Just getting started, powder and bullet recomendations.

As the title says I'm just getting started reloading. 22-250 for my savage Weather Warrior.

Loads are going to be used to hunt, punch paper and plink around. I don't have much of a source in town, so I have to make a short trip this weekend to where I have some selection.

I'd like a "clean" powder as my hunting and shooting weather is not great for cleaning in the field (read COLD). I can run a brush through it at the range though, if I'm around the house I would have to stop and come inside.

Also bullets that are in the 50-55 gr. range.

Thanks for the help,
Garett

First powder I ever used in a 22-250 was IMR 3031 with Hornady 52 G BTHP match bullets with Rem 9-1/2 primers. Was a good, fast and accurate combintion. that was 30 years ago and it still works. IMR 3031 is an extruded powder and is clean burning. What I consider to be "hunting" with that weight and style bullet in a 22-250 is purely varminting. But of course opinions on the subject vary greatly.

H380 is a winner in both my 22-250s. They are slow twist. Both prefer the 45s and 50s over the 55s. I have only used the Noslers and Hornady bullets. The 50 gr Nosler TP is my bullet. For best performance you need to try several and see what yours likes to eat. Tim

I have had good results with W760 and IMR 4064 for accuracy, using 55gr SGK and 50gr or 55gr VMAX.

Recently, my gunshop owning friend talked me into trying IMR 8208 XBR for my 22-250 and .223. All I can say is WOW. More velocity and tighter groups.

Seems it is best with light for caliber bullets, but I'm shooting 65gr SGKs out of my 1/9" twist AR with excellent results also.

BTW....1st post....hi, guys!

Thanks for the information and feel free to keep it coming, I'm shopping on Saturday.

Hunting would be real varmints that get into the barn or under the shed and going out after coyotes this winter after work slows down.

I am finishing "Modern Reloading" and it is very interesting, I would also like to work on a low pressure load for target work on my "backyard" 100yd range.

Thanks again,

Garett

Great deal on bullets. I just bought some in .308 and 6mm....

http://www.nosler.com/View-Product.a...b-5c6bcfaab100

When I had my 22-250, I used Varget and 50 and 55 grain bullets and shot several items with this combination.

I have loaded with H380,Varget,Ramshot Tac,4064,and even some wc846. Had decent results with most but settled on Tac for now. Bullets were 50g VMax and some 55g polytip blems from midway and also some 52g Sierra matchkings. You might look into Midway dogtown bullets for a cheaper plinking bullet and I'm sure they'd work great on varmints too.

For a bullet is is hard to beat the rebranded Hornady 55 grain soft points for $40 per 500. My son has 2 ARs and it can get expensive feeding high dollar bullets. Last time I calculated our cost per round with these was about 24 cents per shot in .22-250 and 20 cents in .223.

Powder wise I have used most of the mediums. H4895 has been my favorite for 35 years but, Varget, RL 15, , H380, 4064, Tac, and Big Game have all done well.

I have tried most of the usual powders with 50 to 55 gr bullets in the 22-250 and H4895 works as well as any and better than most. Varget would be my 2nd choice.
Charlie

Personally, I have never had a rifle not shoot vmaxs well. And that is what I would shoot for varmints. Nosler BT's as well. For powders I like Accurate Arms 4064, RL15 and H4895. I HATE ball powders here! Way too temp sensative. I stay away from them completely but thats just me.