Help with .22-250 load

[Sgt_Jamez]

I have a Ruger M77 VT that I'm trying to find a load for. My normal process has been to use Quickload to find the max and back off 10% for a starting load. I'm running into what I feel are pressure signs at mid-level charges. I'd like your thoughts and/or opinions.

The load range:
New Winchester brass
CCI 450 primers
H335 powder from 34.0gr - 37.6gr in 0.4gr increments
Hornady 50gr ZMAX bullets loaded to 2.350"

Here's a shot of primers for charge 5 & 6 (35.6gr and 36.0gr)

I stopped shooting here. Do these look over the top for a mid range load?

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Help with .22-250 load

I shoot a Savage #12 VLP in 22-250 and those look fine. It seems that your firing pin hole on your bolt is a bit enlarged, causing a little bit of cratering, but no biggie.

Carry on.

Chris

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: Help with .22-250 load

I have had many rifles that display such primer cratering. No big deal. That doesn't mean your pressures are high. The case heads look fine to me. Keep shooting!

Jason

 

[Sgt_Jamez]

Re: Help with .22-250 load

Awesome. Thanks for the input guys. My follow up question then would be, aside from cratering, more primer flattening and ejector swipes are what I am watching for?

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: Help with .22-250 load

Shouldn't be a problem. According to your pictures the case heads look fine. Having said that it is very difficult to read pressure sometimes. Just because a case appears fine, other clues like abnormal case flow, loose primer pockets, greater recoil, etc. are among the things that tip me off.