Introduction
The crack of a .22-250 Remington round echoing through the air is a sound that signifies speed and accuracy. This cartridge, revered by varmint hunters and target shooters alike, holds a special place in the world of shooting sports. Its high velocity and relatively flat trajectory make it ideal for reaching out and touching targets at impressive distances. While factory-loaded ammunition is readily available, the allure of reloading—crafting your own ammunition tailored to your specific rifle and needs—is a compelling one. Reloading offers significant cost savings, the ability to fine-tune ammunition for optimal accuracy, and the satisfaction of creating precision rounds. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to delve into the world of .22-250 reloading, providing crucial information on safety protocols, component selection, load data, and techniques for achieving exceptional results.
Safety First: The Foundation of Reloading
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding endeavor, but it’s also a process fraught with potential dangers if not approached with the utmost care and respect. A mistake during any stage of the process can lead to serious injury or damage to your firearms. Therefore, safety must always be the top priority.
Before even considering touching a reloading press, you *must* understand that you are working with potentially explosive materials. Take this seriously.
The cornerstone of safe reloading lies in a thorough understanding of the process and a commitment to following established safety protocols. Here’s what you absolutely need:
- Protective Eyewear: Always wear safety glasses when reloading. This is non-negotiable. Even seemingly small impacts from primer fragments or flying debris can cause serious eye injuries.
- Gloves: While not always necessary, gloves can help protect your hands from chemicals and the potential for cuts or abrasions.
- Hearing Protection: The noise generated by primers and powder ignition is significant. Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.
- Ventilation: Reloading can release fumes from primers and powders. Work in a well-ventilated area or, ideally, use a reloading bench with a fume hood.
- Knowledge is Power: Acquire and diligently consult multiple reloading manuals from reputable sources like Hodgdon, Hornady, Sierra, and others. Cross-reference data across different manuals. Data can and does vary between manuals.
- Understanding the Risks: Be aware of potential dangers, including:
- Overpressure: Exceeding the maximum safe pressure for the cartridge can cause catastrophic firearm failure.
- Incorrect Powder Charges: Too little powder can lead to inconsistent performance; too much can create dangerous pressures.
- Primer Malfunctions: Primers can misfire or detonate unexpectedly.
- Equipment Failure: Reloading tools can break or malfunction.
Never deviate from the published load data without a thorough understanding of the potential consequences. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Essential Components for .22-250 Reloading
Reloading a .22-250 cartridge involves several key components that must be carefully selected and prepared. The quality of these components significantly impacts the accuracy and performance of the final product.
Brass Cases
Brass cases are the foundation of your ammunition.
Case Selection
You can reload new or once-fired cases. The source of the brass impacts quality, and new brass tends to be more uniform. Popular brands include Winchester, Lapua, and Remington. Inspect cases for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or bulges.
Case Preparation
This is a critical step in ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Cleaning
Cleaning the brass removes dirt, carbon, and other contaminants. Methods include tumbling, using a sonic cleaner, or simply wiping them down.
Sizing
Sizing restores the case dimensions to factory specifications, ensuring proper chambering in your rifle. Full-length sizing resizes the entire case, while neck sizing only resizes the neck. The best choice depends on your rifle and intended use.
Trimming
Trimming ensures the cases are all the same length, which improves consistency. Use a case trimmer and measure the trimmed cases to maintain consistent lengths.
Chamfering and Deburring
These steps remove any sharp edges from the case mouth, making it easier to seat the bullet and preventing damage.
Primer Pocket Cleaning and Uniforming
This ensures consistent primer seating and ignition.
Primers
Primers initiate the ignition of the powder.
Primer Types
Small rifle primers are used in the .22-250. Different brands and types of primers exist (e.g., standard, magnum). Magnum primers are sometimes used with slower-burning powders or in colder weather.
Primer Selection
Match the primer to the powder type and the overall purpose of your load. Refer to your reloading manual for specific recommendations.
Powders
The powder is the propellant that generates the energy to propel the bullet.
Powder Types
Various powders are suitable for the .22-250, each with a different burn rate. Some popular choices include IMR 4064, Varget, H380, and Reloder 15. The choice of powder influences velocity, pressure, and accuracy.
