I have three 250 Sav’s and a 250 SAV AI; as to the 250 Sav, I currently load for two on 700 actions with 10-twist barrels (Douglas & Shilen). These are hunting rifles with bedded composite stocks, OEM triggers, Bushnell 3200’s in DNZ mounts, and mostly used by youngsters in my tribe over the last ten years to punch a little paper and shoot whitetails when they want to go; my rifles are not benchrest long-range super rifles AND I’m certainly not the best shot by any stretch, especially as I’m 69 and holding. The point of all my drivel is that this is probably the easiest caliber I’ve ever loaded and the least ‘picky’ when it comes to powders.
I’ve had no trouble finding great 100-grain bullet loads with Win ball powders such as 760 & 748, plus IMR & Hodgdon 3031, 4064, 4320, 4350, 4895 and Hodgdon’s 380 & 414. While Alliant’s Reloder 15 & 17 look best on paper I haven’t gotten around to trying them in the 250. I know that doesn’t address your specific requests for data relating to powders Big Game, CFE 223, H 4350 and IMR 4451 but based on all that I’ve read on those powders relative to the 250, I think your best bet would be CFE223 followed by the 4451. If you’re looking to buy the best powders IMHO, get 4895 for 100 grain bullets and 4831 for anything heavier. All the published load data from both powder and bullet manufacturers is pathetically anemic, CYA loading for pressures in the 38,000-44,000 range - I guess because of the older rifles out there. Having a modern action you should be able ‘push the envelope’ somewhat, of coarse checking your spent brass and other indicators for signs of excess pressure.
I don’t mind sharing MY load data but with the caveat that - should you choose to use it - you should begin at least 10% lower charges to start. I use CCI BR2 primers for all my 250 loads and my throats are cut so that for most bullets, with my usual seating of about 15 thousandths off the lands, my cartridge OAL is around 2.7”-2.8”. I’ve chronographed all my load velocities since 2007 with a Chrony F-1, until 2012 when I switched to Magnetospeed. These are my GO TO loads:
1) Nosler BTip 100’s, 35.2 grains H4895, Rem brass, OAL 2.780”, 2839-2853 fps, groups less than 1/2-in on both. Similar results with Sierra ProHunter 100’s & Nosler Partition 100’s.
2) By far the best powder to push heavier bullets is H4831 especially Short Cut: Nosler Partition & Speer Soft Point Boat Tail 120’s typically produce 2700-2750 fps for me with around 41 grains in Winchester brass; however, my best heavy load is with Nosler BTip 115’s with 41.4 grains in Winchester brass and OAL 2.776”. Looking at my load history, I’ve gotten 2794-2811 fps & 1/2”-3/4” groups on both rifles.
Hope this old man’s rambling diatribe is helpful, or at least encouraging, with regards to what's become my favorite cartridge.
Last edited by Offshoreman; 07/23/20.
