Hi All,
I've been looking at a number of rifle manufacturer websites; I see that the 22-250 commonly has a 1 in 14" bbl twist. I've shot a few ARs, and I know that the competition dudes want a 1 in 8" twist to stabilize heavy .224 bullets. It seems that the 22-250 then, isn't meant to shoot bullets heavier than 55 gr.

I looked in my Honady reloading manual. It lists a 1 in 14" bbl, and bullets ranging from 40 gr. to 75 gr. However, I noticed a * disclaimer for 60 gr. & heavier loads stating that a 1 in 10" and slower twist barrels wont stabilize these bullets.

I guess it makes sense, as I don't think I've ever seen a factory load for a 22-250 greater than 60 gr. It seems to me the 22-250 would be awesome for target w/ a 68,69,75 or heavier bullet (guess the heavier ones might run into trouble fitting in the magazine) . So, do varminters shoot 300+ yds in the 22-250 w/ 40-55 gr. bullets? Is it still accurate due to speed?

Ramses II,
I've used the 55 gr Nosler Solid Base/Ballistic Tip in my Ruger #1V .22-250 out to 400 yards with good results, at least on ground squirrels. I have never tried anything heavier than 55 gr, but I'd be leery of anything over 60 gr even with the higher velocity using a 1/14" twist. I don't have any empirical data to back up that statement, but I have tried the 60 gr Nosler Partition and 64 gr WW Powerpoint in a .223 with a 1/12" twist with less than satisfactory results. Of course the velocities were alot less than you'll get with the .22-250, but the twist was a hair faster. I'd suggest buying a box of your favorite .224 "heavyweights", loading them up, and trying them out. It's the only way you'll know for sure. People told me that the 77 gr SMK would not stabilize in my 1/8" AR-15 barrel, but it does. The 80 gr does not. As far as the heavier bullets fitting in the magazine, single loading works well, especially for prairie dogs and ground squirrels, and for most target shooting. I think chamber leade would be a more critical limitation in the .22-250, i.e. longer, heavier bullets touching the lands sooner, and requiring deeper seating in the cartridge case, possibly diminishing case capacity and raising pressures. Give it a try; after all that's why most of us are in this game anyway, experimentation and fun.

 

I can vouch for the 22-250 at long range using 55gr bullets. A Ruger M77 varmint model was my first dedicated "groundhog" rig growing up in the east. 400 yards was fairly easy unless it was quite windy. The wind was not so much of an issue there as it is here in the open places of the west, at least not during the summer months. I also made several shots that paced off at well over 400 steps; not having a rangefinder, I can't say for sure what the true ranges were. Suffice to say, the 55gr Hornady SP that I loaded was very accurate for long range varminting.

There may something to the idea of using a heavier bullet for target shooting. Howvere, as a varminter, I never wanted anything heavier. I wanted light and frangible.

 

Hi All,
I've been looking at a number of rifle manufacturer websites; I see that the 22-250 commonly has a 1 in 14" bbl twist. I've shot a few ARs, and I know that the competition dudes want a 1 in 8" twist to stabilize heavy .224 bullets. It seems that the 22-250 then, isn't meant to shoot bullets heavier than 55 gr.

I looked in my Honady reloading manual. It lists a 1 in 14" bbl, and bullets ranging from 40 gr. to 75 gr. However, I noticed a * disclaimer for 60 gr. & heavier loads stating that a 1 in 10" and slower twist barrels wont stabilize these bullets.

I guess it makes sense, as I don't think I've ever seen a factory load for a 22-250 greater than 60 gr. It seems to me the 22-250 would be awesome for target w/ a 68,69,75 or heavier bullet (guess the heavier ones might run into trouble fitting in the magazine) . So, do varminters shoot 300+ yds in the 22-250 w/ 40-55 gr. bullets? Is it still accurate due to speed?[/QUOT

I've had the same problem. I traded a new Rem 700 Light Varmint because it had the 1 in 14" twist. It would shoot the 40 grain Hornady light mags great, but start spreading out at 50 grain. By the time I got to 55 grain, I was shooting 2 1/2" groups at 100 yards.
That won't work.
So, since I'm headstrong, I traded it it for a CZ 550 in the same 22-250.
It shoots the 40 and 50 grain bullets great but haven't bought the heavier stuff yet because I have so much of the other.
Ideally, I'd like to shoot the 55-60 grain bullets and get an honest 1 1/2" group or less at 100 yards.
That isn't unreasonable, but only with the right twist.
Without robbing the thread, does anyone know the twist on the CZ. It shoots much better than the Remington? I guess I'll live with it if it is also 1/14.

 

You nailed it with the velocity relationship. The rotational velocity (rpm) will increace with velocity, thus you can use less twist to achieve the spin needed to stabilize the bullet if you increase the velocity. If the rate of twist is not changed but the velocity is the the rotational velocity will change in direct proportion with this change. The catch 22 is, with the 223 especialy, is the heavier bullets travel a lower velocity and thus the rotation is considerably slower in the lesser rate of twist bbls.

 

The catch 22 is.......

Don't you mean the catch 22-250 hahahahahahaha....ok hope you guys won't toss a fella off the boards for makin a bad joke.

