• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

22GT load data

Any one have any load data using 6.5 staball with 90 or 95 grain match kings? Using virgin Alpha 22 GT brass. Hodgdon has 6 GT data using 6.5 staball with the 95 TMK pill in 6mm. Starting is 37.8 with a max of 41.8. I know most guys are using H4350 somewhere in the range of 35 grains to 36.6 grains with success for 22 GT. But I didn’t think I would be jumping up this much with the 6.5 staball. Thanks
90 grain atips-https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/ga-precision-22-gt.7018216/page-2#post-9303976
 
I'm at 36.4 gr of Staball with the 88ELD @ 3050fps and BR4 primers but I ran up to 37.4 which put me at 3097fps, one of my testers had a little heavier bolt lift, but the others were fine. Primers were not flat at all.
 
Some more data for you guys, just started out with my PVA osprey 24" 7 twist barrel.
Was not pushing for speed but looking for a decent velocity/load range just under the PRS limit of 3200 fps.

All were using CCI 450 and alpha brass:

N150 and 88 ELD-M (3 shots per charge weight)
32.5 gn - 2984, 2984, 2982 fps
32.8 - 3002, 3012, 3013
33.1 - 3046, 3048, 3042
33.4 - 3074, 3058, 3065
33.7 - 3104, 3073, 3074
34.0 - 3114, 3118, 3119
34.3 - 3136, 3125, 3130
34.6 - 3164, 3166, 3140
34.9 - 3185, 3170, 3187
35.2 - 3226, 3198, 3214


Sierra 95 SMK and H4350 (2 shots per charge weight)

34.6 gn - 2979, 2962 fps
34.9 - 2988, 2981
35.2 - 2988, 3007
35.5 - 3025, 3010
35.8 - 3028, 3056
36.1 - 3081, 3056
36.4 - 3086, 3095
36.7 - 3125, 3107
37.0 - 3138, 3135
37.3 - 3170, 3150

Everything was thrown on a chargemaster lite and measured with a labradar

If anyone else has data with n150 or n550 with the 88 or 95's I would be interested to see

Thanks
 
Some more data for you guys, just started out with my PVA osprey 24" 7 twist barrel.
Was not pushing for speed but looking for a decent velocity/load range just under the PRS limit of 3200 fps.

All were using CCI 450 and alpha brass:

N150 and 88 ELD-M (3 shots per charge weight)
32.5 gn - 2984, 2984, 2982 fps
32.8 - 3002, 3012, 3013
33.1 - 3046, 3048, 3042
33.4 - 3074, 3058, 3065
33.7 - 3104, 3073, 3074
34.0 - 3114, 3118, 3119
34.3 - 3136, 3125, 3130
34.6 - 3164, 3166, 3140
34.9 - 3185, 3170, 3187
35.2 - 3226, 3198, 3214


Sierra 95 SMK and H4350 (2 shots per charge weight)

34.6 gn - 2979, 2962 fps
34.9 - 2988, 2981
35.2 - 2988, 3007
35.5 - 3025, 3010
35.8 - 3028, 3056
36.1 - 3081, 3056
36.4 - 3086, 3095
36.7 - 3125, 3107
37.0 - 3138, 3135
37.3 - 3170, 3150

Everything was thrown on a chargemaster lite and measured with a labradar

If anyone else has data with n150 or n550 with the 88 or 95's I would be interested to see

Thanks
I ended up at 37.2gr of Staball running 88ELDs at 3110 fps. I'm using Alpha brass and CCI BR4 primers in a Preferred Barrels 26in barrel. SDs under 6 and ES around 10, .3 MOA or better groups. BC is right on out past 1k using the Kestrel custom curve. It's a laser beam.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ASAC Schrader
I have re worked my initial load for my GT. After switching to head stamped 22GT brass from necked down and turned 6GT brass, I was unable to keep using my old load. My new load is 38gr of H4831SC with 95gr SMK's. Going to probably shoot match with it this weekend to see how it does
 
Will have some numbers to report back on shortly.

