Bullet seating 22-250.

daddo

September 07, 2003 12:43

Using a 55 grain sierra bullet in a 22-250 case, the books say set oal at 2.350". I set a bullet loose in a brass case and chambered it- it came out at 2.54" (the landings pushing it back into the case). That gives me a difference of .190" and given .05" off the landings still gives .140".
This seems like a lot of "jump" for the bullet. Is this correct? or should I try a bullet seating of 2.49"oal.? I know the results of wrong bullet seating and don't want that problem.
Thanks!

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  Rhonda

  September 07, 2003 13:01

  Unless you are shooting "premium" bullets the bullet ogive will be in a different location with various bullets from the same box which will result in a different measurement every time you use a different bullet. A gun such as the 22-250 if shot a lot will experience throat erosion resulting in more "free bore". This is the reason for the book specifications usually coming up short. Depending on how hot the load is you can set the 2.49 OAL without much problem or leave it at the book OAL and loose a little pressure and velocity. I would vote to load to book OAL and see what happens.

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  richbug

  September 07, 2003 17:56

  The book length is usually minimum overall with a given bullet. Shorter seating will generally give higher pressures, longer will yield lower. Best accuracy is generally acieved by being as close to the rifleing without touching as possible (exceptions being weatherby cartridges which always seem to have an excess of freebore). The reason for all the freebore in your rifle is because of the variations in the ogive shape of bullets from MFG to Mfg. Many guys use the 70 grain round nose which will require more room up front than a 55gr spitzer. I generally load the rounds as long as the action or chamber will allow. 2.49 sounds like a good place to start. Load a couple, see how they shoot. If it is a good load but not giving exactly the results you want, try adjusting the length instead of the powder charge it can improve groups in some guns.
  
  My border collie is smarter than your honor student.

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