Anyway, it seems logical to make a caliber jump for a heavier bullet. The 22-250 seems to have a niche in the 40 gr. to 55 gr. varmint roll. I live in Arizona. Yes, it's hot, but usually pretty windy (lots of mountains and valleys). For a heavier bullet, it makes sense to jump to the 6mm / .243 cartridges (6mm Rem, 6mm PPC, 6mm BR, .243 Win, .243 WSSM)

 

Does anyone know the rifling twist for the CZ rifles? Especially the 22-250 in the 550 model. I can't find it on their website and I can't "google" it up.
Thx in advance
Tom

 

The last 22-250 I had was a custom, not build by me or for me. I took it as a trade from a friend who had built two rifles for long range. They were identical except one was a 22-250 and the other was a 243 Win. Both were Remington 700 SA with a full contour 24 in Douglas air guage bbl (my personal prefrence is Lilja). If I remember the twist on the 250 was 1 in 12, because he was going to be shooting the heavier bullets. Well this was probaly the most accurate gun I ever owned or shot.
When I was shooting it to see if I wanted to trade I sat down at the bench with 5 different loads, 2 rounds of each, total 10 rounds. From 52gr to 60+gr, and the ten round group was one hole. It was just as wide as the bullet and about 1/2 long (up and down) which I assumed the elevation change was simply due to the fact I shot five different bullet weights/volicities.

 

I don't know of any 22-250 that is not 1-14 twist. If it is different I would be surprised.

 

The 22-250 is extremely accurate and i would not be affraid to put a custom barrel on one for the heavier 80 grain bullets. If I really wanted to shoot heavy bullets I would go to the 22BR just for punching paper. I am with all the others though, a 55 grainer will do you plenty good for long range hunting way out past 500 yards.

As far as accuracy, the 22-250 is just plain accurate no matter the speed. And as far as the magazine fit, I never use mine. Its gone now. Turned it into a single shot. Don't need more than one at a time on long range hunting and paper punching. I would go with the 55 grainer for everything you want to shoot.

 

I don't know of any 22-250 that is not 1-14 twist. If it is different I would be surprised.

I think the Savage is 1in12"
But I can't find the CZ anywhere. I even e-mailed them. No response.
My CZ shoots the 50 -55 grain better than my former Rem but I haven't tried the 60 grain Nosler. In my area, that would be the perfect light rifle for pig, coyote and late season doe hunts.
Thx Anyway!

 

I've had the same problem. I traded a new Rem 700 Light Varmint because it had the 1 in 14" twist. It would shoot the 40 grain Hornady light mags great, but start spreading out at 50 grain. By the time I got to 55 grain, I was shooting 2 1/2" groups at 100 yards.
That won't work.
So, since I'm headstrong, I traded it it for a CZ 550 in the same 22-250.
It shoots the 40 and 50 grain bullets great but haven't bought the heavier stuff yet because I have so much of the other.
Ideally, I'd like to shoot the 55-60 grain bullets and get an honest 1 1/2" group or less at 100 yards.
That isn't unreasonable, but only with the right twist.
Without robbing the thread, does anyone know the twist on the CZ. It shoots much better than the Remington? I guess I'll live with it if it is also 1/14.

tpv,
I'm certain that the results you got with the Remington were not strictly twist-related. 1:14 has been the standard twist for the 22-250 since its introduction, likewise the 55gr bullet. The vast majority of factory rifles shoot great with that combination. You just got a "lemon."

 

I think the Savage is 1in12"
But I can't find the CZ anywhere. I even e-mailed them. No response.
My CZ shoots the 50 -55 grain better than my former Rem but I haven't tried the 60 grain Nosler. In my area, that would be the perfect light rifle for pig, coyote and late season doe hunts.
Thx Anyway!

You know, I never payed attention to that before. I wonder if that is a mis-print. That is the first 22-250 that I have read that it is anything other than 1-14. Hmmmm. Have to do some digging on that one.

 

I would have to agree that you got a bad barrel or just needed to work with the load a little more. The 1-14 twist has long been the standard for the 22-250 up to 60 grainers. Anything more than that and it would need to be a faster twist. All the Remingtons, Winchesters and Rugers I have shot all shot best with the 55 grain bullets. All those were 1-14 twist.

 

Don't you mean the catch 22-250 hahahahahahaha....ok hope you guys won't toss a fella off the boards for makin a bad joke.

I don't have anything to contribute to bbl twist, but I just wanted to say, "I am still here "

 

You know, I never payed attention to that before. I wonder if that is a mis-print. That is the first 22-250 that I have read that it is anything other than 1-14. Hmmmm. Have to do some digging on that one.

I just checked Savage's website and it says 1 in 12" for the 22-250.
I'm pleased with the way the CZ shoots, but their barrel twist is not a national secret, you would think they would publish it. Oh Well!

 

tpv,

If you have the rifle, a cleaning rod, and a magic marker handy you can find out your self.

First step - use a straightedge or the edge of a workbench and draw a line down the full length of the cleaning rod.

