.22-250 bullet seat depth problem

[Garvey]

I've learned more since loading my prarie dog rounds last year. This year I decided to find where the new seat depth should be due to throat erosion. The new O.A.L. should be 2.473" which puts the 55 gr SGK HPBT .001" into the lands. The problem is that I only have .130" of the bullet in the case neck.

Do I seat the bullet where there's .224 in the case neck and run it or what?

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: .22-250 bullet seat depth problem

I guess you can hand feed the rounds, if you are careful. If you have a concentricity gauge, you might check to see if the bullet is still true at that length? But, generally, I would not be comfortable with that seating depth.

As an example, my current project is a 22/243Middlested and it has a long throat, and I was faced with the same problem that you describe. I bought the rifle at an estate sale so I had no information about it other than the reputation of the former owner, who was using 55 VMax bullets and I had a round count in the neighborhood of 200.

So, I bought, (and am currently using) 400 62 grain Bergers and I get both seating depth and closer, (not perfect) contact with the rifling; because this is a live target rifle, (rock chucks & coyotes) and I need a magazine capacity. Yes, the velocity is a bit slower but the accuracy and the BC is what I want, in this particular case, best I could come up with. I saved over $600 on the build and who knows how many months wait time. A gamble, but I'm happy, very happy. It's a good shooter. BB

PS came with two barrels! The other is 22-250Ackley, I'm not even bothering with it for a couple years, or so.

 

[varmint slayer]

Re: .22-250 bullet seat depth problem

I think it may be time to invest in a new barrel...

If you can seat them a little deeper and not effect accuracy then go that route. I have been in your situation with a 22-250 and loaded them out long like that and never had any problems other than it is a lot easier to actually knock the bullet out of the case neck on accident. Had that happen a time or two when loading the magazine and caught the bullet tip on the front of the mag box.

 

[Garvey]

Re: .22-250 bullet seat depth problem

Thank you BuzzBoss for the reply.

Varmit Slayer,

I know you're right about needing a new barrel I just need to get through this coming weekend in the TX panhandle then I'll be looking to get a new 1:8" twist. Y'all have told me what I was fairly sure I already new. I think I'll seat them to get at least .224" into the neck and see how it shoots. Its going to be an .110" jump but that's less jump than what it was making prior to me checking for the lands.

Again, thanks gentlemen!

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: .22-250 bullet seat depth problem

The rule of thumb is that you want the bullet's diameter/caliber to be seated within the neck, proper. This would presumably exclude the boat tail and be inclusive of the bearing surface proper.

Anyhow, I've got a 22-250 Savage 12 VLP and I'll be in your boat shortly, although I don't shoot it all that much.

Unless you have the money and the inclination to rebarrel, I'd just shoot it with the shorter COAL and see what you see?

If it's nuts on, then you can hold off on the barrel for a stretch.

I'm seriously considering going the .223/223 AI route down the road, as barrel life is longer and the cartridges are cheaper and easier to reload--brass wise.

Chris

 

[Garvey]

Re: .22-250 bullet seat depth problem

Well, I seated them down to the point where there's .224 in the case (counting the boattail) and it shot 13/16" @ 111 yds. It'll shoot minute of prarie dog for damn sure!

Thanks for the help fellas!

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: .22-250 bullet seat depth problem

I punched a stock Remington 700LVSS from 223 to the Ackley Improved version. Never fired before, but for the cost versus performance, (a gain of about 50fps) at a cost of close to $450 including a Sako extractor and some accuracy work, I am not sure that conversion is worthwhile. Of course, I have no data "before" but accuracy and performance wise, it's just okay. BB

edit: but, it kills coyotes with a little more authority with the 55VMax, and that's a plus, versus other 223 experience.