stick powders for my larger cartridges,ie 30-06, 300WM. And seldom do I load in the volumes that I do when I am loading say .223s or 22-250s.
I've heard of the Belding and Mull. Aren't they used often by the BR shooters. And cost about as much as my first car?

Wasbeeman---When I first started reloading back in the 60's, my friend recommended the Belding&Mull measure and that's all I've ever used. I think they run around $120 or a little less. The thing looked like a relic even back then, but they are accurate. They have an adjustable charge tube, the tube is filled and you funnel the charge into the case--slower than most but fool proof.

When I first started shooting a 22-250 I was using H-380 and Sierra HPBT 52gr, Match bullets for all the varmint and deer work.

As other products came on the market I transitioned to Varget and 50 gr. Nosler BT. for all the 22-250 loadings. I will also substitute Rl-7 freely as well. I found the Nosler BT to be just a hair more accurate for my shooter and the 50 gr. got the velocity and the down field performance on rockchucks, coyotes, and deer.

I would think that the 50gr. option would also be one to explore to see if it fits your expectations.

Seafire has done some interesting testing on these Nosler BT with reduced velocities or as the velocity drops at longer ranges as to the penetration he was receiving. You might want to check some of his threads.

Thanks and always you guys are great!