I recently began developing loads for a 22-250. In almost every load data publication the OAL was listed as 2.350� for all weights of various brands between 35 and 55 grains. My measurements indicate OAL�s from 2.397� to 2.428� with a .030� leade built in. Seating depth was very close to one caliber, e.g. .224� deep. Why the seemingly standardized length from Hodgdon and others?
Who cares what any manual lists for OAL? Work within magazine confines and throat.
2.350" is the standard Sporting Arms & Ammunition Institute,
(SAAMI) spec.. I've got a Model 700 Varmint special in 22-250 that I been shooting since 1979. I can't even seat bullets out far enough to get near the rifling anymore and they are practically falling out of the case mouth. Gonna be new barrel time one of these days, although it still shoots good now, I know it's only a matter of time. But for years the best accuracy came with longer OAL's. My usual load now has 55 gr. Ballistic Tips at about 2.5 eighty-something IIRC. If your gun is shooting well with 2.397" to 2.428" then stick with it.
22250Rem.
Thanks for sharing your findings and opinion. It was exactly what I was looking for. My best loads so far are with 55 gr. Hor V-Max/35.5 gr. Varget/ 2.443" OAL
Tack