26” Brux, 1:6.5 twist, .219 bore
85.5gr LRHT w/ 4350

Also have 88ELD and 95SMKs to try, but figured I’d start with the Bergers.
 
PVA gave me a Osprey 1:7 26" 22GT to test and put through its paces.

I got out today and put the 1st rounds down it....loaded 65pcs of virgin Alpha OCD 22GT brass with 37gr Staball and 90 VLD 0.015" off the lands... shot ok but nothing to call home about. I suspect those vld like a different seating depth (I've always shot them touching or slight jam).... loaded the remaining 35pc with 37gr Staball under 90smk also 0.015" off the lands

90smk were shooting really good...velocity was on the slower side from what I see others shooting Staball in the 36.5-37 range but only have 60rd through it after today. See how much it speeds up


After I get these last 40rd fired I'll process the 100pc of brass and start load development with 95smk and H4350...


Shot 5rd to zero....then shot these 2 5 shot groups (rounds 6-15 out of the gun) 90vld... not terrible...





Then shot this 90smk 5rd group



Banged a bunch of steel from 500-700 and it was spot on.
 
Last edited:
In my experience, I'd start those 95's at 30 thou off. And start at like 32gr of 4350 and work up. I was piercing primers at 35gr like crazy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: padom
I switched powder all together to h4831sc. Running 38gr at 3054fps in a 26" barrel
 
  • Like
Reactions: padom
I would try the 4831 forsure. 38gr puts me at a little crunchyness when seating. But is stupid accurate so I roll with it. Worth exploring I think
 
What are you folks using for 22GT dies?

John

SAC The Seating Die

L.E. Wilson SS Full Length bushing 6GT die
First LE Wilson die I've owned but this thing is very well made. Very nice finish inside. Uses Redding, Wilson and Whidden bushings....ill be buying more
 
Like the look of the SAC seater, but can’t stomach the cost. Wayne at Mighty Armory had told me they were going to start making sizers for .22GT and other cartridges, but when I talked to him yesterday, he said they were so busy trying to keep up with their current production list that it was going to be a while before he was going to be able to add more cartridges. Also has a seater in the works, but that is on the back burner now as well. Might end up going with GAP’s Hornadys until someone starts making something better.

John
 
What are you folks using for 22GT dies?

John
I'm running the RCBS *edit* Matchmaster 6GT dies, with a .248 Whidden bushing. I have. 249 and .250 bushings also but I like the 248 then I mandrel with a PMA tool .222 mandrel.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Hondo64d
I use the SAC modular sizing die with a .247 bushing and .2225 expander mandrel.

For seating I use a Whidden micrometer die with 6GT sleeve and 85.5gr Hybrid stem. Works well for VLDs and ELDs.
 
Rcbs 6gt matchmaster 249 bushing, no expander, sac "the seating die" use that seater on all cases with 308 bolt face.
 
Good info. Just finished mine. Hope to shoot it this weekend. Got 90 SMKs and OCD brass. Planning on running N555. QL profile says 36.5ish will run low 3100s. We will see.
20220720_212021.jpg
 
Anyone have a good seating depth for the 85.5 berger hybrids?

I’m running 34 grains of h4350 and sometimes it shoots great and sometimes it opens up a bit. Running it slow because my 12 year old son shoots it. Can’t really get it below 3/8 and most of the time the groups are 1/2 inch or 3/4. Below is my best groups from load development I shot 3 groups at each charge weight and these 3 were at 34 grains. Ok but not great at all. And they don’t always group like this I’ve tried many different loads and can’t seem to get anything that is consistently 3/8 or under
A1F26BDA-3DE6-437F-A901-039B467882C2.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Anyone have a good seating depth for the 85.5 berger hybrids?

I’m running 34 grains of h4350 and sometimes it shoots great and sometimes it opens up a bit. Running it slow because my 12 year old son shoots it. Can’t really get it below 3/8 and most of the time the groups are 1/2 inch or 3/4. Below is my best groups from load development I shot 3 groups at each charge weight and these 3 were at 34 grains. Ok but not great at all. And they don’t always group like this I’ve tried many different loads and can’t seem to get anything that is consistently 3/8 or under View attachment 7920572
With the usual caveats for loading process, shooter error, etc… Have you tried going up to 60-80 thou? I’ve found more jump with Hybrid/LRHTs to be more forgiving overall.

