Keyholing and other groups

[Fjold]

I went to 5 Dogs Range (near Bakersfield) this morning to try some new loads in a few guns.

This what is called keyholing: It's when you shoot the .224, 75 grain A Max that is recommended for a 1:8" twist in a 1:10" twist barrel.

Even when you push the bullets faster than normal in a 22.250, if you don't have a fast enough twist you can't stabilize them.

This is a five shot group at 100 yards. As you can see none of the bullets hit the target pointy end first.



Now this a 5 shot group from my 243 shooting the 95 grain SMK out of a 1:9.125" twist barrel. I'm going to assume that these bullets are stabilized well.



I also broke in the LR-260. I shot about 40 rounds loaded with 123 grain Lapua Scenars in groups from 2"+ down to one group of right at .5"

[Cokebottle]

Yup. Different calibers end up needing different twist rates for different bullet weights.
1:9 is perfectly fine for your 243 with 95gr, but it's getting borderline for a .223 at anything heavier than 65gr.

[chris]

yep i had the same problem with my 22-250 with the Barnes Varmit Grenade. even though on their site a 1:14 twist is used for that bullet. but the box says 1:10 or faster. sounds confusing to me. so tried different powder and charges and to avail.

i said screw Barnes for Varmit hunting and found out the Hornady and Nosler make a lead free varmit round.

i bought the Nosler and i have to say very impressed with it on the range. i have not had the chance to shoot ground squirrels with it yet.

[Fjold]

Chris, use the 36 grain Varmint grenades in the 14" twist 22.250s. The 50 grain VGs are way too long. I have a 10" twist in my 22.250 that's why I was trying the longer bullets.