Powder Selection Criteria
Choose a powder based on the desired velocity, accuracy, and temperature sensitivity. Temperature-stable powders offer more consistent performance across a range of temperatures. Consult reloading manuals and experiment to find what works best in your rifle.
Powder Measuring
Accurately measuring the powder charge is critical. Use a powder measure to dispense consistent charges. This can be done manually with a volumetric powder measure or electronically with an auto-trickler system. Weigh each charge on a precision scale to ensure accuracy.
Bullets
The bullet is the projectile that is fired from the rifle.
Bullet Weight Selection
The twist rate of your rifle’s barrel determines the range of bullet weights it can stabilize. Heavier bullets generally offer better ballistic coefficients and downrange performance, but your rifle must have the correct twist rate to stabilize them.
Bullet Types
Various bullet types are available, including varmint bullets (designed for rapid expansion), match bullets (designed for extreme accuracy), and hunting bullets (designed for controlled expansion and penetration). Choose the bullet type based on your intended purpose.
Bullet Brands and Recommendations
Popular brands include Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, and Berger. Explore different bullet profiles and weights to find the best match for your rifle.
.22-250 Reloading Data: A Starting Point for Your Reloads
This is a vital section of reloading, providing the foundational information for safe and effective loads. *Always* consult at least two reputable reloading manuals and compare their data before loading any rounds. The data provided here is meant to be a starting point. Always begin loading at the lowest charge listed, and carefully observe your brass, primer condition, and any other pressure signs as you gradually increase the powder charge. *Never* exceed the maximum charge.
This data is indicative and should be tested in *your specific* rifle. The performance you achieve might vary depending on your rifle’s barrel, components, and environmental conditions.
Remember, the goal is not to reach the highest possible velocity, but to find the load that produces the tightest groups with excellent accuracy.
*(Note: Because of the inherent variability in reloading and legal considerations, I cannot provide specific load data. *Instead*, here’s how the data would be organized and what information is essential. The actual numbers, powder types, and bullet weights would need to be looked up in a published reloading manual. Use the following as a guide to understanding how to read and use load data, then consult reputable sources.)*
Organized Load Data Example
Here’s how a table might look, showing the information you’d find in a reloading manual.
| Powder Type | Bullet Weight (gr) | Primer Type | Case Type | Charge Range (gr) | Velocity (fps) (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMR 4064 | 50 | Small Rifle | Winchester | 30.0 – 33.0 | 3500 – 3800 | Begin at 30.0gr, check for pressure signs. |
| Varget | 50 | Small Rifle | Winchester | 31.0 – 34.0 | 3450 – 3750 | Accuracy may improve at lower charges. |
| H380 | 55 | Small Rifle | Remington | 35.0 – 37.5 | 3400 – 3700 | This powder can be temperature sensitive; watch for pressure changes. |
| Reloder 15 | 55 | Small Rifle | Remington | 32.0 – 35.0 | 3300 – 3650 | Good accuracy potential. |
- Powder Type: The specific brand and type of powder (e.g., IMR 4064).
- Bullet Weight (gr): The weight of the bullet in grains (e.g., 50gr).
- Primer Type: The recommended small rifle primer (e.g., CCI 400).
- Case Type: The manufacturer and type of brass used for testing (e.g., Winchester). Using different brass brands may affect load data.
- Charge Range (gr): The recommended range of powder charges in grains (e.g., 30.0 – 33.0). *Always start with the minimum charge and work up.*
- Velocity (fps) (Approx.): The estimated muzzle velocity in feet per second. This is based on the testing performed by the manual. Barrel length can influence velocity.
- Notes: Additional information, such as specific recommendations or warnings.
Important Considerations
- Start Low and Work Up: This is the most critical rule. Always start with the minimum powder charge listed in your manual and work your way up in small increments (e.g., 0.5 grains) while observing for signs of excessive pressure.
- Pressure Signs: Carefully watch for signs of pressure, including:
- Flattened Primers: Primers that are excessively flattened are a sign of high pressure.
- Cratered Primers: Primers that show a raised ring around the firing pin indentation.
- Stiff Bolt Lift: If the bolt becomes difficult to open, pressure may be too high.
- Case Head Expansion: Measure the case head diameter to see if it has expanded beyond the maximum limit.
- Ruptured Cases: This is a sign of severe overpressure and requires immediate cessation of reloading.