Also have you tried increasing your charge weight or going to a slower powder? 34gr 4350 may be a little on the light side… fine for break in but most guys are working up to higher charges and velocities.
 
I was running reloader 16 prior. I’m still getting good speeds, around 3100 with this load. I was hoping to be around 3k. I haven’t really messed with seating depth yet that’s why I asked. I’ve always ran hybrids at 20 thou off so that’s where I started here. I’ll give 60 a try and see how she goes.
 
I was running reloader 16 prior. I’m still getting good speeds, around 3100 with this load. I was hoping to be around 3k. I haven’t really messed with seating depth yet that’s why I asked. I’ve always ran hybrids at 20 thou off so that’s where I started here. I’ll give 60 a try and see how she goes.

I've ran a lot of the 85gr Bergers through my 22BR at 3040fps over Varget. They liked .060 jump in my rifle. They were a nice one hole group.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nrspence
Very happy with N555 so far. Only about 80 rounds down tube. 40 seasoning with some cleaning then 20 to foul followed by a very basic seating test then pressure test. (.025 jump was best with 90 SMK) Shot 35 to 38.5 grains in .5 grain increments. Mild bolt lift and some cratering but no ejector marks at 38.5. QL says 38.8 is max at just over 62k psi. Looks like 37.4 at 3140 is going to be a solid load. Very mild recoil. I will post more when I can get more testing in.
 
I use a Wilson full length sizing

.247 bushing in a wilson full length sizing die with alpha brass. SAC universal seating die. I’ve also seen 85.5 hybrids like a big jump .040-.080
FWIW, .060 - .080” jump with the 85.5s is really deep in the case with a .169fb.

I found .020-.025” gave the best spreads and least horizontal dispersion. Right in the 1.99x” range base to ogive which is consistent with what others have seen.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nrspence
Fireforming virgin brass this weekend. 11rd group, 38gr h4831sc and 95gr SMK jumping 30thou. Cold bore cold shooter. Even with a hard 1000 rounds on the barrel she still is hammering away.
B36DFA75-55AC-41AB-88AB-23407BC183D3.jpeg
 
FWIW, .060 - .080” jump with the 85.5s is really deep in the case with a .169fb.

I found .020-.025” gave the best spreads and least horizontal dispersion. Right in the 1.99x” range base to ogive which is consistent with what others have seen.

I'm not sure what your definition of really deep in the case is. But here's the math.

From the base of the 22GT to the neck shoulder juncture is 1.43". To the end of the chamber is 1.73". So the neck of the chamber is .3" long. The transition is usually about .015, and using a standard .120" GT freebore that gives you .435" to seat the bullet and jump it.

The bearing surface is .361 on the 85.5gr Hybrid. So if you were to perfectly line up the bearing surface boat tail juncture of the bullet to the neck shoulder juncture of the case (which still isn't perfectly accurate as the case juncture has a bit of radius) you would be jumping approximately .075". I say approximately because the ogive will actually contact the lands a little sooner than that.

But even with a .120" freebore, you can still jump .060" with nothing but the .166" boattail section of the bullet in the case. And if you have to go a little deeper that doesn't mean anything. I've shot that bullet and the 88gr ELDM in a .050" freebore 22BR and 22 Dasher. They were lasers. There are reasons to seat the bullet out in to the neck and get it out of the case, but every load doesnt have to be that way. Seating the bullet out is optional. Most often not even necessary.

I'm currently using the standard .120 freebore on my 6GT and running long ass 115gr DTACs. They are seated a little in to the case, but that doesn't hurt anything. This is last Wednesday getting ready for the PRS Pro Series Lead Farm Barrel Burner. This is 20 rounds at 1000 yards testing bullet BC. I got a .310 G7 BC and 5" of vertical dispersion.

