Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

[pupuslinger]

My rifle is a Savage 10 FCP. I had made some reloads with some Hornady brass and some Sierra bullets I got from a friend. I had made loads from 88 to 92 grains, but was only shooting 100 yards. Holes almost touching with all loads I tried. I did not see any difference in the cases like if they were to hot. I purchased some Berger bullets, 250 OTM and some Lapua brass and I am trying to figure out where to start. Seems like there is so much different opinions.

I have a reloading manual and it says for a 250 grain jacketed bullet the load is min 84 to max 101 I believe. Seems that all I read is saying that anything in the 90s is to hot? I thought I had read that these bullets dont like fps over 2800 as they tend to come apart, and I came up with 92 grains for 2700 fps calculated, using the table in my manual, which I may be wrong. I am just worried that it will be to hot. These bullets are way different than the Sierras I tried. I was going to make loads of 88 to 92 using H1000.

I am going on a trip for a weekend and going to be shooting alot, I would like to at least have a bunch of bullets to shoot when I am up there. I dont want a bunch of bullets that will not be right. Looking to shoot 1000 yards up there so that is my short term goal.

Any help is appreciated, thank you in advance.

 

[climb-101]

Re: Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

marking this because im interested in this also

 

[mdavlee]

Re: Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

Here's what berger sent me in an email. If it doesn't turn out right send me your email and I'll send you what they sent me for the 250 and 300s.

338 Lapua Mag
Bullet Powder Start Load Approximate Start Velocity Max Load Approximate Max Velocity Fill Ratio BC Suggested Twist
250 Grain RE-22 80.5 2709 85.0 2853 97.0%

250 Grain NORMA MRP 81.5 2735 85.8 2872 96.0%

250 Grain VIHT N560 80.5 2621 85.0 2757 100.0%

250 Grain AA 4350 72.5 2640 76.7 2768 93.0%

250 Grain IMR 4350 74.0 2641 78.0 2760 91.0%

250 Grain SUPREME 780 81.0 2643 85.6 2787 95.0%

250 Grain RAMSHOT MAG 88.0 2736 92.8 2901 101.0%

250 Grain IMR 7828 81.0 2728 85.8 2888 103.0%

250 Grain H1000 85.5 2676 90.0 2827 106.0%

250 Grain RE-25 83.5 2724 88.0 2860 103.0%

 

[pupuslinger]

Re: Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

Wow! I am going to have to make some lighter loads. Those are way different than my book. But I will try their info first. Thanks a bunch.

 

[mdavlee]

Re: Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

No problem. The original info I had for the 300 had the max load 5 grains lower than what it is now. It makes me want to try 4 more loads hotter than the others now to see if I can get a better load.

 

[pupuslinger]

Re: Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

Is there truth to the bullets not liking over 2800 fps? The charts you gave me seem to stay pretty low. Although maybe since the bullet has a better BC it does not need as much speed.

 

[mdavlee]

Re: Trying to figure out start load for Berger 250 OTM

I don't know as I've not messed with any 250 grain bergers. I haven't heard of any problems lately with them. You might need to email berger directly for that info. They answered me within 48 hours.