Stix wrote:Me again...
I've only ever used the Zmax, Superroo cheaper type projectiles, (have done limited testing with Vmax/NosBT's, but have not noticed a real world difference for the extra $)... but i always hear some people rave about the better accuracy from higher quality projectiles.
Id like to push the ranges out quite a bit (for me anyway-400yds to maybe 500 yds if my abilities & rifles find it possible), but id imagine most stuff id be chasing is the headshot bunny to 300 odd yards.
The rifles are stock standard factory Tikka's & Sako's with the triggers wound as light as they can go, but no mods so nothing custom.
So, im interested to try some better quality bullets for varminting with a 22-250, and so would like to hear what people use, &/or suggestions, and how much better you find them.
Have you a favourite bullet or brand that you have found has a higher rate of success with working across many rifles...? etc.
Any & all suggestions appreciated.
Actually,while we are there,...what about primers also...
I use Federal Match as a general rule...Worth changing...?
I would think the bullets you've been using are more than capable of the required accuracy.
The .22-250 is restricted by twist rate though so you probably can't run heavier bullets to reduce wind drift. If you do have a 8"-twist though you can try something like the 80gn ELDM.
In the .223, the 55gn SP launched at 3300fps has only 1400fps left at 500m, is 1600mm low (from a 200m zero) and is pushed 2500mm by a 10mph wind. The 80gn ELDM launched at 2800fps is still doing 1850fps at 500m, is 1500mm low, but is only pushed 1200mm by the same wind. I consider beating the wind to be more important than outright accuracy once you're out past about 300m. You're probably ranging the distance so trajectory becomes irrelevant, you're probably very well stabilised so accuracy is optimised, but the wind will always be the variable.
I just bought 500 80gn ELDM's for $165 so price isn't too bad either - about three times the price of buying 6000 55gn SP's for $750.
As for favorite brand, I try all sorts of stuff but I find myself falling back on Hornady and Speer primarily. Price and availability are good with great performance. I use some Nosler as well and I like them, but they're expensive and don't offer anything I'm not getting from cheaper bullets.
If I were shooting long-range competition I'd be inclined toward some of the monolithic bullets. Being machined I think they have to be more precisely made than swaged lead in drawn copper jackets. You would probably sacrifice some BC though due to them being lighter for length.
Primers I haven't done any real testing with. I've mixed some different LR's and SR's though (Rem, CCI, Fed, Win) in test loads and haven't seen any measurable difference. I just run Rem 9-1/2M in all LR cases, Rem 7-1/2 in all SR cases, Win LP Mag in the .44 Magnum, and CCI SP500 in the .38 Special (I wanted different brands so I didn't mix them up - rifle primers don't work for me in the pistol cartridges).