Hornady #3076 200 grain ELD-X was chosen to use in the Savage Model 110 chambered in 300 Winchester Magnum. The ELD is a long bullet (1.533) so when choosing load data care must be exercised because max loads for a Nosler Partition is not obtainable with the ELD line.
To illustrate below is the data from Hodgdonreloading.com for Retumbo powder, where two loads are listed for 200 grain bullets, the Partition and the Accubond.
The starting charge used on the Partition is 79.0 grains, max is 84.0 whaich is compressed
The Accubond starts at 73.0 and max is 78.0 (also compressed) The Accubond is 1.490 inches in length, .043 inches shorter than the ELD-X.
The testing on the ELD started with 73.0 and reached 76.0 grains. What was discovered is that at 73.0 grain velocity averaged 2685 fps with a spread of 32 fps and accuracy was consistent .75 inches at 100 yards. The charge of 75.0 grains averaged 2789 fps and 76.0 weight charged produced 2885 fps. Both heavier charges averaged spread of excess of 120 fps, the reason being a spike in the shot group, in both cases 3,000 fps was obtained.
For the elk hunt accuracy was preferred over velocity so 73.0 grains was the charge weight, Prvi Partizan brass was selected (I like the close tolerance and longer life) and the primers are Federal #215. The rifle is zeroed at 200 yards.
The bull elk taken with this combination was estimated to be 450 yards, the bullet entered the left front shoulder (which was destroyed), and created massive organ damage. The bull traveled 50 yards after the shot. There was no exit wound therefore the elk absorbed all of the energy of the bullet. The estimated velocity at that range is 2205 fps. The top of the bulls back was the reference point used for aiming, the end result was a clean one shot kill
Reduced 22-250 Remington reloads
I find this reduced load in the 22-250 Remington fun to shoot because the rifle report is greatly reduced making it easier on your ears and the felt recoil is appears virtually eliminated. Other benefits are longer barrel life, which is perfect for me when plinking. I want to shoot more while punching wholes in a target it is nice to have an alternative that is easy on barrel life. Brass will also last longer as well since ammunition produced using Trail Boss powder reduces pressure by almost half when compared to traditional loads.
What you end up with is a round that performs like a 22 Winchester Magnum to some degree. On average a 22 Mag will shoot a 40 grain bullet at 1,900 fps. My practice load is 9.5 grains of Trail Boss behind a 55-grain bullet. With a chronograph set up 10 feet from the muzzle I recorded an average velocity of 1,855 fps with a spread of 52. I have not tried a heavier charge yet to see if I can reduce the spread. Reluctant to do so because the method I use to zero at 100 yards will be voided. Overall this load produces a ¾ inch group on good days. Hodgdon Reloading Data lists a starting load of 9.1 grains that is advertised at 1,664 fps and generates 17,200 PSI. Maximum is 13.0 grains to obtain 1,984 fps at 26,600 PSI.
Without adjusting your sights you can expect a point of impact nearly 4 inches lower than what your standard 55 grain bullet fired at normal velocities associated with the 22-250. I do not resight for the slower velocity. My goal is to shoot holes in a target and save my ammo for serious target shooting and varmint hunting. Besides I am picky how my rifle is sighted and once I have it the way I want it changing it is a option. Instead I compensate for the faster drop and at the same time practice hold over on longer shots. In my case I practice what a shot would be like at 300 yards while using a 100 yard range. On my scope using the next hash mark down from the crosshairs provides me with a 100 yard zero. Using the same hold with my normal powder charge (34.0 grains of Varget) is what I would use at 300 yards.
Components used: Winchester brass, Hornady # 2266 55 grain SP, Federal #210 large rifle primers, 9.5 grains of Trail Boss
Article by Denny McDaniels of www.duckcreeksportinggoods.com
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