Step two - Now put a tight patch on the rod and run it into the barrel until the line faces up. Put a little mark on the rod at some reference point, for example the back of the rear receiver ring.

Step three - Push the rod into the barrel, letting it rotate freely in order to follow the rifling. Stop when the line again faces upward.

Step four - When the line you drew is again facing up, mark another little mark on the rod at the same reference point you used in step two.

Step five - Pull the rod out and measure the distance between the two little marks you made as the rod was pushed through the barrel.

Viola! You now know the exact twist of your rifle.

 

tpv,

If you have the rifle, a cleaning rod, and a magic marker handy you can find out your self.

First step - use a straightedge or the edge of a workbench and draw a line down the full length of the cleaning rod.

Step two - Now put a tight patch on the rod and run it into the barrel until the line faces up. Put a little mark on the rod at some reference point, for example the back of the rear receiver ring.

Step three - Push the rod into the barrel, letting it rotate freely in order to follow the rifling. Stop when the line again faces upward.

Step four - When the line you drew is again facing up, mark another little mark on the rod at the same reference point you used in step two.

Step five - Pull the rod out and measure the distance between the two little marks you made as the rod was pushed through the barrel.

Viola! You now know the exact twist of your rifle.

Hey, I'll save that info. Thx a lot.
Bud's Gunshop sells a ton of the CZ's on the internet and said that it is 1in 12" like the Savage.
It did shoot the 55 grain better than the 1in 14" Remington.
Wonder what 60 grain will do?
Think I'll find out this weekend.
Tom

 

No fair sneaking off from work and Honey-do's, Tom!

Those 22-250's with 1:12" twist:
Sako, Savage 110 & 112, ThompsonCenter Rifle

Those 22-250's with 1:14" twist:
Browning, Remington 700, 788 & 40-XB, Savage 99, 110 & 112-V, H&R, Husqvarna, Ruger, Winchester 70 & 770, Mossberg, Weatherby, All current Sako models.

 

I don't know of any 22-250 that is not 1-14 twist. If it is different I would be surprised.

The TC Encore 22-250 barrels are 1-12" twists. Even with that rate, mine seems to prefer 55s to 60s, but I have only loaded one batch of 60s so it's a little early to say that for sure. So far accuracy has been outstanding with 55 gr matchkings and average with 60 gr Hornady SPs. I am going to try to develop some Nosler 60 gr partition loads for light deer hunting.

 

The TC Encore 22-250 barrels are 1-12" twists. Even with that rate, mine seems to prefer 55s to 60s, but I have only loaded one batch of 60s so it's a little early to say that for sure. So far accuracy has been outstanding with 55 gr matchkings and average with 60 gr Hornady SPs. I am going to try to develop some Nosler 60 gr partition loads for light deer hunting.

If you come up with a good load, let me know. I think that the 60 Grain bullet out of the 22-250 is a great deer load.
I know many will disagree, but I've seen the results too many times. It just needs a stronger bullet that will hold together.
I don't know why more manufacturers don't put a faster twist on these rifles, as well as the 220 Swift, with all of the interest in the heavier bullets. I think it would sell great if someone came out with a 8.5 or 9 to 1 ratio. Along with some 65-70 grain stuff to shoot, it might end up being the new "243" down here.
This CZ has a 24" barrel, but should shoot them about like your TC

 

No fair sneaking off from work and Honey-do's, Tom!

Those 22-250's with 1:12" twist:
Sako, Savage 110 & 112, ThompsonCenter Rifle

Those 22-250's with 1:14" twist:
Browning, Remington 700, 788 & 40-XB, Savage 99, 110 & 112-V, H&R, Husqvarna, Ruger, Winchester 70 & 770, Mossberg, Weatherby, All current Sako models.

You're just jealous because you have to stay at the range all day, while my "sales area" has the deer lease right in the middle of it!
HA

 

Yup, you're right, tpv - I'm jealous!

Sure do see some fancy shotguns anymore, though. Some probably cost more than my pickup!

 

Finally the man with the info here. I e-mailed CZ and their response was that the twist rate of the 22-250 was 1-356mm, or 1-13.884". So its pretty close to being 1-14.

Hope this helps.

Gismo

 

Finally the man with the info here. I e-mailed CZ and their response was that the twist rate of the 22-250 was 1-356mm, or 1-13.884". So its pretty close to being 1-14. Hope this helps. Gismo

Well that's too bad, I think the 1-12" is a better option. Even for varmiting, the 55 and 60 boattail options buck the wind so much better than the 40s and 50s (which is where the 1-14" excels). That CZ rate should still be fine for 55s hopefully.

 

Well that's too bad, I think the 1-12" is a better option. Even for varmiting, the 55 and 60 boattail options buck the wind so much better than the 40s and 50s (which is where the 1-14" excels). That CZ rate should still be fine for 55s hopefully.

The 22-250 has been made in 1-14 for many years and still good up to the 60 grainers. I have shot noting but 55 grain Sierra spitzers most of my live and get the best groups with these bullets on about any 22-250 I have shot. Most have been Remingtons, Winchesters and Rugers. I would not give up on a gun just because it has 14 twist and you want to shoot 60 grainers. Just have to tweak the load till it shoots.