 
Last edited:
I'm not sure what your definition of really deep in the case is. But here's the math.

From the base of the 22GT to the neck shoulder juncture is 1.43". To the end of the chamber is 1.73". So the neck of the chamber is .3" long. The transition is usually about .015, and using a standard .120" GT freebore that gives you .435" to seat the bullet and jump it.

The bearing surface is .361 on the 85.5gr Hybrid. So if you were to perfectly line up the bearing surface boat tail juncture of the bullet to the neck shoulder juncture of the case (which still isn't perfectly accurate as the case juncture has a bit of radius) you would be jumping approximately .075". I say approximately because the ogive will actually contact the lands a little sooner than that.

But even with a .120" freebore, you can still jump .060" with nothing but the .166" boattail section of the bullet in the case. And if you have to go a little deeper that doesn't mean anything. I've shot that bullet and the 88gr ELDM in a .050" freebore 22BR and 22 Dasher. They were lasers. There are reasons to seat the bullet out in to the neck and get it out of the case, but every load doesnt have to be that way. Seating the bullet out is optional. Most often not even necessary.

I'm currently using the standard .120 freebore on my 6GT and running long ass 115gr DTACs. They are seated a little in to the case, but that doesn't hurt anything. This is last Wednesday getting ready for the PRS Pro Series Lead Farm Barrel Burner. This is 20 rounds at 1000 yards testing bullet BC. I got a .310 G7 BC and 5" of vertical dispersion.


Couldn’t have been explained better Ja.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Birddog6424
I'm not sure what your definition of really deep in the case is. But here's the math.

From the base of the 22GT to the neck shoulder juncture is 1.43". To the end of the chamber is 1.73". So the neck of the chamber is .3" long. The transition is usually about .015, and using a standard .120" GT freebore that gives you .435" to seat the bullet and jump it.

The bearing surface is .361 on the 85.5gr Hybrid. So if you were to perfectly line up the bearing surface boat tail juncture of the bullet to the neck shoulder juncture of the case (which still isn't perfectly accurate as the case juncture has a bit of radius) you would be jumping approximately .075". I say approximately because the ogive will actually contact the lands a little sooner than that.

But even with a .120" freebore, you can still jump .060" with nothing but the .166" boattail section of the bullet in the case. And if you have to go a little deeper that doesn't mean anything. I've shot that bullet and the 88gr ELDM in a .050" freebore 22BR and 22 Dasher. They were lasers. There are reasons to seat the bullet out in to the neck and get it out of the case, but every load doesnt have to be that way. Seating the bullet out is optional. Most often not even necessary.

I'm currently using the standard .120 freebore on my 6GT and running long ass 115gr DTACs. They are seated a little in to the case, but that doesn't hurt anything. This is last Wednesday getting ready for the PRS Pro Series Lead Farm Barrel Burner. This is 20 rounds at 1000 yards testing bullet BC. I got a .310 G7 BC and 5" of vertical dispersion.


I guess it’s relative and also dependent on the powder/charge being used.

The boat tail is getting pretty close to being below the case body/shoulder junction at .075. Not hurting anything necessarily except maybe increasing pressure and robbing you of some velocity. Certainly less of an issue with the 22s.

And for the 4350/RL16 guys, I guess it doesn’t make a huge difference since case fill is pretty low anyway. But for those running 4831 or similar with higher charge weights, I’d imagine there will be some crunch at a minimum.

I also tested up to .080 in .020 increments and can say that the .060 and .080 jump distances were ~30fps slower with decidedly higher spreads than the lesser ones showed. YMMV, but I guess this is why we all test in our specific barrels to see what works the best.

9DBF663A-9C20-4E99-B421-208DC916E0FA.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • F822A611-EFBF-437A-A5D8-449864EC7CD7.jpeg
    F822A611-EFBF-437A-A5D8-449864EC7CD7.jpeg
    788.5 KB · Views: 52
  • Like
Reactions: nrspence
Yeh, for the PRS crowd, velocity easily exceeds the 3200fps speed limit with either the 22 Dasher or 22GT. My BR runs the 85s at 3040fps and has always had great accuracy. But won't reach the speed limit without really pressuring the load.

