Disappointing day at the range

[daddywpb]

I took my new Handi 22-250 bull to the range yesterday for the first time. I had Win 45 grain jacked HP's (the 40 round value pack kind), and Winchester 55 grain JSP's. Total of 50 rounds fired. The best group of the day, and also the last group of the day, was just at 1" with the 45 grainers. The 55 grain bullets didn't do as well. All groups were fired at 50 yards. The 100 yard range was standing room only for some reason. I haven't gotten dies to reload yet, but am planning to. most groups were around 2". I was expecting much better.

The scope mounts are tight. I aligned and lapped the rings, and used a thread locker on all the screws. I cleaned the barrel well before going, but not while I was shooting. The rifle wasn't rock solid, but it was rested front and back. Not enough movement to justify 2" groups. The trigger isn't as good as I'd like, but it's acceptable.

I was hoping for some nice one hole groups at 50 yards. Maybe I was expecting too much? Overall, I think the lighter bullets grouped a bit better, but not much. Do the 22-250 barrels usually shoot lighter bullets better? Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.

[DanielWGriggs]

Mine went like that too except for getting a good group. I am checking all the screws again and changing to a known good scope. I will try again later today. I will reload about 20 168gr .308's too.

[Ditchdigger]

My 22 250 shot about like your's with factory ammo,until I loaded some 40 BT's over a near max load of IMR 4064. It was like magic,1/2" at 100 yds.    Digger

[Mac11700]

Try resting the gun on the receiver over the hinge pin area when benching...Handi's seem to shoot much better there. Also..you can try the o-ring trick on the forearm...this might help some too...If you haven't lapped/polished the bore..I suggest you try doing that as well..I use Flitz and a over-sized mop for mine...and use a-lot of elbow grease....Check the FAQ's at the top of the page you'll find a lot of helpful hints to improve accuracy.

Mac