- Accuracy: Pay close attention to accuracy. Once you reach a load that produces the best groups, you’ve found your optimal load.
- Your Rifle: Your rifle will react differently than another rifle. Factors such as barrel length, condition, and chamber dimensions influence pressures and accuracy.
- Chronograph: A chronograph is a valuable tool. It allows you to measure your bullet’s actual velocity, which helps you refine your loads.
The Reloading Process: A Detailed Guide
Reloading involves a series of steps, each crucial for producing safe and accurate ammunition. Here is a detailed overview of the process:
- Case Preparation: As described earlier: cleaning, sizing (full-length or neck sizing), trimming, chamfering/deburring, and primer pocket preparation.
- Priming: Insert a new primer into the primer pocket using a priming tool. Ensure the primer is fully seated. The seating depth can affect both ignition and accuracy.
- Powder Charging: Using a powder measure, carefully dispense the correct amount of powder into the case. Double-check the powder charge weight on a scale. It is always safer to verify this each time.
- Bullet Seating: Seat the bullet into the case to the correct overall length (OAL). OAL is critical for accuracy and also impacts pressure. Use a bullet seating die and adjust the seating depth to achieve the desired OAL.
- Inspection and Measuring: Inspect each loaded round for any defects. Measure the OAL and other critical dimensions to ensure consistency.
- Labeling and Storage: Clearly label your ammunition with the cartridge type, bullet weight, powder type, powder charge, and date loaded. Store reloaded ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Achieving Optimal Accuracy
Achieving exceptional accuracy requires attention to detail and a systematic approach.
The Importance of Proper Seating Depth
Seating depth (the distance the bullet is seated into the case) is one of the most crucial factors affecting accuracy. Experiment with seating depths by small increments (0.005 inch or less) to find the depth that produces the tightest groups.
Testing and Development
- Target and Chronograph Setup: Set up a target at a known distance (e.g., 100 yards) and use a chronograph to measure bullet velocity.
- Shooting and Recording Data: Shoot groups of several rounds for each load and record the velocity, group size, and any other relevant information (e.g., weather conditions).
- Recognizing Pressure Signs: Carefully observe your brass and primers for signs of pressure.
- Refining Loads: Based on your results, adjust the powder charge, seating depth, and/or primer choice to refine your load and achieve the best accuracy.
Other Factors that Influence Accuracy
- Rifle Maintenance: Keep your rifle clean and well-maintained. Regularly clean the barrel and inspect the action.
- Scope Quality and Zeroing: Use a quality scope and ensure it is properly zeroed.
- Environmental Conditions: Temperature, wind, and humidity can affect accuracy. Consider these factors when shooting and developing loads.
Storage and Maintenance Practices
Proper storage and maintenance of your reloaded ammunition and reloading equipment are vital for safety and longevity.
Proper Storage of Reloaded Ammunition
Store your reloaded ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and potential sources of ignition. Label ammunition clearly with the date loaded and load data.
Storing Powder and Primers
Store powder and primers separately in their original containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep them away from heat, direct sunlight, and any source of ignition.
Cleaning Your Reloading Equipment
Clean your reloading tools regularly. Wipe down dies, powder measures, and other equipment after each reloading session. Lubricate moving parts as needed.
Conclusion
Reloading the .22-250 is a fulfilling endeavor that allows you to tailor your ammunition to your specific needs. By understanding the fundamentals of safety, carefully selecting your components, and following a systematic reloading process, you can create ammunition that is both accurate and cost-effective. Always prioritize safety, start with conservative loads, and work your way up while monitoring for signs of pressure.
Embarking on your reloading journey can offer great enjoyment.
We highly encourage anyone interested in getting started to review resources for more information.
- Resources & References:
- Reloading Manuals: Refer to multiple reloading manuals for load data. These are the primary source of tested and verified data for safe reloading.
- Manufacturer Websites: Hodgdon, Sierra, Hornady.
- Online Forums: Participate in reputable reloading forums and online communities to learn from experienced reloaders and exchange tips and information. Be sure to always verify information found online against reputable sources.
With the right knowledge and attention to detail, reloading .22-250 ammunition can be a rewarding experience that enhances your shooting experience and puts you in control of your ammunition. Remember to prioritize safety and have fun!