In my humble opinion, again from a PRS shooter perspective, I think 3080fps to 3130fps is the sweet spot for performance and barrel life. Were I building these to varmint I would crank them over 3200fps. But for targets, consistency, and longevity, that's what I see. And there's plenty of room in the case to seat it where it shoots best. Whether that be seated deep with a lot of jump or out in the neck.
 
  • Like
Reactions: just browsing
Yeh, for the PRS crowd, velocity easily exceeds the 3200fps speed limit with either the 22 Dasher or 22GT. My BR runs the 85s at 3040fps and has always had great accuracy. But won't reach the speed limit without really pressuring the load.

In my humble opinion, again from a PRS shooter perspective, I think 3080fps to 3130fps is the sweet spot for performance and barrel life. Were I building these to varmint I would crank them over 3200fps. But for targets, consistency, and longevity, that's what I see. And there's plenty of room in the case to seat it where it shoots best. Whether that be seated deep with a lot of jump or out in the neck.
I'm running mine for PRS and so far 88ELDs at 3115 fps has been excellent. I only have 360rds down it so far so will have to see about barrel life
 
I'm running mine for PRS and so far 88ELDs at 3115 fps has been excellent. I only have 360rds down it so far so will have to see about barrel life
That should treat you well.

One of my travel partners is on his 3rd 22GT barrel. He usually sees about 3k before he pulls it. He runs 88s and 90gr Atips at around 3100 to 3130fps.
 
That's good to hear, I already have another barrel on order, so I should hopefully be set for a while.
 
90 atips in mine at 3100, 88s at 3120. There's another node for each bullet 100fps faster. Using similar charge weights of H4350 as my 6gt pushing 109s ar 2920fps. 36.6 vs 36.3 in the 6gt.
 
90 atips in mine at 3100, 88s at 3120. There's another node for each bullet 100fps faster. Using similar charge weights of H4350 as my 6gt pushing 109s ar 2920fps. 36.6 vs 36.3 in the 6gt.
I'm running 65 Staball and started out at 36.4 gr at just over 3k but I was seeing some fairly large velocity dips, maybe 1 out 12 rounds, which I also correlated to some brass having carbon around the case rim. It wasn't until I made up some rounds with some 70gr RDFs to get back on paper after moving my Razor to the GT, that I realized I had a pressure, or lack there of issue. Every one of the RDF cases had carbon around the case rim. After that I bumped up to 37.2 gr and haven't look back. I confirmed this after talking to Rob Leatham and he said also found that Staball needed to be pushed hard in hid 6GT to get he pressure to stabilize. My first 5 shots after going to 37.2 has an SD of 1.2 and and ES of 2.8. Over a bigger sample my SD is around 5 and ES is around 9.
 
FWIW, .060 - .080” jump with the 85.5s is really deep in the case with a .169fb.

I found .020-.025” gave the best spreads and least horizontal dispersion. Right in the 1.99x” range base to ogive which is consistent with what others have seen.
In your prior post you said 60-80 was more forgiving and to give it a try. Not sure if I’m missing something here.
 
In your prior post you said 60-80 was more forgiving and to give it a try. Not sure if I’m missing something here.
Should have clarified that has been my experience with other hybrid bullets, mainly 105gr 6mms, not specifically the 85.5 LRHTs.

I actually went straight to .060-.080 with these and then went further out to .020 after they didn’t shoot there for me. Again, why it’s important to test in your own barrel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nrspence
Should have clarified that has been my experience with other hybrid bullets, mainly 105gr 6mms, not specifically the 85.5 LRHTs.

I actually went straight to .060-.080 with these and then went further out to .020 after they didn’t shoot there for me. Again, why it’s important to test in your own barrel.
So did they shoot at .020? .060 isn’t looking great for me right now.
 
.020 seems to have done the trick. Increased my load to 35.0 grains h4350 and it’s shooting the 85.5 at a nice and slow 3010. Groups rival my dasher.