A Remington Rifle Build - Unplugged Part VI

All of the bullets noted are not only heavy, they are also relatively long for a 0.224″ bullet. Subsequently, they require something faster than the standard 14″ twist. The Manufacturers’ recommendations across this weight span requires between a 7″ and 10″ twist. The twist rate of the project rifle is 1:8″ which is more than sufficient for any of these bullets. Most handload manuals cite COL lengths for this cartridge that exceed SAAMI maximum, so this must be considered.

Determining Cartridge Overall length

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may easily be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5%,  and developed following safe handloading practices as represented in established reloading manuals produced by component manufacturers. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.

Cartridge: 22-250 Remington
Firearm: Remington Model 700 Custom	Max COL: 2.350″ Exceptions as noted
Bullet Diameter: 0.224″	Primer: CCI 200
Barrel length: 26″	Reloading Dies: Redding
Max case length: 1.192″	Group: Distance 100 yards – Three shots

Caution: Any COL beyond 2.350″ exceeds SAAMI Maximum. Individual firearms need to be checked for sufficient magazine and throat clearance as dangerously high pressure may result from static bullet to rifling interference. All loads indicated are only viable at the indicated COL. Reducing COL without reducing charge will potentially increase pressure to dangerous levels. Am I being too subtle?

There is something very rewarding about shooting a bolt action rifle you’ve assembled and finessed yourself. Maybe it’s that first crack of muzzle blast and the successful toes and finger count that immediately follows? Maybe it’s how comfortable a rifle feels that is set up for your personal frame and shooting habits? Maybe its the surprise that the rifle shoots the way it was built to shoot?

The first shots went approximately 11/4″ high and just left, but the gun had only been set up on the bench with a laser boresight. Being this close with laser and shooting alignment suggests the barrel’s straight, the chamber is cut clean and mechanical parts aren’t oddly stressed. A few clicks of adjustment put the rifle on target.

The hundred yard three shot group pictured came from the first three shots that left the gun’s barrel. It measures just under 1/4″ center to center. This was the Hornady 75 grain Match bullet with an H414 charge.

The best group came with the A-Max 80 grain and Re17, 3/16″. The largest group came with the Berger 50 grain and IMR4895, 3/8″. Lots of time taken between groups, mostly settling my nerves and not letting the big barrel heat soak.

I had intended to do more work with Alliant’s Power Pro Varmint powder, but I think it is a tad too fast for this much case capacity. I will use it with my smaller capacity case handloads. H414 was probably the easiest to work with, BL-C2 generated good velocity with partially filled cases. I probably could have pushed Re17 a bit more.

No cratered or flat primers or headstamps. No sticky extractions. No chamber marked cases. Checking the major diameter shoulder, by comparison, new brass averaged 0.414″, fired brass from two factory .22-250 Remington rifles, one Remington one Ruger, checked 0.419″ and 0.420 respectively. Project rifle brass checked 0.419″. All measured 0.427″ above the extractor groove.

The rifle’s operation was slick with just a touch of new. The magazine loaded with four rounds was easy to load and fed without hesitation. Extraction and ejection was positive, requiring little effort. A little caution was required to keep barrel heat in line. The large mass tends to keep the barrel cool to the touch when it is actually in need of a bore cool down. Common sense, but the lightweight rifle barrels on guns I typically shoot tend to heat mirage and droop when it is time to let them cool.

Results

By setting up the rifle with a tighter than factory twist rate 1:8″ rather than 1:14″, heavier, longer bullets were stabilized. If there is a case to be made for heavy for bore bullets and retained velocity; read that as shorter time in flight, flatter trajectory and higher levels of kinetic energy farther out, this would make for favorable testimony. This is enough to cause me to rebarrel my 220 Swift.

For under $1,300 in parts I was able to put together a heck of a recreational target rifle and long range varmint popper without outside shop assistance or machine shop expense. The only issues still under consideration are final finish and trigger, although both may remain as they are now.

There is a temptation to assemble a long barrel lightweight in .22-250 Remington for use on deer and antelope where legal. With these heavy bullets, I wouldn’t worry about hyper velocity and/or fragile jackets causing penetration problems on game.

Using accumulated specialty hand tools and knowledge gained, a long action magnum project is up next. This one will be a lightweight which should shave the cost by approximately $500.

A Remington Rifle Build – Unplugged Part I
A Remington Rifle Build – Unplugged Part II
A Remington Rifle Build – Unplugged Part III
A Remington Rifle Build – Unplugged Part IV
A Remington Rifle Build – Unplugged Part V
A Remington Rifle Build – Unplugged Part VI