.22-250 Load Testing the Model 70 Winchester ~ I Struck Gold!

Published on August 17, 2022
Duration: 50:36

This video details the process of load development for a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .22-250 Remington. The instructor, with significant experience in firearms and reloading, tests two different powders (Hodgdon H414 and Alliant Reloder 15) with Speer 52-grain target match boat-tail bullets. The focus is on achieving optimal accuracy, discussing powder charge increments, primer selection, and the impact of barrel type (featherweight) on performance. The instructor emphasizes meticulous load development and understanding the nuances of different powder types for consistent results.

Quick Summary

Expert load development for the .22-250 Remington in a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight reveals that modern lightweight barrels can achieve sub-quarter-inch groups. The process involves testing Speer 52-grain bullets with Hodgdon H414 and Alliant Reloder 15 powders, emphasizing careful powder charge increments, magnum primers for H414, and understanding bullet seating depth for optimal accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Rifle Overview
  2. 00:31.22-250 Cartridge Characteristics
  3. 02:02Load Testing Plan
  4. 02:32Bullet Selection: Speer 52gr Match
  5. 03:17Flat Base vs. Boat Tail Bullets
  6. 04:04Bullet Seating Depth
  7. 04:57Powder Selection: H414 & W760
  8. 06:36Load Development Strategy
  9. 06:49Primer Selection: Magnum Primers
  10. 07:27Powder Selection: Alliant Reloder 15
  11. 08:13Powder Characteristics: H414/W760
  12. 09:40First Load: 39 Grains H414
  13. 13:04First Shot Results (39gr H414)
  14. 14:16Second Shot Results (39gr H414)
  15. 15:45Third Shot Results (39gr H414)
  16. 16:16Second Load: 39.4 Grains H414
  17. 16:36Second Load Firing
  18. 17:09Second Load Results
  19. 19:23Third Load: 39.8 Grains H414
  20. 20:30Third Load Firing & Wind
  21. 21:07Third Load Results
  22. 22:02Fourth Load: 40.2 Grains H414
  23. 23:15Fourth Load Firing
  24. 24:26Primer Issue & Fourth Load Results
  25. 26:48H414 Powder Temperament
  26. 27:59Reloading with Reloder 15
  27. 28:13First Load: 36.7 Grains Reloder 15
  28. 29:54First Load Results (Reloder 15)
  29. 30:52Second Load: 37.1 Grains Reloder 15
  30. 32:05Second Load Firing
  31. 32:55Second Load Results (Reloder 15)
  32. 33:51Third Load: 37.5 Grains Reloder 15
  33. 34:51Third Load Firing
  34. 35:52Third Load Results (Reloder 15)
  35. 37:17Fourth Load: 37.9 Grains Reloder 15
  36. 38:09Fourth Load Firing
  37. 39:01Fourth Load Results (Reloder 15)
  38. 40:47Accuracy Observations
  39. 41:18Group Analysis
  40. 43:54Final Group Analysis
  41. 44:09Exceptional Group Achieved
  42. 45:10Model 70 Featherweight Performance
  43. 45:53Barrel Manufacturing Process
  44. 49:15Ammunition Purchase & Future Plans
  45. 49:43.22-250 Handloading Versatility
  46. 50:30Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the .22-250 Remington cartridge suitable for varmint hunting?

The .22-250 Remington is highly versatile, capable of accurately launching bullet weights from 40 to 62 grains. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it effective for varmint control at extended ranges, and handloaders can tailor loads for specific needs, from reduced velocity for close shots to full power for distance.

Why are flat-based bullets often preferred over boat-tail bullets for precision shooting?

Flat-based bullets tend to exit the barrel more uniformly without yawing, contributing to greater inherent accuracy. They also offer more bearing surface on the case neck, which can improve consistency when seating bullets, especially in rifles with long throats where bullet jump is a factor.

What are the characteristics of Hodgdon H414 powder for the .22-250?

Hodgdon H414 (identical to Winchester 760) is a ball powder that can provide excellent accuracy in the .22-250 when tuned correctly. However, it is known to be temperamental, potentially causing pressure spikes in warm weather, and often benefits from magnum primers for consistent ignition.

Can a lightweight barrel like the one on a Winchester Model 70 Featherweight achieve high accuracy?

Yes, modern lightweight barrels, such as those found on FN Model 70 Featherweights which are cold hammer-forged, can achieve exceptional accuracy. These barrels are precisely manufactured, stress-relieved, and smooth, allowing them to shoot sub-quarter-inch groups even when hot, debunking the myth that only heavy barrels are accurate.

What is the recommended approach for developing handloads for the .22-250 Remington?

Load development for the .22-250 should involve incremental adjustments to powder charges, typically in 0.4-grain increments, and firing groups of three shots to observe accuracy and pressure signs. Careful selection of bullets, powders, and primers, along with understanding the rifle's specific characteristics, is crucial for achieving optimal performance.

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