250-3000 Savage Twist ???

[bootsmcguire]

I have a 250 Savage in 1-10" Twist. Is that fast enough to stabilize Hornady 120gr HP? I got this barrel on a used gun I picked up a while back and have shot it a little but I have not pursued developing a load for it other than a very very conservative load I started with behind the 120s I had on hand. I just don't want to pursue this very far if the 120s need to be spun faster. I just question it because of the lack of data for the 120gr bullets in the 250 caliber.

It seems to have potential and I am sure that the bullet needs to be pushed faster than I am even attempting, but if it isn't going to work I may just sell off the barrel and dies before it gets too may shots on it. Previous owner put 11 shots down it before having to sell it to me (as he was hurting for $$$) and I have put 13 down it.

[Eric in NC]

10" is modern standard for the 250 - will stabalize all standard bullets up to 120 grains (maybe not VLD types). Older 250's (like pre-war 99's) had a slower twist and will only work with 87 grain and lighter (shorter actually) bullets.

I do however think that the 250 is at its best with 100 grain and lighter bullets.

[bootsmcguire]

Thanks Eric. i kinda figured the 120s were pushing it for the 250-3000 but since I have a couple boxes with dust on em and no other 25 cal.s I figured I better use em up. Now that I know 1-10" will work with 'em I'll use em up and drop down to something lighter unless I just happen to stumble upon a magic combo with these 120s. I am using RL19 now and with the "light" charge I started with its gave me two 1.5" groups with the first few rounds I tried. I'll work up to a stiffer charge and see where we end up.

Thanks again Eric. Somehow I had a feeling you'd be the 1st to chime in.